Yakuza
News, coverage and analysis tracking Yakuza across the outlets.
Somewhere between QWOP and Tekken, Stranger Than Heaven has one of the most interesting combat systems I've played in some timeStranger Than Heaven features a unique and interesting combat system that maps left and right limbs to controller bumpers and triggers, allowing for complex offensive and defensive maneuvers. While initially difficult to grasp, the system rewards players who adapt to its rhythmic, timing-based dueling, offering a fresh take on the genre. The game is a distant prequel to the Like a Dragon series, developed by Ryu Ga Gokotu Studio.
Virtua Fighter Crossroads isn't just a fighting game revival, it's a "sandbox RPG" that channels Watchmen and Detroit: Become HumanVirtua Fighter Crossroads, developed by RGG Studio, is a narrative-driven sandbox RPG that moves away from traditional fighting game mechanics. Producer Riichiro Yamada stated that the game is inspired by Watchmen and Detroit: Become Human, emphasizing player choice and a grounded, believable world. While it incorporates Virtua Fighter's combat, the focus is on a robust story mode and side content, aiming for a different experience than the Yakuza series.
SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance sarà disponibile su Nintendo Switch 2 il 24 settembreSEGA and Lizardcube announced that SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance will be released on Nintendo Switch 2 on September 24, 2026. The game will be available digitally and physically, with pre-orders now open. A free update will also be available for existing Nintendo Switch owners, enhancing the game's resolution and detail. The Deluxe Editions will include a DLC featuring SEGA villains like Dr. Eggman, Goro Majima, and Death Adder.- SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance Launches on Nintendo Switch 2 on Sept. 24SEGA and Lizardcube announced that the 2D action platformer SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance will launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on September 24, 2026. The game follows Joe Musashi on a quest for vengeance and will feature multiple paths and satisfying gameplay. A Deluxe Edition will include the SEGA Villains Stage DLC, pitting Joe against Dr. Eggman, Goro Majima, and Death Adder.
SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance coming to Switch 2 on September 24SEGA and Lizardcube announced that SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance will be released on Nintendo Switch 2 on September 24. The game, which previously launched on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series, Switch, and PC in August 2025, will also receive a physical Deluxe Edition for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2. This edition includes the base game, the "SEGA Villains Stage" DLC, character cards, an art book, in-game items, and more.- Stranger Than Heaven's Combat Will Challenge You Like A Souls Game | IGN PreviewStranger Than Heaven features a slower, more calculated combat system that differentiates it from the Yakuza series. While currently a bit rough, the combat shows significant potential for challenging players in a Souls-like manner.
Japanese gamers vote on most influential game and series, favorite character, favorite developer, moreFamitsu magazine's 40th-anniversary survey of over 5,000 Japanese gamers revealed Nintendo as the favorite developer and Mario as the favorite character. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was highly recommended, while Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest series dominated influence and sequel requests. Masahiro Sakurai was named favorite creator.- I Was Not Expecting Stranger Than Heaven’s Brutal CombatThe author expresses surprise at the brutal combat system in Stranger Than Heaven, noting it is unlike the Yakuza series. This distinct combat approach is a positive aspect for the reviewer.
- Stranger than Heaven hands-on: Harder than Yakuza?Stranger than Heaven, the latest title from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, features a completely new fighting system set in mid-twentieth century Japan. The article suggests the game may be more challenging than the Yakuza series.
Stranger Than Heaven's regional price creep on Steam is one more reason I'm feeling waryThe article discusses the increasing regional price creep of games on Steam, using Stranger Than Heaven and Persona 4 Revival as examples of titles with higher UK prices compared to their US counterparts. It highlights Geoff Keighley's comments on the success of affordable indie games and contrasts these with the rising costs of new releases, also touching on the controversial inclusion of Tupac Shakur in Stranger Than Heaven.
Virtua Fighter: Crossroads Focuses On Its Reinvention, But The 1v1 Legacy Lives OnSega's Virtua Fighter Crossroads, developed by RGG Studio, is a reinvention of the classic fighting game series, incorporating action-adventure elements and a story-driven presentation. Producer Riichiro Yamada stated that while the game aims to appeal to a broader audience and stand out in a niche genre, it will retain its core one-on-one Virtua Fighter mechanics and include rollback netcode for a better online experience.
Tupac Shakur, who has been dead since 1996, will appear in the next Yakuza gameSega has announced that the likeness of the late rapper Tupac Shakur will appear in the upcoming Yakuza prequel, Stranger Than Heaven, set to release on January 15, 2027. The character, named Amaru, is being developed with permission from and in close collaboration with Tupac's estate, Amaru Entertainment, and RGG Studio, without the use of AI. Rapper Snoop Dogg, who also appears in the game, discussed the creative decision, stating it felt connected to the game's themes.
Yakuza Needs to Let Players Scrap with Women, TooThis opinion piece argues that the Yakuza series, despite attempts at portraying strong female characters, ultimately perpetuates misogynistic tropes by preventing players from fighting women. The article criticizes how female characters are often deified or treated as plot devices, highlighting instances in Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth as examples of this problematic trend. It calls for the series to take women seriously as opponents, allowing for true gender equality in its narrative and gameplay.
Sonic co-creator Yuji Naka is "the most miserable person I have ever worked with," says former Sega VPFormer Sega vice president Mike Fischer described Sonic co-creator Yuji Naka as "the most miserable person" he has ever worked with, citing instances of Naka's volatile reactions to game naming and marketing decisions. Fischer also contrasted Naka's difficult personality with the kindness of Sonic's other co-creator, Naoto Ōshima, and mentioned Naka's past insider trading conviction.- Game ReviewsThis article provides reviews for several games, including benchmarks for Directive 8020's path tracing, ray tracing, and DLSS 4 performance. It also features a review of Mixtape, described as an earnest and misunderstood teen video game, and briefly mentions the Yakuza series.
Animate Will Sell Sega Games Merchandise Worldwide in 2026Sega, Atlus, and Animate are collaborating to release merchandise for eight popular game franchises worldwide starting in June 2026. The collaboration will span over 140 Animate locations globally, offering goods, game demos, displays, and cafe collaborations. The featured franchises include Sonic the Hedgehog, Persona series, Like a Dragon, and Metaphor: ReFantazio, among others.
Sega downsizes free-to-play division after "weak performance" from Sonic Rumble Party, moving over 100 devs onto "full game" releases in "mainstay IPs"Sega is downsizing its free-to-play division due to weak performance from titles like Sonic Rumble Party and a lack of economic value from its partnership with Rovio. Over 100 developers are being moved to full-game development for mainstay IPs. The company also announced the cancellation of its upcoming "Super Game" project.
Devil May Cry showrunner thinks most video game movie announcements "won't come to fruition" or will be…The showrunner for the Devil May Cry series believes that many announced video game movie and TV adaptations will not be completed or will fall short of expectations. He notes that while there's a surge in announcements, the actual production faces corporate hurdles and the risk of becoming mere brand extensions rather than quality content.
Next Sega Labbies Plush Teddy Bear Is Goro Majima from YakuzaSega is releasing a new Labbies teddy bear plush toy featuring Goro Majima from the Yakuza and Like a Dragon series. The plush will be available in two sizes and will debut on May 14, 2026, exclusively at Sega Store locations in Tokyo and Shanghai. This follows previous Labbies releases based on characters like Kazuma Kiryu, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Persona 5 Joker.
Stranger Than Heaven Launches ‘This Winter’Sega's upcoming game, Stranger Than Heaven, formerly Project Century, is set to launch this winter, potentially in late 2026 or early 2027. The game will feature connections to the Yakuza and Like a Dragon series, with a story following Makoto Daito's journey across Japan from 1915 to 1965. It will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, and its theme song is performed by Ado, Satoshi Fujihara, Snoop Dogg, and Tori Kelly.