Customer Ratings & Reviews

I love Yakuza series only beat the first two on the PS2 going to catch up on Yakuza 3 & 4 before 5 comes out here in the US!!!!! exited played a lil bit of Yakuza 3 enjoying it so far

The Yakuza series is known as Sega's Japanese version of Grand Theft Auto. While some similarities between the two franchises are similar, Yakuza's approach to story telling is a bit different. The setting is also unique compared to Grand Theft Auto, as it is set an Japan (a location that Grand Theft Auto has yet to touch). The combat is also more focused on beat-em up third person action, where as GTA splits it's focus between shooting and hand to hand combat. The story is a bit cliche, but enjoyable none the less. One caveat about this title is that it IS missing some content from it's original Japanese release. Although said content is slightly controversial, it doesn't detract much from the overall package to the extent of hurting your enjoyment.

Great game; it's a good game to get to learn the Japanese culture; yet, the conversations and stories are too long.

It was great for it's time. This is one title that just doesn't stand the test of time. The graphics and gameplay just cannot match today's standards.

I love the Japanese culture and always wanted to check out the series! Great buy :D

Elevator pitch for Yakuza series is Grand Theft Auto crossed with Japanese gangster movies with an emphasis on brawler combat. You play as Kazuma Kiryu, an ex-yakuza member who keeps getting dragged back into his old gang's drama. The first act of Yakuza 3 is an interesting change of pace for the series, as you spend much of your time wandering around Okinawa tending to the kids at the beachside orphanage Kazuma runs, as well as visiting the nearby city. Some people complain about the slow pace of this section, but I loved the contrast between the laidback feel of Okinawa with the later bustling Tokyo. Later, the plot moves to Tokyo's Kamurocho district, full of skyscrapers, bars, stripclubs, arcades, and casinos. There is so much to do in both cities, as you can enter many of the buildings you see and play an astounding variety of minigames. Finally, I'll talk about combat. Most of it is typical brawler style, where you unlock new hand to hand techniques for kicking and punching enemies. You can also equip weapons and gear, which you can then mod with random convenience store knick knacks or dropped loot. Due to the absurdly expensive cost to repair weapons, however, you generally want to save them for boss battles only rather than for everyday use.

Not quite the same when compared to today's open world games.