Yakuza 0 Info - Everything You Need to Know

When Final Fantasy XV hit these shores back in November, Square Enix’s long-in-development RPG was pitched as a Final Fantasy for fans and first timers alike. By the same token, Yakuza 0, a prequel to Sega’s sprawling saga, represents a welcome point of entry to the seedy underworld of crime syndicates and warring mob bosses.

The year is 1988, and you’re placed into the shoes of Kazuma Kiryu — one of two playable characters in Yakuza 0 after Goro Majima — a low-ranking yakuza framed for a murder he didn’t commit. Maijma-san, on the other hand, spends his days on the fringes of Osaka’s crime scene as a club owner hoping to one day get back into the game. It’s this dual narrative that anchors Yakuza 0 and without straying into spoiler territory, our review of the western port highlighted the nuanced, authentic story as one of the game’s many highlights.

And so, in anticipation of its long-awaited western launch on January 24, we’ve scoured the four corners of the Internet — and the PSLS archives — to compile Everything You Need to Know about Yakuza 0.

Yakuza 0 graces these shores on January 24 — and not a moment too soon. Tell us, will you be taking a deep dive into Sega’s crime-ridden prequel?

Essential Reading:

Yakuza 0 info dump

Yakuza 0 - Everything You Need to Know

Yakuza 0 is booked in for a western release on January 24, a date it currently shares with Capcom's Resident Evil 7.

So, without further ado, let's recap everything you need to know.
What is Yakuza 0?

It’s the open-world prequel to SEGA’s long-running crime saga. First released for PS3 and PS4 in Japan back in 2015, Yakuza 0 is set during the late ‘80s, with much of the action taking place across Kamurocho and Sotenbori, the fictional substitutes for Tokyo and Osaka, respectively.

It's also considered to be one of the more accessible entries into the series, meaning would-be early adopters needn't worry if they're new to the Yakuza saga.
What’s the Story?

So, you're ready to make a foray into Tokyo's seedy criminal underbelly, but what's the story? Yakuza 0 is a prequel, remember, one designed to chronicle the story of Kazuma Kiryu, the rising Dragon of Dojima, and Goro Majima, before he’s known as the Mad Dog of Shimano.

Here's the logline:

“Kiryu’s story follows his steady ascension up the ranks of the Dojima yakuza crime family until he gets blamed for a debt collection gone wrong. Kiryu must utilize his cunning and his fists in order to regain his honor and save the reputation of his father figure, Shintaro Kazama. Meanwhile, Goro Majima is running a popular cabaret in Osaka, but he wants more than anything to rejoin the yakuza clan that ousted him. He’ll need to complete a series of impossible tasks set by his bosses, but will these tasks push Majima past the point of no return?”
Localized Version Retains Japanese Voices

Yakuza 0 made its debut in Japan almost a full year ago, but despite the long wait, Sega has made the decision to retain the Japanese voiceover.

Expect all chapter titles, character introductions, opponent names, and on-screen directions to be written in English, but when it comes to audio, Associate Localization Producer Scott Strichart believes the Japanese voices make for a more authentic experience.

“Secondly, and this is sometimes controversial, but hear me out — we’re maintaining general-use honorifics in the English script. We’re leaving the original Japanese voices intact for the authenticity that only a Japanese voice actor could bring to a yakuza experience, so we took the opportunity to bring the subtitles you’re reading closer to what you’re actually hearing the characters say. Beyond just marrying the subtitles to the spoken word, the honorifics actually play a pretty important role in understanding the respect (or lack thereof) characters have for each other. I think you’ll really see how much more this adds to the story when you get to play it!”
PS3 Version Will Remain Exclusive to Japan

Alas, only the PS4 version of Yakuza 0 will hit these shores.

To provide some context behind Sega's decision, the company's John Hardin explained:

“So, I know that box tag seems a bit ambiguous as to its meaning, but a PC version is not in the cards. The PS4 version is the only version that will exist in the west. (Other point: it was released on the PS3 in Japan, but the PS3 version will not release in the west.)”
And Don't Expect a PC Port

Despite some confusion online, Sega has stressed that, much like the upcoming Persona 5, Yakuza 0 will remain exclusive to PlayStation platforms.
Welcome to 1988 Kamurocho

Curious as to why Yakuza 0 takes place in the late '80s? Allow Sega’s Localization Producer Scott Strichart to clue you in.

"The 1980s in Japan were defined by unprecedented amounts of decadent overindulgence – and nothing was out of greed’s reach, especially in Kamurocho. A chilly but electric Tokyo in December 1988 is the backdrop for Kazuma Kiryu’s ascension into the ranks of the Yakuza – the name given to members of notorious crime organizations."
Extended Gameplay

If you're wanting to see how Yakuza 0 plays prior to release, this extended, 17-minute gameplay demo ought to sate your appetite.
English Trailer

When you become Yakuza, being wrong is dangerous. Or so says the English trailer for Sega's imminent prequel. Check it out right here.
Strong Sales Overseas

Yakuza 0 practically flew off Asian shelves back at launch. Soon thereafter, Sega confirmed that the open-world prequel had sold more than 500,000 copies as of July 2015, taking the series total to around 7.5 million units.
Screenshots Galore

Screenshots and screenshots and screenshots galore. You'll find two helpings of Yakuza 0 stills here and here. Is it January 24 yet?
One to Watch

As part of her in-depth guide previewing those Japanese titles bound for the west in 2017, our Keri Honea cherry-picked Yakuza 0 as one to watch, writing:

"Yakuza 0 is a prequel to the open-world adventure Yakuza series, and appears to be a must-own for any fan of the series. The major feature addition for this one is the style changes for protagonists Kiryu and Majima. Each character can switch styles in the middle of battle. They each have a balanced style and two character-specific styles. They also run side businesses that the player has to manage to unlock other styles and earn rewards."
Day One Business Edition

Priced at $60 at select retailers, Yakuza 0's Day One Business Edition is all about the snazzy business cards.

A Stainless Steel Business Card Holder – This edition of the game will come with an ultra sleek business card holder tailor made for gangster executives. Show everyone in the boardroom you mean… business when it’s time to whip out the cards, because Kiryu’s ‘Ryu’ (dragon) and Majima’s ‘Hanya’ (demon) tattoo design adorn each side of the card holder.

Three Business Cards – In addition to the card holder, the Business Edition also comes with three professional business cards from Tachibana Real Estate’s Kazuma Kiryu, Cabaret Grand’s Goro Majima, and the cabaret club Sunshine’s hostesses. A major key to business is networking, so it would probably be a good idea to keep these cards somewhere close at hand. Besides, who wouldn’t want a colorful card graced with the lovely ladies from Sunshine?
Our Import Review

Our own Heath Hindman was full of praise for SEGA’s prequel, even going so far as to say that Yakuza 0 may be the best entry in the series to date.

“This is the best Yakuza game to date — the result of 10 years spent not just perfecting a formula, but adding to it. Zero has the best of everything the series is loved for and more with its extremely detailed environments, rewarding exploration, endless side content, outstanding combat, fun mini games (including multiplayer), and a great story. Put that in a fantastic graphical package that runs like a dream and you’ve got a game I’d recommend to any action RPG fan.”
Our Final Verdict

Now that Yakuza 0 is finally on the verge of its western debut, PSLS' Paulmichael Contreras ran the rule over the English port.

"Yakuza 0 feels a bit like an anime that also happens to be an action/fighting game. The only problem is that the fighting feels dated, though the environmental options and multiple fighting styles to master help to spice things up a little. A genuinely entertaining and captivating story lurks in the seedy underworld of Tokyo, where a miniscule empty lot somehow sparks a massive conflict. The setting feels authentic, and naturally there are tons of different restaurants to eat at, bars to hit up, and minigames to play, each with their own types of rewards."