The Yakuza series never really did much for me. It always seemed somewhat lackluster, but even though it wasn’t my cup of tea, everyone deserves another shot, right? With Yakuza 3 coming out very soon(March 12th in fact!) on the PS3, I figure it is time to step back into that suit and take Kazuma for another go.

This is what you can expect from the demo, taken directly from the press release:

In the demo, players will take on the role of Kiryu Kazuma as they explore rich and realistic Japanese environments and complete a series of side missions from the game. They will also be able to try out the new deeper combat experience with two brutal and intense boss battles.

In addition to the Tokyo settings featured in the demo and the first two games, fans will also discover a completely new setting in Yakuza 3 with the tropical island of Okinawa. Here, accompanied by his adoptive daughter Haruka, Kazuma is now running an orphanage. However, he is allowed no respite in this idyllic retreat and before long he is once again forced to deal with his sordid past.

Sounds like it could actually be really interesting! Somewhat cheesy, but at least it isn’t super generic. Sega also stated that there are no English dubs, and the game will be subtitled to go along with the original Japanese voice tracks. Thank. God.

For some reason though, I just want Yakuza 3 to be Shenmue 3. The Shenmue series was so good, with great adventure elements and immersion. It is to bad they never finished the story and completed the third game. ahh, those were the days.

Go grab that Shenm..I mean, Yakuza 3 demo now and let us know what you think!