Ever since (or even before) the Japanese release of both Yakuza 1 & 2 HD Edition and Yakuza 5 last year, western fans of the series have been rabid for something, anything regarding a localization. Here at Sega Addicts, we’re no different.
So naturally, when a post went up about Bayonetta’s PSN release on Sony’s Playstation Blog, people just kept talking about their need for some Yakuza love. This time, Sega’s Aaron Webber piped up to acknowledge the queries… though his answers aren’t all that encouraging,
I worked on Yakuza 3, Yakuza 4, and Yakuza: Dead Souls here at SEGA of America, so I hear you on it feeling a little strange to not have one releasing this March. Right now the best thing that can be done is to help spread the word on the series – tell your friends or others you think might enjoy them, and have them grab a copy of Y4 or Dead Souls.
No news of any announcements, but thanks in advance to yourself (and all the Yakuza fans) who are still pushing hard to support the series here. It’s great to see that dedication.
Of course he wouldn’t be able to make any kind definitive statement within the comments section of a blog, but what he did give us doesn’t exactly make either game’s prospects look too hot. If we’re still at a stage where we need to convince Sega to take a chance on a Western release, it could be a very long time before we get it over here, if it happens at all. Look at Anarchy Reigns’ absurd release schedule if you need proof.
Whatever the case, hearing somebody address our desire for this game feels like I’ve passed a long-lived kidney stone. While I doubt it will do much to bolster our chances, just go tell your friends to buy the latest entries in the series. At this point Sega is probably so numb to requests for localizations, remakes, and series rejuvenations that mere complaints or petitions won’t do a thing to sway them.
[Source: Examiner]
