Sega Reveals Yakuza 5’s Supporting cast
The Yakuza or as they are known in Japan as Ryū ga Gotoku, which literally translates to Like a Dragon, is a sandbox styled series akin to the likes of Sleeping Dogs and GTA. The games are based on a Yakuza clan called the Tojo clan, and have spanned 7 main entries (we’re counting Yakuza 6 even though it’s not out yet), and a couple spin-off titles. Each game has had a wide variety of unique and interesting characters, and the 5th entry which is set to be released on December 8th 2015 for PS3 is no different.
This week Sega has revealed to us some of the supporting cast that you will be able to interact with when the game is released.
Masaru Watase
This imposing gentleman (use the word sparingly) is Masaru Watase, an ambitious lieutenant for the Omi Alliance who wants to be the next chairman . You can tell by his permanent scowl that he is not someone you want to mess with. Watase wants the Tokyo-based yakuza – the Tojo Clan – to be at their strongest, because he would love nothing more than to have a good ol’ fashioned gang war.
Osaka Detective
The stoic Osaka Detective is a mysterious figure that shows up in most of the protagonists’ storylines. He often drops important clues and “helps” steer the main characters towards a specific goal. Are these manipulations based on a personal vendetta or is there a larger picture that our protagonists can’t see?
Goro Majima
This familiar face is the Mad Dog of the Shimano Family, Goro Majima. He has a quick temper and a violent streak, but is loyal to his friends, in his own twisted way. Majima is up to his old tricks in Yakuza 5, but nothing important happens with him. Nope, nothing at all.
Hiroshi Kugihara
This ghoulish looking figure is Hiroshi Kugihara, a sadistic inmate doing hard time alongside Saejima. Although Saejima simply wants to carry out his prison sentence in peace, Kugihara and his accomplices attempt to make Saejima’s stretch a living hell by constantly beating him up. Saejima has been able to keep his cool and not retaliate, but this is Saejima we’re talking about and he can only hold off for so long…
Sosuke Komaki
As you can see, Sosuke Komaki is all about fighting and rocking the 90s grunge look. Although Sosuke may seem like a bad guy for wanting to beat up Kiryu, he’s actually a trainer who helps Kiryu get back into shape. Long-time Yakuza fans may recognize the lineage of Sosuke’s fighting style…
As you may be able to tell by now the game does not seem like it will disappoint. Sega seems set to fulfill or virtual Japanese gangster fantasies, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Yakuza 5 is currently available for pre-order on the PSN store for $33.99/ $39.99 USD. The pre-order includes a Yakuza theme and XMB icons for the PS3.
if you’d like to hear more of my thoughts on this topic, then I suggest you listen to the Buttonsmashers podcast.