Yakuza: Beyond Comparison
The Yakuza game series has captivated gamers worldwide with its immersive storytelling and compelling gameplay. Masayoshi Yokoyama, one of the chief designers of these highly successful games, firmly believes that comparing the Yakuza series to Grand Theft Auto (GTA) is completely unfounded. According to Yokoyama, the Yakuza series stands alone, offering a truly unique gaming experience.
Right from the start, the creators of the Yakuza series made a conscious decision to distance themselves from GTA’s inherent violence. In these games, fights only occur as a response to provocation, and the main protagonist never strikes women. This deliberate choice sets Yakuza apart from other popular game franchises.
Since its inception in 2005, the Yakuza series has been renowned for its portrayal of big-hearted tattooed yakuza characters, perpetually entangled in conflicts with small-time thugs and ruthless bosses, all while dealing with their own troubled pasts. Initially set in Kamurocho, a fictional area in Tokyo, the series authentically captures the vibrant essence of the city’s famous red-light district, Kabukicho.
Breaking away from tradition, the latest installment—entitled Yakuza: Beyond the Horizon—takes players on an unprecedented journey outside of Japan for the very first time, immersing them in the breathtaking landscapes of Hawaii. This decision reflects the creators’ intentions of catering to the Japanese audience, which has a strong affinity for the archipelago and seeks an authentic experience.
Unlike the sprawling open-world maps of GTA, Yokoyama explains how Yakuza: Beyond the Horizon focuses on creating a more confined space, a densely packed environment that fully immerses players in an enthralling storyline. This balance between intricate storytelling and gameplay lies at the core of the Yakuza series’ success.
While the series has gained immense popularity among Western gamers, with 70% of its sales occurring outside of Japan, it has never been known by the name “Yakuza” within its home country. Interestingly, the international title of the latest episode, Yakuza: Beyond the Horizon, also omits the term “yakuza.” Yokoyama reveals that using this word hindered sales in Japan, as society has become increasingly critical of the yakuza. The term has even become a taboo, no longer openly discussed in mainstream media.
Yokoyama raises important questions about the societal impact of violent video games, particularly in light of incidents such as mass shootings. While acknowledging that video games offer a uniquely immersive experience, unlike novels or films, Yokoyama suggests that developers must carefully consider the potential effects of violence and yakuza-themed narratives on players.
As the Yakuza series continues to evolve, it gradually moves away from its roots, exploring social issues and incorporating diverse storylines into its narratives. The new game only subtly references the protagonist’s yakuza past, highlighting the series’ shifting focus.
Yakuza: Beyond the Horizon pushes the boundaries of gaming, providing players with a fresh and unparalleled experience. While maintaining the core fact of Yokoyama’s distinction between the Yakuza series and GTA, this article offers a renewed perspective that delves deeper into the evolution of the series and the considerations inherent in today’s society.
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The source of the article is from the blog newyorkpostgazette.com