Yakuza 0 launches early 2017 in the west

Yakuza 0 will launch for PlayStation 4 both physically and digitally in North America and Europe in early 2017, Sega announced.

The game tells the origin story of Kazuma Kiryu and details his ascension into the ranks of the Yakuza. Its gameplay focuses on “navigating the seedy underworld of Japan,” and users will also get to play as long-time NPC Majima Goro, the Mad Dog of Shimamo. Voices are in Japanese with English subtitles.

Here’s a list of features:

• The Dragon’s Origins: What lies in a man’s past defines his future, and in this case, we learn a lot about what inspires Kiryu down the paths he takes in the rest of the Yakuza series. Plus, you don’t get to be called “Dragon” without being able to knock a few heads. Combat abilities can be hot-swapped during fights for some of the most intense battles in the Yakuza series to date.
• Embrace the Mad Dog: For the first time in a numbered game, long-time NPC Goro Majima is now playable. With his own fighting style, abilities, and his penchant for turning sleaze into profit, stepping into the role of Yakuza’s most eccentric character will provide some eye-opening insight.
• The Decadence of the 1980s in Japan: Cash rules everything in the world of Yakuza 0, and in the game, there are a million ways to spend, make, or take money. From cash spilling out of the pockets of gang members you fight to Telephone Clubs, Disco Halls, or even Pocket Circuit car races, there are tons of ways to be a well-to-do gangster.

Sega also announced that Yakuza 5 for PlayStation 3 is on sale for 25 percent off through April 5.

Watch a new trailer below. (PEGI version here.)