Yakuza 0 Western Release – Physical/Digital Confirmed for Early 2017 in North America and Europe!

Sega today confirmed several important release details for Yakuza 0 in the West.

First – the release window. Leading up to today, we’ve seen a couple of suggestions that the “Early 2017” release window that is now officially confirmed was likely to be realized, including an apparent interview with Toshihiro Nagoshi from a past issue of Weekly Famitsu, and an informational page on Sony’s US website. At the least, this probably comes as little surprise to many fans following news of Yakuza in the West.

Second – platforms and distribution type. Yakuza 0 released for Playstation 4 and Playstation 3 in Japan, but the Western release will see the distribution of the Playstation 4 version. This is a detail we’ve known since the North American version’s announcement, but is receiving reconfirmation. Starting with Yakuza 6, Yakuza releases in Japan seem to have finally settled on releasing on Playstation 4 rather than a cross-generational PS4-PS3 release. While there has also been some speculation about releasing Yakuza games (or other Japanese Sega titles) on PC, we don’t have confirmation on this at the moment. It’s possible that Yakuza 0 may be “Console Exclusive” to the PS4 and a PC release may happen in the future.

That aside, Yakuza 0 is also confirmed for a physical and digital release. If you don’t like having to deal with long downloading times and having precious hard drive space taken up, rejoice for a physical release! It’s coming to both North America and Europe.

…wait. Europe?

Indeed! While at first there were no confirmed plans for a European release of Yakuza 0, Sega today confirmed that European fans will be able to purchase Yakuza 0 along with North American fans. Everything for them is the same – early 2017, physical or digital, Playstation 4. Complete parity so far as we know!

A new promotional English trailer has been produced in conjunction with the release of the new Western Yakuza 0 announcement details. We’ve attached the European trailer below. Looks like Yakuza 0 earned itself a PEGI 18 rating.

A press statement accompanies the YouTube page for these English trailers. We’ve reproduced the statement below.

The 1980s in Japan were defined by unprecedented amounts of decadent overindulgence – and nothing was out of greed’s reach, especially in Kamurocho.

A chilly but electric Tokyo in December 1988 is the backdrop for Kazuma Kiryu’s ascension into the ranks of the Yakuza – the name given to members of notorious crime organizations.

And with Yakuza 0, newcomers to SEGA’s Yakuza series will be able to get in on the ground floor, with the game’s standalone, story-driven action that focuses on navigating the seedy underworld of Japan with series protagonist Kazuma Kiryu, and for the first time in a numbered title, players will be able to play as long-time NPC, Goro Majima – the Mad Dog of Shimano. Available on the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, the game will be localised and released as physical and digital versions early 2017.

Yakuza 0 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 styles 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.