Yakuza 2 Screenshots Follow Confirmation And Website

Exactly one year after the original release of Yakuza (Ryu ga Gotoku) in Japan, from December 2005, SEGA is planning to follow up with a sequel to their crime game, whose story will incidentally take place "one year later" as well. Yakuza 2 has already been confirmed last week, and now we have the first screenshots, looking very much like the ones from the first part - which isn't really that surprising, given that Yakuza 2 will also be released on the PlayStation 2 and will probably be using the same graphics engine.

Despite the sequel being planned for release in Japan on December 7, the original game has yet to make its debut in the West. In fact, Yakuza will be released in the US tomorrow, and in Europe on September 15. SEGA will likely keep a close eye on the game's sales, and if they do well, English speaking gamers will also be entitled to the second part, at some point in 2007.

From what little information transpired through the Japanese magazine Famitsu last week, Yakuza 2 will once again take place in the underworld districts of Osaka and Kamurocho, among others, but with more locations and over 100 sub-scenarios announced. The Dragon of Dojima, Kazuma Kiryu, will be confronted with a grave new menace: that of the underworld of Osaka, and the terrible Dragon of the West, Ryuji Koda. SEGA also spoke about a "200% improved" combat system, trying to point out that this won't be just a dull, hasty sequel. After all, your character will even be able to play the role of a gigolo, when he gets bored of urban golfing and bowling.

The old Yakuza website is now hosting some details about the sequel (in Japanese), and you can view the Yakuza 2 screenshots locally.

(N.B. Archive text, links removed)