Microsoft’s November-hosted event taking place in London this week kicked off with the titular live presentation with a host of new announcements for both the current lineup of titles on the platform alongside some more insight to be shared upon the upcoming Project Scarlett console next Holiday season. One taken off-guard announcement for Xbox Game Pass was the addition of Ryu Ga Gotoku’s Yakuza series to the Netflix-like game streaming service.
Specifically mentioning the inclusion of three Yakuza titles: Yakuza 0, Yakuza Kiwami, and Yakuza Kiwami 2. You can watch the announcement trailer below:
Yakuza 0 is a prequel to the first title in the series by telling the story of Kazuma Kiryu as himself alongside Goro Majima have found themselves in a rut with the illegal underground syndicates that are imbedded within the veins of Japan. Yakuza Kiwami is a remake of the original 2005 title following Kiryu’s journey after being released from his ten-year sentence in prison. Yakuza Kiwami 2 is a reworked iteration of the succeeding 2006 title focusing on Kiryu’s venture after leaving his position at the Tojo Clan and ultimately returns to the Yakuza as war breaks out as the Korean Mafia intervenes.
Interesting enough, discussion of the series has been a topic that many fans have waited years to arrive. Even Yakuza Director Daisuke Sato stated that Yakuza could eventually hit Microsoft’s platform at some point, but only if the user base shows interest for the franchise to migrate from the PlayStation platform.
Earlier this Fall, Sega announced that the latest installment for the series will be arriving this coming January with the reveal for Yakuza 7: Like A Dragon. Following the game’s public debut, fans shows their discomfort for the change of gameplay to turn-based interface. In response, the game’s Director shared that the decision will be reverted if fans are vocal about the new combat system.
Yakuza 0, Yakuza Kiwami, and Yakuza Kiwami 2 will be available in early 2020 for Xbox One.
Source: Xbox Wire