Yakuza 0, the excellent, open world, action RPG, beat ’em up, will be coming to Europe and the US digitally and physically for PlayStation 4 early next year, according to Sega. Though the gap between the Japanese and Western releases is quite large, it makes sense. A game with this much content (and oodles of text) is understandably difficult to localize. Let’s all just be thankful we don’t have another Yakuza 5 situation, where there was three years of waiting.

Yakuza 0 is set before the first game in the series and will allow players to control a young Kazuma Kiryu attempting to make a name for himself in the Tojo clan, as well as the eccentric and wild exile Majima Goro. Fans not only get to see these beloved characters’ past; the city of Kamurocho used to pretty wild when it was younger. 1980’s Japan is a neon covered, cash stuffed spectacle, and it’s a site to behold at 60 FPS on PS4. Money is also even more important than it was in past games. It’s not only used for weapons, dining, mini-games, and wagering, it also serves as your “EXP”. Money flies out of your opponents as you bash them, adding to your stash. New mini-games and side quests can also be a lucrative source of cash, encouraging players to tackle these not only for enjoyment or completion but to build your bank and upgrade your techniques. While the playable cast is down from Yakuza 5’s five characters to two in Yakuza 0, gameplay is kept fresh with three fighting styles for each character.

I imported the game when it released in Japan and thoroughly enjoyed the combat and mini-games. I look forward to actually know what’s going on when it releases with subtitles in America next year. We leave you with the newest trailer for the game from Sega, which features flashbacks from previous games, some of the action from Yakuza 0, and a song from the awesome soundtrack.