Yakuza 3

It's always a shame when a game that's been out forever finally makes it's way to the Westerners. Right up front you're faced with so many flaws in the game, that are unheard of with the current standards of today. Last year it was Afrika, and this year it's Sega's Yakuza 3.
 
In fairness, this game has always played the same. Clunky controls with Piss poor fighting game play. Yet every iteration means that things are slowly being tweaked (slightly better lock on). You can only hope that the next game down the road controls better, but People who enjoyed Shenmue had just as selective a taste. 
 
4th Chairman Kazuma Kiryu returns, to get away from the Yakuza life and open an Orphanage in beautiful Okinawa. A big guy with a soft spot for parent-less kids (He was once one himself you know). Soon enough he's reluctantly back in the crime world he steered away from, as information of a resort and military base deal threatens the land his orphanage is on. In the midst of solving this problem he's back in Kamurocho, only to be in a little over his head.
 
I have a pretty good understanding of why this is popular in Japan. It's story is compelling. It's a crime drama, and it's pretty manly. Bad asses with full back tattoos, fighting like their fists were mouthy little arguments. It's got a story that could get one interested, even if the idea of a JRPG puts them off. There's twists and some “WTF” moments, Especially if you've been playing these games from the beginning (I haven't, but I have a feeling Fans of the series know what I'm talking about.) 
 
There's also a fair amount to do. Lots of side missions, and Hit-men hunts to keep you busy along with a crap load of mini games, like Karaoke, Batting cages and Arcade games to name a few. You can even go on dates with Attractive and Unfortunate looking women.
 
One of the newer mechanics this time around, is Chasing. You have a moment to run after, or away from someone with a set amount of stamina which will determine how you win or loose. This is one of the more frustrating things in this game, as the Running is just terrible, the control stick gets rather touchy, and Obstacles are a bigger threat to getting in your way than being a work around.  

The games frustration comes from the fact that it's clunky as hell. It's been three games and Sega still hasn't improved on it's tiresome game play. (Although the 4th game is out in Japan right now, and I suppose I could download the demo to see where it's gone.) Slow loading times before every battle, (that's already right there and ready to go.) And Kazuma just plays like a character that is way too big to be there. Even though there's nothing to downright hate about the gameplay, the flaws do pop up to get in the way from time to time. Some choice battles are especially frustrating, as the difficulty of some bosses feel more like they're taking cheap shots then actually posing a challenge. 
 
Also as the same time, the game shows excellent use of the environment to your disposal. Kazuma can pull a move off of anything and everything, with plenty of room to still learn some more, there's a fair amount of weapons to use, and Modding to make even more useful weapons.  
 
In closing, Yakuza 3 worth some attention. it's A very Japanese game, but not in the sickeningly stereotypical way that plagues most Japanese games in General. It's an interesting look at a culture that's already established, with a lot to do even with a map that feels generally small. It also has the appeal of a crime drama in US. I would recommend playing this game beyond the Demo that the PSN offers. As slow as it is, every game has room for improvement, and this is a Series that clearly needs more than a little support by fans outside of Japan.