Both demos are available now, get cracking!

Thanks alot! Running to my PS3! :)

To clarify, I think the first download is a prologue and the second is the playable demo part.

How do I make a Japanese PSN account? Do I have to make a new user on my PS3 and make the account under that user? Can I use the same e-mail address linked to my US account?

Cool... thx for the heads up.

That was earlier than expected. Anyone got it yet, impressions? My internet cap is just about all gone.

Mine was downloading at a slow speed too...at about 55% at this moment.


bkchurch,

Yes, a new user is needed and no, you can't use the same email.

How do I make a Japanese PSN account? Do I have to make a new user on my PS3 and make the account under that user? Can I use the same e-mail address linked to my US account?These should help:

http://ps3mods.blogspot.com/2007/06/create-japan-psn-account.html

http://www.britishgaming.co.uk/?p=1827


I'm still downloading. My connection is painfully slow tonight.

Thank you, sir. I am all over this!

Both dloads have fights... I finished the first one. Not bad, but it is all in Japanesey.

"The Club" demo is up on UK PSN. Have you guys seen it? My son seems to like it but I think I'll rent it before I buy.

JSLM

"The Club" demo is up on UK PSN. Have you guys seen it? My son seems to like it but I think I'll rent it before I buy.

JSLM

The Club demo is actually pretty cool.. It uses the Unreal engine so it does look good..

Speaking of Unreal... I'm also glad I rented UT3. I just could not get into that game. Beautiful graphics though. Just wish it was 60fps.

Both dloads have fights... I finished the first one. Not bad, but it is all in Japanesey.


I would be terrified if they speak English...:D

Finished the prologue one...it has a heavy RPG flavor.

Pluses:

1. Very good implementation of Rumble...had a lot of fun running into people and knock them down.

2. Clear instructions for user to complete the mission even for non-Japanese speakers, although you might miss the side mission if you don't pay extra attention.

3. Bare-fist battle combos are very interesting and can lead to exciting results.

4.Awesome rendering on character faces. I can even see the pores on the face.

5. Nice control, easy to pick up and get used to.

Minuses:

1.Can't tweak indoor camera, this is a bit annoying when you don't know which person to talk to.

2.Can't talk to most of the people - unless they become mission-related. Not many places to visit in the demo

3.Weapon-based fighting so far in the demo are a bit simplified...no special skills can be used.

4. Items vanish once you end your fight...usually I don't have time to pick them up :(

Nice! Downloading now.

How similar is it to the earlier games in the Yakuza series, apart from the obvious era differences

How similar is it to the earlier games in the Yakuza series, apart from the obvious era differences

The gameplay basics are the same, you play as the protector of the district, accepting missions from the people and shops around the area, help them solving problems (via fighting or not), and get money/women in return. Even the fighting wasn't that much of a difference from the 2nd game.

What they did is adding a lot of enhancements on the existing features. Like gaining special skills from painting animals, playing new mini games with the prostitutes. Adding a lot of weapon styles...etc. And the system is very user-friendly so new players can pick up immediately.

Story-wise, not much can be said at this point, though most characters do share the same type of background as their counter-part in the previous one.

BTW, I forgot to mention that the loading time is very short, which was nice to see in a huge game like this.