Hollywood Stars Enlist in Yakuza
Sega shows its confidence in its Far East Mob game by skimming Hollywood for big-name voices.
A videogame about the Japanese criminal underworld is already an exciting prospect, but Sega has sweetened the deal by revealing some of the Hollywood actors it is using to bring to life the world of Yakuza.
Top of the list is Mr Gravelly Voice himself, Michael Madsen, who plays Shimano, a brutal Yakuza boss. Other actors included in cast are Michael Rosenbaum (Smallville), Eliza Dushku (Bring It On), Rachel Leigh Cook (She's All That). Sega has also brought in Star Wars alumnus Mark Hamill, who plays an insane Yakuza boss.
Sega describes Yakuza as, "an all-encompassing, immersive chronicle that captures the full scope of Japan's underground by authentically recreating Tokyo's clandestine nightlife and unveiling the mystery surrounding the Yakuza's traditional honour, respect, and loyalty system."
The game has actually been out in Japan for a while now, and it scored good reviews from the Japanese press when it was released last year. Sega is taking due care in bringing the game to the West, where it's set to debut on PlayStation 2 on 5 September.
Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games
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