Topic: Yakuza Series

So I never got into this series but now both my son and I want to. So just a few questions if anyone can answer.

What's the best game to start at? I know obviously it's probably the first one but is that one to dated by today's standards. Is the series easy enough to understand if I just start at the ones on the PS3?

I believe 4 gives you a recap of what happened in the previous 3 but not 100% positive as the last game I played in the series before 5 was 2. I know 5 doesn't give a recap but like all the other games it expects you to have some working knowledge of the series. If 3 or 4 has a recap that's a good place to start. I still think the first two are worth playing as well though.

I started with 4 after they gave it for free on plus... not being familiar with previous titles did not interfere with my enjoyment

Well I managed to hunt down a copy of Yakuza 4 haven't been able to find the first 2 and quite frankly they are priced really high online 80+ dollars. Not sure why that is but I guess we will start with 4.

Four's a fine place to start in my opinion. These are slow games, glacial at times - but stick with them. Interested to hear your thoughts.

I just started playing 4 and am really enjoying it so far. Still early on, ch. 3 I believe. Love all the side stuff to do. Almost hopped on buying 5 solely for the fact that Taiko Drum Master is in the Sega Arcade.

@get2sammyb: It will be sometime after Christmas.

@Tasuki:
$80? Geeze, I looked on Gamestop's website and it says it's only $5 there, but I guess if you're looking for new I could see it being priced high. These games never sold well, unfortunately, so they're tough to track down.

@Gamer83: I didn't check Gamestop site, honestly I don't like them and try to do as little business with them as possible and after the horror stories I heard from their so called retro program, yeah no thanks.

@Tasuki:
Yeah, I know what you're saying. Just figured I'd let you know. Either way, like others have said, 4 is a great starting point. It'll probably be tough to go back but even after missing the last couple games I've had no problem jumping into 5 and enjoying it for it what it is. This is a series that has a complicated story but somehow each still manages to be enjoyable whether you're familiar with it or not.

@Gamer83: I appreciate it alot man. I am sure I will find the other ones eventually it's just kinda of a pet peeve of mine that I like to start a new series from the beginning if I can. I am sure I am going to face this kind of problem when it comes to Shenmue.

@Tasuki:
I haven't seen a copy of Shenmue out in the wild in a long time, and there are a few really good retro game stores around where I live so it's a little disappointing. If there's a series that screams for remasters before the release of the newest game it's Shenmue.

@Gamer83: Yeah I know exactly what you mean I am really hoping that they release a remaster collection of the first two. I do have a couple retro stores near me but yeah no luck either. Last time I saw one was at the Portland Retro Expo and they wanted 160 to 200 for the first one and about 100 for the second one on Xbox.

I'm sure Shenmue HD will happen. It has to...

Yeah after a year let the thread die. Feel free to start another one.