Toshihiro Nagoshi Wants to Show Next Gen Yakuza This Year

Fans of fisticuffs and dragon tattoos may be excited to learn that a next generation Yakuza title could debut as early as this year. Series producer Toshihiro Nagoshi teased in the latest issue of Dengeki PlayStation magazine [via Gematsu] that the recently released Yakuza 5 will probably be the last entry in the series on PlayStation 3, with future development presumably switching to the still unannounced PlayStation 4.

Talking in detail about the studio's plans for the next game, Nagoshi noted that the team is aiming to provide players with a "a more physical experience”. He added that the developer intends to overhaul the battle system and offer a “broadened form of play”.

Of course, as much as we’re excited for a new title in the seedy series, our enthusiasm is tempered by Yakuza 5's absence overseas. Previous entries in the series have debuted in Europe and North America in March, but it doesn't look like publisher SEGA's going to maintain tradition this time around. Perhaps begging will help.