Yes virginia, the PS2 still has life in it.

I fired up Yakuza 2 last night and played through the first chapter only. It took me an hour, but I watched all the recap from Yakuza 1 and god damn, this game really crafts m great story. I'm really looking forward to getting into more fights, I think there was only maybe 6 in chapter 1, but if the story keeps up with how it was in the recap, this is going to be one hell of a game.

Anyone else playing it?

I loved the first Yakuza, and while this one recycles a fair amount from the first game, the fighting system is vastly improved solely by being able to switch foes immediately. That alone already makes it a winner, and the heat gauge attacks grow increasingly ultraviolent as the game progresses. And the story is crazier than the first one.

I've heard people compare this series to Shenmue...is that true in any way?

i've never played Shenmue so I can't offer that Sorry.

No sailors here though.

Does this one finally have Japanese audio? I wasn't going to play with English audio. The Yakuza have a specific dialect and it would take me out of the game hearing regular English when they speak. Imagine playing a Mafia game set in Sicily and everyone has Australian accents.

Yes, original Japanese audio only this time.

Shenmue and Shenmue II were both great games. I still have Shenmue for my dreamcast along with Shenmue II for the Xbox. I would love to see a 3rd Shenmue...would even pay a high premium in order to get the publisher to begin development. Loved the first two games and would love to be able to continue the series. I have complete the original three times and the second twice with more replays to come.

My friend brought in his Yakuza(first one)today for me to play. I have always wanted to try it out so now I will have my chance.