Sega organizing new Yakuza for PS3

Sega's backlog of Yakuza games that haven't been given a global release is growing. Andria Sang reports that the latest issue of Famitsu has word of a new PlayStation3-exclusive Yakuza title. The game was revealed in an interview with series director Toshihiro Nagoshi, who wouldn't confirm whether or not the title would be called Yakuza 5.

Sega West is playing catch-up with the series, as its recently confirmed Yakuza 4 will be released next spring. Two more titles in the franchise--a PlayStation 3-exclusive feudal-era spin-off Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan and a new PSP installment--have yet to be announced for launch outside Japan.

The new Yakuza has some connection to the main Yakuza storyline, as Nagoshi said the game will feature Majima Goro as a playable character. Notable for his volatile temper and distinctive eyepatch, Majima has played a supporting role in the series dating back to the original Yakuza game on the PlayStation 2, with Mark Hamill providing the character's English voice-over. Few other details were revealed, although Nagoshi did tease that the game's core concept is "destruction."

For more on the series, check out GameSpot's review of Yakuza 3.