Today, SEGA revealed the voice cast for its upcoming Japanese mafia game, Yakuza. The game, which will ship on September 5, 2006 across Europe and North America, will feature the voice talents of Hollywood actors Michael Madsen and Mark Hamill, among many others.
Yakuza is an all-encompassing, immersive chronicle that captures the full scope of Tokyo's clandestine nightlife and the mystery surrounding the Yakuza's traditional honor, respect, and loyalty system.
In-game dialogue was scripted by noted Japanese novelist Hase Seishu. While the Japanese version of the game features Japanese-language actors, the versions shipping to Europe and North America will instead feature English-speaking actors from Hollywood.
Adding his signature voice to the cast, Michael Madsen (Reservoir Dogs, Sin City) plays Shimano, a physically imposing Yakuza boss who relies on brutality to achieve his selfish goals.
Michael Rosenbaum (Smallville) voices Nishiki, a ruthless Yakuza member who has turned against his childhood friend, Kazuma, out of
bitter jealousy.
Eliza Dushku, (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Bring It On) voices Yumi, who grew up with Nishiki and Kazuma in an orphanage, and is at the center of the mystery.
Rachel Leigh Cook (She's All That) plays Reina, owner
of the Serena hostess bar, whose secret love leads her down a road of betrayal.
Mark Hamill (Star Wars, Batman: The Animated Series) voices the insane Majima, a violent Yakuza boss with a twisted sense of honor.
"Yakuza was an immense hit in Japan, and in bringing the game to the U.S. market, we wanted to ensure that the
subtle nuances of the game were brought to life," said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President of Marketing, SEGA of
America, Inc. "The title delivers the cinematic visuals and fast-paced action gamers demand, and with these top notch
performances, they will experience a deep, character-driven storyline like nothing they have encountered before."
Click here to check out screenshots and box art from the upcoming game.
