Famitsu recently sat down with Yakuza 1 & 2 HD producer Mitsuhiro Shimano to learn more about the just-released Wii U game. Siliconera was kind to translate details from the discussion, which we’ve rounded up below. New images are available for viewing as well.
– Team revamped the degree of difficulty of functions in Yakuza 1 & 2 HD
– Playability of them now easier to understand
– Batting centers are easier to play through
– Map helps new players know where they are and where to go at a glance
– Signboards stand out a bit more to find certain areas
– Easy + Heat Up mode available at the start
– This allows for easier Heat Gauge build-up
“Since the hardware is Wii U, there are plenty of adjustments made for you fathers out there. Yakuza is known for the cabaret clubs and massage sub-stories, which may get a little too hot for comfort if your child or even wife are around (laughs). For those situations, you can simply switch to the Wii U GamePad, and play it as a mobile game without worrying about those around you.”
“Also, the Wii U’s main characteristic is the GamePad, so we’ve included special functions just for it. For example, if you use the ‘Marker Placement’ feature indicated on the GamePad’s upper-right part of the screen, you can use a green marker and place it on the map. That way, if you mark areas of sub-stories, you’ll be able to find it right away if you haven’t played in a while. While you can only use one marker at a time, it’s very convenient to be able to use it at any time.” – Shimano
– “Complete Screen” underneath the Marker Placement button
– This logs everything from the foods you ate to the list of sub-stories you’ve completed
– Also lets you check up on your current relationship development with your cabaret girls
– Switch Mode button on the left part of the GamePad screen to switch between the GamePad and TV at any time
– When you switch it to “Map Mode” you’ll have access to the entire map on the GamePad
“Of course, the Wii U Pro Controller will be supported, so you’ll be able to play whichever way you want. For you fathers out there who purchased a Wii U for your kids, please give Yakuza 1 & 2 HD a try. Again, Yakuza 3 and 4 have recently dropped in price, so it’d be a great opportunity to try it out. For those who’ve never played Yakuza, it would be my pleasure if you could use this occasion to be introduced to the Yakuza series.” – Shimano