The 1980s in Japan were defined by unprecedented amounts of decadent overindulgence - and nothing was out of greed's reach, especially in Kamurocho. A chilly but electric Tokyo in December 1988 is the backdrop for Kazuma Kiryu's ascension into the ranks of the Yakuza - the name given to members of notorious crime organizations.

With  Yakuza 0, newcomers to the Yakuza series will be able to get in on the ground floor, with the game's standalone, story-driven action that focuses on navigating the seedy underworld of Japan with series protagonist Kazuma Kiryu, and for the first time in a numbered title, players will be able to play as long-time NPC, Goro Majima - the Mad Dog of Shimano.

Starting off in series familiar location Kamurocho, Kiryu, a junior member of the Dojima family, gets blamed for a debt collection that ends in murder. Of course, this murder happens on a hotly coveted plot of land in Kamurocho, and Kiryu quickly finds himself in over his head trying to regain his honor and save the reputation of his savior and father figure, Shintaro Kazama.

Meanwhile, series familiar Goro Majima is living the life in Osaka, running a cabaret above board. But his desire to rejoin the Yakuza Clan he was ousted from is intense, and in order to do so, Majima must complete impossible tests set by increasingly unforgiving bosses. The clan keeps pushing his limits just to see how far he will really go to prove his loyalty...

There's a reason why the main characters of Yakuza 0 will eventually be known as the "Dragon of Dojima" and "Mad Dog of Shimano," and it probably has something to do with the way they talk with their fists. While the streets of Kamurocho and Sotenbori are alive with plenty of nightlife to indulge in, it's also teeming with lowlifes and rivals to "deal with."

This time around, Kiryu and Majima each have three unique fighting styles that can be used to beat down enemies with extreme prejudice. Players can also invest in various abilities to ensure that Kiryu and Majima are the meanest business men to walk the streets! Kiryu's Brawler is a well-balanced mix of light and heavy attacks that is perfect for any situation. Want to float like a butterfly, sting like a bee? The rapid-fire Rush is the perfect style to flurry enemies into unconsciousness. If raw strength is what you're looking for, Beast is all you need. Kiryu will even automatically pick up environmental weapons (like bikes and signs) to use as bashing tools! 

Not to be outdone, Majima's balanced Thug puts great emphasis on bone shattering takedowns, throws, and counter attacks. Want to bring a bat to a fist fight? Say no more fam. Make every fight a real home run with Slugger style! Oh wait, you feel like breakdance fighting? Breaker will both put on a dazzling show and serve up a hot plate of pain for hapless enemies.

If you're in a rush and can't be bothered to fight every single person that steps up, just make it rain with some cash to get them to immediately stop in their tracks to collect. But watch out! "Mr. Shakedown" can appear out of nowhere and take all your money if you're not careful.

Key Features:

• The Dragon's Origins: What lies in a man's past defines his future, and in this case, we learn a lot about what inspires Kiryu down the paths he takes in the rest of the  Yakuza series. Plus, you don't get to be called "Dragon" without being able to knock a few heads. Combat styles can be hot-swapped during fights for some of the most intense battles in the  Yakuza series to date. 
• Embrace the Mad Dog: For the first time in a numbered game, long-time NPC Goro Majima is now playable. With his own fighting style, abilities, and his penchant for turning sleaze into profit, stepping into the role of Yakuza's most eccentric character will provide some eye-opening insight.
• The Decadence of the 1980s in Japan: Cash rules everything in the world of  Yakuza 0, and in the game, there are a million ways to spend, make, or take money. From cash spilling out of the pockets of gang members you fight to Telephone Clubs, Disco Halls, or even Pocket Circuit car races, there are tons of ways to be a well-to-do gangster.

Yakuza 0 will be available as digital download and retail release ($59.99), with Japanese voice over and English only subtitles.