Yakuza 4 (PS3)

The Yakuza series is without a doubt one of SEGA’s most critically acclaimed adventure series of recent years, detailing the life of fictional Japanese mafia legend Kiryu Kazuma and the seedy underworld of red light district Kamuracho. In Yakuza 4, the drama unfolds around Kazuma and three other characters - loan shark Akiyama, escaped convict Saejima and detective Tanimura.

Gameplay remains largely unchanged from the traditional adventure-cum-beat’em up style that the Yakuza series is known for. You’ll be exploring the city centre unraveling parts of the storyline in one moment, and then engaging in fierce combat with street gangs and wannabe punks in the next. Here’s where the meat of the game comes in - each character has their own fighting style and special moves that can help you tackle opponents in spectacular ways.

Alongside the usual punch and kick moves, you can pick up objects from the street and use them against your enemies, or build up a HEAT bar and pull off some ridiculous combos - like slamming your heel into someone’s face. Quick Time Events in boss battles add to the tension as well.

In between goon-smashing sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to explore other assets of Tokyo’s dark side - from karaoke bars with somewhat promiscuous women to hostess bars and other activities. Yakuza’s certainly not a game for the innocent tourist.