Yakuza 3 has been a well-received, if controversial release from Sega this year. While critically acclaimed (we gave it an A-) it suffered several cuts to aspects that series fans consider integral, such as the complete loss of mahjong mini-games and an entire Hostess Club management feature. However, it seems that the series' grassroots support won out over its arguably crippled release, as Sega has confirmed that its direct sequel Yakuza 4 will see a Western release in Spring 2011 as a PS3-exclusive.

Featuring not only long-standing series protagonist Kiryu Kazuma but three new protagonists in a "gripping interwoven plot" Yakuza 4 has been one of the most successful games in the series in Japan and a PSP sequel has already been announced for the region.

Sega promises that producer Toshihiro Nagoshi will answer questions put to him on the official blog after E3, and have already found that comments have overwhelmingly related to the cuts seen in Yakuza 3, leading an administrator to promise that while he "[Doesn't] know all the ins and outs of the game at this stage" he can "at least confirm to you that the much loved Hostesses will return in Yakuza 4 in all their alluring glory."