Publisher:	Sega
Developer:	Sega
Released:	15 Sep 2008
Genre	Strategy
Platform

LONDON & SAN FRANCISCO (June 15, 2006) – SEGAEurope Ltd and SEGAÒ of America, Inc. today announced the celebritycast for its upcoming video game, Yakuza. Slated for release on Sept.5th 2006, the critically acclaimed game is currently being localizedfor a western audience. To ensure a fully cinematic experience forplayers, the game will feature the distinctive voice work of Hollywoodactors including Michael Rosenbaum, Michael Madsen, Eliza Dushku,Rachel Leigh Cook, and Mark Hamill to compliment its stunning visualsand engaging storyline.

Yakuza, scripted by noted Japanesenovelist Hase Seishu, features an intricate storyline driven byloyalty, honor, and revenge. The seasoned Hollywood cast will bring thewidely varied characters to life with both subtle and impassionedperformances. Adding his signature voice to the cast, Michael Madsen(Reservoir Dogs, Sin City) plays Shimano, a physically imposing Yakuzaboss who relies on brutality to achieve his selfish goals; MichaelRosenbaum (Smallville) voices Nishiki, a ruthless Yakuza member who hasturned against his childhood friend, Kazuma, out of bitter jealousy;Eliza Dushku, (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Bring It On) voices Yumi, whogrew up with Nishiki and Kazuma in an orphanage, and is at the centerof the mystery; Rachel Leigh Cook (She’s All That) plays Reina, ownerof the Serena hostess bar, whose secret love leads her down a road ofbetrayal; and Mark Hamill (Star Wars, Batman: New Times) voices theinsane Majima, a violent Yakuza boss with a twisted sense of honor.

“Yakuzawas 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 werebrought to life,” said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President of Marketing,SEGA of America, Inc. “The title delivers the cinematic visuals andfast-paced action gamers demand, and with these top notch performances,they will experience a deep, character-driven storyline like nothingthey have encountered before.”

Yakuza is an all-encompassing,immersive chronicle that captures the full scope of Japan’s undergroundby authentically recreating Tokyo's clandestine nightlife and unveilingthe mystery surrounding the Yakuza's traditional honor, respect, andloyalty system.

Yakuza for the PlayStation®2 computerentertainment system will ship September 5, 2006. For more informationand assets please visit www.sega-press.com