Sega is delisting the original version of Yakuza 0 from console and PC upon the release of the previously Switch 2-exclusive “Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut” on new platforms, which is a huge shame.
During the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal direct back in April, Sega and RGG Studio surprised fans by announcing that not only was Yakuza 0 finally coming to Nintendo, but it would be in the form of a new Director’s Cut that implements new content like a multiplayer mode, English voice acting, and – most notably – new cutscenes. Everyone was quite excited to have a new version of what many still consider the absolute peak of the franchise… until they played it.
Without giving overt spoilers, the additional cutscenes included in Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut are mostly retcons. For a series that already has trouble killing anyone off, the game brings back characters that are ultimately inconsequential, considering the game is a prequel, and their living has had zero impact on the 40-year timeframe since then, and robs their deaths of any emotional power they may have had.
And now with the Director’s Cut release coming to other platforms, Sega has announced that as of December 8, when it releases, you will no longer be able to buy the original – and far cheaper – version of Yakuza 0 on PlayStation, Xbox, or Steam. Which not only means you only have access to the more expensive and retconned version, but PS4 and Xbox One-only users will have no way to get the game, as the new release is exclusively coming to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S… oh, and your saves won’t transfer between the two either.
However, if you already have Yakuza 0, you are able to upgrade to the Director’s Cut for $14.99 (as opposed to $49.99). Meanwhile, Yakuza Kiwami 1 will have a $1.99 upgrade fee, and Yakuza Kiwami 2 upgrades will be totally free. But, you only have a week and change to pick up the original version of Yakuza 0 before it’s gone forever.
Sega has previously delisted titles for new editions, with the original Sonic releases being wiped before Sonic Origins, released and last year removing Sonic Generations from sale ahead of Sonic X Shadow Generations; although the original Generations is still available through a bundle only on Steam, presumably as a favor to that game’s rampant modding community (which would be ideal for this one too).
But for one of the best games of all time to get taken away from a console generation and only a version many consider inferior to remain is a big blow to preservation.
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