ROAD59: A Yakuza’s Last Stand launches September 25

The visual novel game titled “ROAD59: A Yakuza’s Last Stand” is set to release on September 25 for Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam. This announcement comes from publishers Bushiroad Games and developers Rocket Studio. Players will have the option to play in English, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, or Simplified Chinese. In Japan, the Nintendo Switch version can be purchased either physically or digitally.

Here is an overview of the game, via Bushiroad Games:

■ About

In simpler terms, “ROAD59” is a gripping crime story that unfolds in Tenkai Ward, a bustling, never-sleeping metropolis suspended over Tokyo Bay in the not-so-distant future, where characters take center stage.

The narrative unfolds around contemporary yakuza figures who have inherited an extraordinary ability called JINGI, which they received through the Grail of Blood ceremony. In this grim realm filled with deceit, ambition, and territorial disputes, Shou Himuro – a resistant young heir – is compelled to assume leadership over the Hakurou Family. Despite being saddled with a position he never sought, Shou navigates the treacherous underbelly of Tenkai to safeguard those he cherishes.

ROAD59 weaves together captivating storylines that include legendary artifacts such as the Grail of Blood and JINGI, while drawing upon the deep-seated rivalries reminiscent of traditional yakuza lore, delivering a thrilling narrative centering on themes of honor, lineage, and endurance.

■ Story Synopsis

A towering metropolis floating in Tokyo Bay—Tenkai Ward.

In this setting, entities called Jingi possess extraordinary abilities beyond human comprehension and fight mercilessly in gory conflicts for their very existence.

Though destined to be the head of Hakurou, Sho Himuro yearns for a simple, tranquil existence. Alas, his role as the latest leader is inescapable, compelling him to bear the responsibility for his family’s future.

In Tenkai Ward, Sho wavers between accepting the yakuza lifestyle completely, while a growing tension arises as the powerful Orochi’s Legendary Power becomes the focus, rumored to fulfill the aspirations of its user.

Simultaneously, the city’s biggest gang, Kurojou, starts operating covertly with the intention of taking over the now vulnerable Hakurou, following the demise of their previous leader.

In order to safeguard his loved ones, Sho finds himself maneuvering through a realm fraught with deceit and longing, compelled to confront decisions that seem unattainable due to the actions he must take himself.

Will salvation or ruin await him at the end of this path?

■ JINGI: The Yakuza Who Transcend Humanity

In Tenkai Ward, individuals who yearn for indestructible connections with their companions participate in the Grail of Blood Ceremony. During this ritual, a child receives blood from their parent, or a younger sibling from an elder, signifying their initiation. This sacred act not only designates them as fully-fledged members but also bestows upon them an extraordinary power surpassing human capabilities – the divine energy called Jingi. Sharing blood means abandoning the path of mortality. Once someone transforms into a Jingi, there is no going back to their ordinary life. Their bodies are fundamentally transformed, and they must cut ties with the world they once knew. However, despite this permanent change, they proceed, fueled by unyielding determination and an intense hunger for power.

■ The Stage is Set: Tenkai Ward

National Highway 59 traverses Tokyo Bay, leading beyond to a world sparkling with ambition, housing some of the most famed skyscrapers globally: Tenkai Ward.

Originally constructed on a man-made island formed from waste materials in Tokyo Bay, Tenkai Ward was later transformed into a unique economic zone with distinctive laws. The region has experienced swift growth as it evolved into a prominent destination for casinos and tourism.

Spurred on by substantial investments both domestically and abroad, the city’s landscape is rapidly expanding at an incredible speed. Modern skyscrapers, adorned with sleek offices and upscale residential neighborhoods, now dominate the skyline. Unfortunately, the older part of the city grapples with deteriorating public safety and has emerged as a magnet for crime and growing social inequalities.

■ The Power of Orochi and the Key of Orochi: A Wish Granted at a Heavy Cost

It’s believed that by sacrificing the blood of Orochi’s Key and presenting it to Yamata no Orochi’s severed head buried beneath the earth, any desire can be fulfilled. Yet, such an action could trigger a disastrous event… The very presence of this power poses a threat to the equilibrium in Tenkai Ward, as it has the capacity to spark a chain reaction of conflict and power struggle.

■ ROAD59: The Bar Where Secrets and Strangers Gather

Tucked away in Tenkaiku’s bustling entertainment sector lies “ROAD59”, a sanctuary for those with checkered histories and a hotspot for the exchange of crucial knowledge. Later in the narrative, our hero assumes the position of bartender at ROAD59, working diligently to rescue Hakurougumi while engaging with diverse characters and gathering intel. Be mindful though – if your service isn’t up to snuff, you could miss out on vital information when a guest departs! Keep in mind the clandestine truths shared over drinks!

(*Non-alcoholic drinks will be served to underage characters.)

■ Character Information

Shou Himuro

  • Faction: Hakurou Family

A troubled ordinary young man who is also a gang member.

Under the weight of societal pressures and family legacy, he finds himself unwillingly adhering to traditions and honor within the gang, leading the Hakurou Family at a young age as a yakuza.

Balanced between an authoritative elder sister and a self-centered younger one, he finds it challenging to express his genuine emotions openly.

Suzuka Himuro

  • Faction: Hakurou Family

A lively and cheerful high school girl who is the younger sister of Shou and Shizuka.

Because of the JINGI’s immense power, she demonstrates astonishing strength that belies her outward appearance. In battle, she wields a 100kg iron bat adorned with a charming aesthetic.

Shizuka Himuro

  • Faction: Hakurou Family

The eldest daughter of the Himuro family who effectively manages the Hakurou Family.

she persistently guides her less experienced younger sibling, Shou, with firm resolve, aiming to mold him into an exceptional leader.

Bold and quick-witted, she seldom retreats, even under excessive or unjust requests, and is always poised to respond with a daring comeback.

Her commands are absolute within the gang, and the men of the Hakurou Family fear and respect her.

Shion Hyuga

  • Faction: Hakurou Family

A good understanding supporter of Shou burdened with the fate of the family.

Despite typically maintaining a mild and compassionate persona, he exhibits an extraordinarily fierce loyalty towards the Hakurou Family. He spares no leniency towards individuals who utter disrespectful words about the clan.

As a young man, he found himself severely wounded amidst a conflict, only to be rescued by Shou. To this very day, the deep sense of gratitude for this life-saving act remains within him.

Kazuomi Kurogane

  • Faction: Hakurou Family

Kazuomi, a trusted ally from the Hakurou Family and a longtime friend of Shizuka and Jin, possesses an unshakeable calmness and dependability during conflicts.

To his group, he’s irreplaceably valuable; to Shou, he’s served as a protective elder sibling, watching over him ever since they were young.

Despite being reserved in speech, he consistently expresses a profound concern for the group and its individuals through his few but meaningful words.

Bakuto Yanagi

  • Faction: Shinonome Family

Despite appearing somewhat casual and even sarcastic in his approach, this individual demonstrates exceptional commitment when it matters most – he consistently delivers on tasks. As the unofficial head of the Shinonome Family, he manages situations in a relaxed manner that often confuses others.

Despite his impulsive and daring decisions that occasionally grate on those nearby, there’s an undeniable dependence on him for his knack of completing tasks effectively.

Kensei Sumeragi

  • Faction: Kurojou Family

Kensei Sumeragi stands as a powerful figurehead within the Kurojou Family, earning a reputation for his haughtiness and indifference towards others. Beneath his casual smirk lies a piercing gaze that reveals his cunning and merciless personality.

From the outside, I’m the CEO of a prominent corporation leading the revitalization of Tenkai District. But beneath the public image, I aggressively acquire competing territories, transforming them into imposing skyscrapers and lavish casino complexes.

He’s firmly grasping control, quickly ascending to prominence within the criminal underworld by growing his gang through immense wealth and connections. Yet, his unyielding and ruthless tactics have stirred up animosity and anger from those he’s overpowered in the process.

Masamune Niimi

  • Faction: Tenkai District Special Police

Once a vengeful yakuza now transformed into a police cyborg, I, Niimi, was wrongfully accused of murdering the ex-boss of the Kurojou Family. Sentenced to prison, my life took an unexpected turn when I struck a bargain with Sui Kadosaki. In return for assisting the police, I agreed to undergo cybernetic enhancements, driven by my thirst for vengeance against those who deceived me. However, Kadosaki regards me not as an ally but as a disposable instrument—electrocuting me into submission whenever I rebel.

Should I be dishonored or provoked, I respond with firm action. Above all, I strictly adhere to a code of honor. In truth, his life seems to embody the ethics of the yakuza more faithfully than most others.

Kyoji Serizawa

  • Faction: Tenkai District Special Police

Renowned for his compassion and unyielding commitment to fairness, he served as an exemplary figure within the police department. Tragically, on the day of his daughter’s birthday, he and his entire family fell victim to a vicious attack by a gang connected to JINGI. The coat he left behind on his desk at the station that fateful day is still kept by Kadosaki – a cherished keepsake she carries close to her heart even today.

Sui Kadosaki

  • Faction: Tenkai District Special Police

A police officer working for the JINGI Crime Division, a police unit that follows distinctive laws specific to Tenkai District’s role as an economic zone.

To seek justice for the murder of her highly esteemed superior, Kyoji Serizawa, and his entire family, Sui Kadosaki facilitates the release of Masamune Niimi, a former JINGI wielder, under the stipulation that he agrees to undergo cyborg surgery. Since Serizawa’s passing, she has distanced herself from others, regarding Niimi merely as an instrument for capturing the perpetrators, never considering him as an ally or collaborator.

She persists in donning the coat by Serizawa, an heirloom that stands for not only her relentless chase for justice but also her profound thirst for retribution.

■ Hakurou Family

A long-standing and respected yakuza group, originating from the Kansai region, has been led by the Himuro family for numerous generations. This organization is more like a strong, interconnected family than just a criminal syndicate. The Hakurou Family is known for minimizing confrontations, focusing instead on maintaining peace within their domain. However, their adherence to traditional methods has made it challenging for them to keep pace with the times. Consequently, they’ve been losing ground to the Kurojou Family over the past few years, and their power is waning. The family currently finds itself at a crucial juncture, with a problematic young leader and dedicated members fighting to preserve their heritage. Their survival is now in jeopardy, hanging precariously in the balance.

■ Kurojou Family

In Tenkai Ward, the influential Kurojou Family, known as the largest yakuza organization, has been expanding its grip significantly over the past few years. This growth is supported by substantial financial reserves and a vast workforce. A key factor behind their rise has been the Sumeragi Conglomerate, a powerful player in urban development across the district, which wields a significant stake in the family’s expansion. The current leader of the Kurojou Family, Kensei Sumeragi, took control after a brutal succession fight. There are whispers that he possesses the JINGI power of foresight. Despite their seemingly unstoppable progress, discontent is smoldering within the organization. Dissatisfaction simmers among groups loyal to the former leader, and the Kurojou Family stands on the precipice of an internal power struggle, fueled by unease under Kensei’s stern and authoritarian leadership.

■ Shinonome Family

The Shinonome Family, a yakuza group with a reputation for unconventionality and freedom from antiquated customs, often seems chaotic at first sight. However, when faced with challenges, they demonstrate a remarkable capacity for organization and swift response, leveraging each member’s individual abilities. Recently, their leader, Kiyonobu Yutsuma, has vanished, sparking speculation about potential behind-the-scenes events. If leadership changes are required, there could be disputes over succession or meddling from rival gangs. Yet, despite their relatively small size, the Shinonome Family is renowned for its robust internal cohesion, making the possibility of internal strife relatively low.

■ PHOENIX

A worldwide network of powerful criminal syndicates collectively known as the “Phoenix Alliance.” Despite being the largest such organization globally, details about its upper echelons, including their leaders, are kept highly confidential, maintaining an enigma around the group’s true extent. Lately, PHOENIX has identified Tenkai Ward as a strategic location for expanding their cross-border operations. Their aggressive move into the district is now underway, signifying an escalating presence. As their power base expands, PHOENIX poses a growing challenge to the established crime families in Tenkai Ward.

Watch the opening movie below.

Opening Movie

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2025-04-25 06:18