(K1 Part 1) Black Jaguar/Black Panther: Like A Dragon's New Chapter. For my tastes and proclivities, this is one of the best games ever made. With that being said, Japan is a very different place to America (where I"m from) and I'll try to keep all the English speakers on the same page here, but some things will go over a Westerner's head. Don't feel left out, it's just a different culture altogether. So for now, high school is one of the most important parts of a Japanese person's life and even bringing it up in conversation means business. Tatsuya, Yusuke, and Tenma went to high school together are are plannnig something big.

(K1 Part 2) Wow, Tatsuya has really done it now. His friends aren't there to help him out here either because he ran them off. For those unfamiliar, the Yakuza are similar to the mafia but not really. The Yakuza as a group join for more of a sociatal, or status ladder thing in Japan, more so than to be known as bad guys, though they are that too. Not all Yakuza are evil, but bad guys certainly. Most of the time, if you leave them alone they will leave you alone.

(K1 Part 4) Tatsuya is a fucking legend for even having this idea at all. It's so good, y'all. {Editors' Note: A quick note about something that will come up later, Christianity is not accepted culturally in Japan. It is heavily implied throughout the story and the diolague that Patriarch Kuki, Tatsuya, Mr. DJ Announcer-san and a few other characters are Christians which leaves them open to legal discrimination in Japan. Because there isn't freedom of religion there, Christians can legally be denied apartment leases, entrance to entertainment venues, and being allowed to eat at restaurants. Someone wearing a cross or talking about big G God in pleasent conversation there is a huge deal, and it's kinda nice to see part the congregation that far East.}

(K1 Part 5) Don't be nervous, just do your best. Win.

(K1 Part 6) Yurika is another godless heathen that gets on my nerves anytime she is in scene, and I'll get to Hyuga Sho later on. I swear I love women, that's just how things are panning out here. Also, Taizan, that Tomoki bloke did teach me something, I never want to lose again, and thanks for teaching me how to box. {Editors' Note: There is some talk here about how Tatsuya is on probation and was in juvie (Juvenile Detention). To explain that a little, in Japan you aren't considered an adult until age 20. I believe Tatsuya is between age 17 and 19 based on context clues in the story because it is never stated outright. If he faliled a grade in school or was held back 1 year he can easilty be 19, I choose to belive he is 19 years old here to make some of the feats of sheer toughness and strength believable.}

(K1 Part 7) This style of boxing (my favorite of all martial arts) is really working quite well against the common hoods around here. {Editors' Note: Kamurocho (some people will call it Kamuro, it's the same place) is the setting of this title. It's based on a real place in downtown Tokyo that is a red light district and entertainment area of town that even locals don't really go to or through because of how rough it is in that part of town. I've heard Tokyo is sort of like New York City in America, if that helps any.}

(K1 Part 8) Hyuga Sho is an asshole that only cares about doing his own thing, getting laid, and talking trash. He is indeed a Judo practitioner. All Tatsuya has to do is trust in his boxing skills and he will prevail. [Editors' Note: These Japanese women don't like anything, damn.}

(K1 Part 9) I'm about to punch the ghost out of you.

(K1 Part 10) Mr. Yuya is a brawler from the main Yakuza series that is making a special guest appearance here. He's super cool and an O G. {Editors' Note: Baseball is huge in Japan, like yuge. The Japanese love baseball almost as much as Americans.}

(K1 Part 11) Oh hell no. Mr. Street Fighter Man-san, you are no Tomoki the Karate Monster and I can't be havin' this. I'm going back right now, and I'm gonna win.

(K1 Part 12) There we go. I knew I could beat him... and everyone else. {Editors' Note: Oh yeah, job.}

(K1 Part 13) Mr. DJ Announcer-san came through with the win. Thanks, buddy. (Editors' Note: Sir, I can't have you drooling on the stage.}

(K1 Part 14) "Some weird old guy" is not that great of a description, pal. Thanks for the warning, but the only person that matches that description that Tatsuya knows about is Takenaka. But, it wouldn't be the detective because everyone knows who that is already, and he doesn't beat people up for no reason.

(K1 Part 15) Aikido and Karate is about as good of a combination of skills as it gets. This should be a tough match. {Editors' Note: He looks way different without the glasses.} {Post Editors'-Note Note: To quickly fill everyone in on a little more important Japanese culture, the sociatal ladder in Japan is very simple and very clear. The very top of the chain is teachers (the sensei), followed very closely by police officers. When there is a police officer in a situation, they are the ultimate authority, period. If not, the teacher is the authority. Perhaps a little strange if you aren't accustomed to thinking in those terms, but that's the way it is. The teacher part is important now, the police part will be important later.}

(K1 Part 16) This guy is rougher outside of Dragon Heat than he is in the ring.

(K1 Part 17) Or is it? {Editors' Note: One of my friends asked me about police in Japan and I thought I'd meantion a piece of that conversation here. The police in Japan, because of their training, can operate as the ultimate authority. They are trained to not let that power go to their heads and because they must be part of the community that they serve in, those factors hold them accountable for their actions. It would be similar to elected sheriffs in America, except the community in their jurisdiction have constant eyes on the police at all times to make sure they are doing their job, and any wrongdoing by a police officer would mean instant termination. This is why there is nearly zero corrupt police in Japan.}

(K1 Part 18) The way of the warrior.

(K1 Part 19) Been hearing about this Daisuke idiot since the first scene of gameplay. Also, I'm comin' back, don't worry, don't even leave yet.

(K1 Part 20) Tatsuya could begin to turn the tide of his reputation slightly here by convincing this man that he didn't seriously hurt his son in that fight. Everyone kind of thinks Tatuya is an asshole, however this could be a start in the right direction for his public perception. {Editors' Note: I don't know what happened to the audio on this recording. Maybe it's fine, just seems a little quiet to me. Also, personally I don't think Tatsuya is an asshole, abrasive perhaps, misunderstood certainly.}

(Part 21) And Tenma comes through with the save. {Editors' Note: Not even gonna lie, I had to channel Muhammad Ali for that last fight at Dragon Heat.}

(K1 Part 22) Deliveries, ghost stories, and a special guest appearence. {Editors' Note: Konnichiwa, Hana-chan!}

(K1 Part 23) Kuramoto, even if you are right, this is the complete wrong way to go about it. State your point and defend it, if you can't then continue working on making your point better.

(K1 Part 24) This Ukyo Tatsuya guy sounds badass. I can't wait to hear more about him from these various gangs that he is totally in.

(K1 Part 25) Alright, this is getting old. Someone is using Tatsuya's name to cause a bunch of drama between gangs here and that's stupid because not only does Tatsuya want neutrality and no part of this little conflict, but he can kick the shit out of anyone stupid enough to impersonate him.

(K1 Part 26) Could the real Ukyo Tatsuya do this?

(K1 Part 27) Boxing is my favorite martial art/ fighting style, and I love Karate. So, in Japan and Thailand there is a huge rivalry between Karate and Muay Thai. I have no idea why, please don't ask me. It's strange that here I'm the Muay Thai guy when I'm really on team Karate.

(K1 Part 28) I wanted to mention, those animated training dummies that are fought when your learn a heavy strike is one of the most creative things I've ever seen in a fighting game. Top notch artistic genius right there, I love it.

(K1 Part 29) Do you sell flowers?

(K1 Part 30) So, if Mr. DJ Announcer-san was not in this game, or by some miracle not the main character of this story (he is), Mr. Florist of Sai-san would be the main character lol. {Editors' Note: Dunno what happened to the audio on this one.}

(K1 Part 31) An injured foot makes nearly every aspect of a fist fight more difficult. The plan is to get in close and end the fight quickly before the injury starts to affect my fighting ability.

(K1 Part 32) You dumbass. You're really going to start crap with the Nioka family over someone that isn't your friend? ... Y'all must really be friends.

(K1 Part 33) Cheese it! The cops!

(K1 Part 34) How many of these bitch ass gangs can there possibly be in this town? Whatever, I'll take y'all out, too.

(K1 Part 35) I gotta talk to the Florist again? I can't afford to talk to the Florist right now.

(K1 Part 36) Shiraishi-san, we are friends so I'm going to tell you as a friend, you are embarrassing yourself. Maybe try something else.

(K1 Part 37) This creep must have a picture of this Chiaki lady somewhere.

(K1 Part Part 38) I gotta find this Chiaki chick soon, I'm running out of sidequests. {Editors' Note: When the people talk about the Chinese Mafia here, like the Triads, that is an actual protection money, percentage cut, organized crime mafia. The Yakuza like the Tojo Clan and the Kuki and Nioka families beneath the Tojo are not. The Yakuza might be tied closely to organized crime and those things, but not all of members and families are involved in crime, like I've said before, it's more for status acquisition.}

(K1 Part 39) Chiaki-san is actually not a godless heathen, finally. I mean, maybe she is, but she hates Yurika though so that's a great start. Also, thank you Akagi for the save. I know you owed me or whatever, but I appreciate it and I won't forget that you gave me a hand. {Editors' Note: One more thing, Akagi, change the name of Diablo. You aren't that guy and you're giving people the wrong idea.}

(K1 Part 40) My, my, how you've changed. You still won't defeat me, Hyuga. Your pride is not worth my freedom.

(K1 Part 41) I hate to be the one to tell you this Ms. Detective-san, because you are cool, getting Tatsuya work does not count as a favor. He can get part-time work at a number of places in town and he (allegedly) gets paid a lot to fight. How about you help him out with his record or something? ... No? Alright. {Editors' Note: That guy was totally middle-aged with a suit on and that woman had shoulder length hair. Wtf.} {Post Editors'-Note Note: "You're Too Uptight To Be Mean To Women."}

(K1 Part 42) Just some good?, honest? work...? I mean I got paid.

(K1 Part 43) I'm not sure if this is a great plan, here. I usually immediately fail at stealth sections in games.

(K1 Part 44) So, this is not going to translate well. "Mama" in Japanese actually means female bartender, "masa" is a male bartender, and mother is "okan" or "haha." I guess the Chinese "mama" is the same as in English.

(K1 Part 45) I'm kinda upset that I won't be able to make any more Sho puns because Hyuga is leaving town. On the bright side, I now know the greatest of all martial arts, Professional Wrestling. {Editors' Note: Not sure why the last couple of videos are so quiet again. Will investigate.}

(K1 Part 46) Just help out a little. Sloth is a deadly sin after all.

(K1 Part 47) You think you're the only lone wolf? Thanks for the assist Tenma-san!

(K1 Part 48) Those cats was fast as lightning.

(K1 Part 49) Go on a date with me or I'll put you in a chokehold.

(K1 Part 50) Saki is actually kinda cool... for a heathen. I don't like her, but she's not awful either. The problem is this: With someone who isn't rooted in something other than control and power, there is always a chance of a sudden and radical shift into dumbassery. I can't handle a whole lot of dumbassery so I will usually avoid people like that entirely because their minds are not based on anything real and they will usually just decide things are a certain way without any facts or evidence.

(K1 Part 51) I hope Cho gets the closure he wants. The statute of limitations is almost up so if it's going to happen, it needs to happen pretty soon.

(K1 Part 52) Well, sir, you are a son of a bitch for entrapping me in this underground tournament shit, but I appreciate what you are doing. You are making me a better person and I'm learning a lot about life and about myself from this ordeal. This is my Rubicon, this is my Crusade, this is my Declaration of Independence.

(K1 Part 53) ... So who are the bikers?

(K1 Part 54) This guy goes to other countries and kills people for money because we don't got enough fucking problems over here already. He will never win against me.

(K1 Part 55) There are a lot of seemingly powerful men converging on the contents Toda's microtape. I wonder what is on there. I don't know who "Super Mario" is but I think that other guy is the 1st Division police officer guy Takenaka was talking to a while back in the story. I forgot his name.

(K1 Part 56) Patriarch Kuki's last words were cryptic and incoherent, but it's all I've got to go on. I'd also like to mention this, the fully-interactive training dummies that attack you like an actual opponent is the most creative thing I have seen in a game in a while. Bravo, I love it. {Editors' Note: Punch him in the dick!}

(K1 Part 57) Ok, we gotta have the dreaded gun talk. So, Japanese people see firearms as criminal, those two things are intertwined within their culture for whatever reason. Even though it is perfectly legal to own a firearm in Japan after age 20 (I think) and years of paperwork, there is a crime connotation built into gun ownership in that nation. Which is stupid because they have really robust and solid self-defense laws over there, just not with firearms. If you have a firearm in Japan, even if it's yours and legal, you will be seen as a criminal by your community. Really stupid guys, y'all need to work on dat, and get y'alls' 2A.

(K1 Part 58) The gang war is heating up. D.I.S. is indebted to me, Death Corps is pretty much done for, and Diablo and I are friends. I'm not sure how D.I.S. and Diablo want to proceed if battle with Kingdom is immanent, I doubt they would actually team up. All I know is I really want no part of any of it. There are other problems I have to deal with. {Editors' Note: I think I fixed the audio issue (don't even ask).}

(K1 Part 59) Sweet as rekindled gold... or something.

(K1 Part 60) Y los luchadores

(K1 Part 62) Mexican black belt... ha.

(K1 Part 63) This Mitsunami guy stabbed you in the back and worst of all, he got me involved with this. That's an ass whoopin.

(K1 Part 64) Let's see how this great boxer deals with low calf kicks. Watch your ankles.

(K1 Part 65) Nah officer, I was just going to the club.

(K1 Part 66) Nah officer, I work here. I'm just going to work. {Editors' Note: Ok, we gotta talk about Japanese Caberet Clubs. To start off with, Japan is weird. With that being said, caberet clubs are a place where men (or women) can "hire" a woman to basically pretend to be your girlfriend for a little while. The only real rule is "no inappropriate touching," whatever that means. That's why Toda could put his arms around some of the caberet club women and Tatsuya doesn't. That's also why Yurika could kiss Tatsuya earlier in the story randomly before he left the club. Although I thought that was a little inappropriate, but I guess it wasn't.}

(K1 Part 67) Well, it seems you have a choice to make.

(K1 Part 68) This fuckin guy probably deserves to get took out. Thanks for helping me out, but I'm not going to prison. Also, the "An" that Patriarch Kuki mentioned was indeed a name, Anne. I'll have to go out lookin' after the match.

(K1 Part 69) Awww shit, y'all.

(K1 Part 70) This double ended ass whooping will be legendary. {Editor's Note: Not gonna lie, I had to channel Marciano for that last one.}

(K1 Part 71) We're bustin' in and taking your wine because that's what what's-her-name and the police officer said to do. And because we sorta want to, as well.

(K1 Part 72) Not gonna lie, I had to channel Tyson for this one, Fury and Iron Mike. Big shoutout to Sega for this beautiful work of art and for Team4KL on Twitter @Team4KL and Team4KL dot com coming through with the English translation. Great job, guys. {Editors' Note: Washio's murder is taking priority over Tatsuya's assault on the Chinese restaurant by the police department, thankfully, but that police official on the big screen tv had the handkerchief found at the scene of Kuki's assault. So either that official or someone near him was near Kuki when he was attacked and is trying to frame Tatsuya. A few loose ends remain....}

(K2 Part 1) My entire playthrough/series is the review but I wanted to mention a few things about the first game and the series during this video. FIRST, and most importantly, the gameplay: it never gets old. The gameplay reminds me of the Def Jam series except WAY better, every battle is enjoyable and entertaining, and there is enough there to keep even the most nerdy martial artist (like me) satisfied with the system also being simple enough for players that just want to scrap. I see gameplay as the most important aspect of a game because it's a fucking game and it's supposed to be fun. #1 rule. SECONDLY, the story is pretty damn good. The main story although a little slow is a complete story, characters advance in their arcs and lives, people are took out, and people prosper. I'm a sucker for a coming of age story for reasons I don't even fully understand so this is right up my alley here. I'm also a sucker for a who-done-it and this game is both of those things. The Japanese as a people and culture have a real tough time wrapping their heads around the idea of a main character because their communities are more important than they are in that culture. So for them to put together such an amazing main character as Mr. DJ Announcer-san is just wonderful (ha). Joking aside, Tatsuya treats people the way they treat him. If you come at him stupid, he will kick the shit out of them, and if you are respectful towards him, most of the time he will at least make an attempt to get along. Except for the Chinese restaurant at the beginning of the story, every situation that becomes a physical encounter is in 2A self-defense. The painstaking detail for the games' developers to make things happen in this specific way is incredible. You can go back and watch every single encounter that turns physical in the game, every street brawl, every underground match, every boss fight (again except for the Chinese restaurant) and each encounter is Tatsuya defending himself against a violent threat. Great attention to detail there. NEXT, is the art direction discussion. I don't necessarily care how photorealistic a game's graphics are as long as there is a strong style. Kurohyou 1 and 2 are on the PSP handheld console which is roughly the computing power of a Playstation2. What the developers have done with the quality of the visuals with that limited of hardware is nothing short of a miracle. I am using an emulator to boost the resolution 4x, but even then, I should not be more drawn to the comic book art, cool color schemes, and fluid movement even at high-speed than to more modern games with photorealistic graphics. Style is more important because graphics get old and styles are forever, I'm convinced. LASTLY, audio design. The music is fucking fantastic and I could listen to nearly every song on here all day long and not get tired of them. The sounds of the city are great, the insults and shit that is talked during the game are a part of the Japanese language that you rarely, if ever, hear outside of Japan because that impolite language is looked so far down upon. People like Tatusya and Tenma and most of the characters here are already assholes, so they don't care about people looking down on them because they do that already, so people like Tatsuya and Saki and Kuki are just gonna say what they think. The thump of strikes and throwing techniques are audible and impactful in-game. All these aspects together make an amazing ramen broth , if you will, of awesomeness which is the game. The gameplay never gets old, the story is incredible, the graphical style is evergreen, the soundtrack is top 5 if not top 3 in all of gaming, and the cohesion of these elements makes a hydrogen bomb of awesome art with a purpose, and a well-earned place among the greatest games of history. At least for my tastes.