Yakuza series...

[Shozuki]

I haven't played any of these, but want to. I don't fancy going all the way back to the PS2 ones - so can I enjoy the PS3 ones?

Also seeing as I'm not a series vet, should I play 4 see if I like it and work backwards...?

Thanks

[dvdx2]

I started with 3 and got bored halfway through 4

1 and 2 are decent, but require a good time investment

They are no shenmue though....

[wakka]

Definitely recommend playing the PS2 ones first, it's a very narrative-driven game and you'll be missing out on a lot.

[nakamura]

Yes are no Shenmue, they are far better, but that's hardly fair as they are newer. The plots are really good with interesting characters and set pieces. The combat system is really well done too. The first game really is superb and well worth playing.

[Decider-VT]

Might be worth holding out for the HD collection if you haven't played the first two. Sega have given the usual non-committal "no news on this" regarding localisation but if you're happy to wait for a bit longer to see if they'll get their act together...

[Guts]

You can play them as 3 and 4 have the option to watch the stories of previous games, but naturally you'll miss some parts, mainly the relationships between the different characters etc.