Yakuza 5's Haruka won't take part in battles

Yakuza 5 will have five main characters, but at least one of them won't be hitting thugs over the head with chairs.

Speaking to Dengeki, as reported by Andriasang, producer Toshihiro Nagoshi said Haruka won't participate in the franchise's celebrated street battles.

Instead, she'll have some other form of battle to face; Nagoshi isn't giving any details yet, but given Haruka's ambition to become an idol, we're going to bet is has something to do with singing and dancing her way to the top.

Combat isn't the only aspect of the game where Haruka's adventure takes a unique turn; as she's underage, she won't be able to hang out in the hostess clubs and bars the other characters frequent. Instead, she'll have her own side activities inaccessible to the rest of the crew.

Yakuza 5 hits Japan in December and will likely make its way to the west some months thereafter.