Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties have received an M18 rating from IMDA Singapore, with detailed classification notes outlining the scope of violence, language, and mature themes present in the compilation. The rating applies to the combined release titled “Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties,” which brings together two action-adventure games set in Japan and centered on interconnected crime narratives.
According to the rating description, “Yakuza Kiwami 3” follows Kazuma Kiryu, a former yakuza whose attempt at a quiet life running the Morning Glory orphanage is disrupted when he becomes entangled in a wider conspiracy threatening the facility. The second title, “Dark Ties,” focuses on Yoshitaka Mine, described as a rising figure within the Tojo clan who seeks a deeper bond beyond material success, a pursuit that draws the attention of rival forces. Both stories are presented from a third-person perspective and emphasize narrative progression through exploration, combat, and cinematic scenes.
IMDA classified the compilation as M18 due to violence and coarse language. The rating notes explain that gameplay includes completing quests, engaging enemies, playing mini-games, and making dialogue or action choices that can influence character reactions and story progression. Combat allows the use of melee and ranged weapons, including guns and bladed or blunt instruments, alongside environmental items. Special moves can further intensify attacks, with victories rewarding cash and upgrades, while food and drink restore health.
The rating description highlights the intensity of combat encounters, stating that fights can be frequent and fast-paced as players move through streets and other locations. It adds that combo attacks against enemies result in visual effects such as blood spurting and staining nearby surfaces. More severe depictions are also cited, including characters being shot with “copious bloodletting,” as well as implied deaths caused by explosions or strangulation. References to sexual assault and suicide are also present. IMDA notes that under the M18 guidelines, “depictions of realistic violence, such as killing, maiming or causing other serious injury to humanoid characters” are permitted.
Strong language is another factor in the classification. IMDA states that “frequent use of strong coarse language” is allowed within the M18 category. Some suggestive content is also mentioned, including scenes with pole-dancers in revealing outfits and dialogue containing sexual innuendo, references to sex workers, and implied sexual activity.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties is scheduled for release on February 12, 2026, for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam.
