Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties marks the third remake in the franchise. It goes back to the basics while adding new content. Some of that new content is controversial because of the creative changes made to the story. There is also a lot of backlash online from dedicated fans who claim that a lot of content has been cut. Still, beneath all that, is it a solid Yakuza game?
First, I need to mention how Sega has made things a bit messy with the naming. The newer games are now called Like a Dragon, while the older ones are still called Yakuza. It is honestly confusing, especially if you are new to the series. Getting back to the point, this is a full remake of the original PS3 release, which was later remastered for PS4, PC, and other platforms. This version rebuilds the game in the Dragon Engine, bringing not just visual upgrades but also changes to combat and content. For fans who already know the story, the main draw is the Dark Ties expansion, which acts as a prequel that follows Mine, a key character from the main campaign.
I have always been fond of the Yakuza or Like a Dragon games, and I am often surprised by how quickly the developers release new entries. While that is impressive, the games do reuse many assets and character models. With Kiwami 3, that reuse is starting to show more clearly, and parts of the game look dated. I understand this was meant to be a cross-generational release, but even though the character models look good, the overall quality is uneven. Backgrounds and some environmental textures are not very impressive. As a remake, it does not feel like a big step forward. That said, the combat overhaul is strong. Since the original Yakuza 3 was criticized for its combat, these changes feel like a real improvement.
The story in Yakuza Kiwami 3 continues directly from the first two games. It does a good job of recapping past events by having Kiryu visit the graves of key characters, so it is not strictly necessary to play the earlier games. That said, you probably should. In this third entry, Kazuma Kiryu has retired from the Yakuza and now runs the Morning Glory orphanage. The opening hours focus on this new life, with Kiryu managing the orphanage and dealing with the children. Things soon take a turn when the land becomes the center of a power struggle between politicians and criminals.
While Yakuza Kiwami 3 starts at a slow pace, it picks up once the main conflict is in place. Kiryu once again returns to Kamurocho and meets new characters like Rikiya and Mine. I have always liked the antagonists in the Yakuza series, and Mine is another interesting one. It was good to see his story expanded in the Dark Ties spin-off, but his role in Kiwami 3 feels limited. Because of that, he does not stand out as one of the stronger villains in the franchise, and this entry has often been seen as one of the weaker ones in the series. This time, the story is not just about Yakuza politics and the fallout between clans. It also carries some emotional weight, with the orphanage and its children serving as a family that Kiryu wants to protect.
The combat system deserves the most praise because it has been fully reworked. It feels more dynamic now and removes much of the repetition from the original release, where enemies would simply absorb punches and fights lacked impact. There are two fighting styles available: the classic Dragon of Dojima style and the new Ryukyu style. The new style is especially fun, as it lets Kiryu use a variety of weapons against his enemies. The controls feel responsive, with real weight behind each punch. Dodging and well-timed attacks lead to satisfying results.
While the orphanage is central to the story, it also slows down the pacing. The whole Bad Boy Dragon biker gang mode feels like filler, as it does not add much to the overall plot. The side stories have been greatly reduced in this remake, which is disappointing. The original game did have some repetitive side content, so cutting a few would not have been a problem if they had at least kept some of the better ones. That said, since this release also includes the Dark Ties spin-off, the reduction does not feel as drastic as it sounds on paper. I am not the biggest fan of Dark Ties, though. It adds more background and gives more insight into Mine as a character, but his combat feels basic, and his abilities seem underdeveloped.
Overall, this is an interesting remake in the Yakuza series. It fixes some of the original game’s flaws, but it also cuts too much content while adding some unnecessary padding. From a story standpoint, it is one of the weaker entries, and the main antagonist lacks the presence and threat of earlier villains. Even so, it is still an enjoyable Yakuza game that is worth your time if you like Kiryu’s combat and want to follow his story.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Game Information
- Price: $59.99
- Publisher: SEGA
- Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
- Platform: PS5 (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher
