Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties

 PC
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. Adrenaline
    Mar 16, 2026
    70
    Like many remakes in long-running franchises, it occasionally struggles to balance respect for the original with the desire to expand its story. Still, the emotional journey of Kazuma Kiryu remains compelling, and the updated combat and side content help modernize one of the series’ most heartfelt chapters. The additional Dark Ties storyline adds a new perspective to the events of the main game, even if it doesn’t always reach the same narrative highs.
  2. IGN France
    Feb 9, 2026
    70
    Without fully correcting the errors of the original Yakuza (and potentially adding new ones) and adding much more content, this remake is welcome news for fans and newcomers to the series alike, thanks to its dynamism and fresh new look.
  3. CGMagazine
    Feb 9, 2026
    70
    Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is a good remake marred by unsavoury and baffling decisions by the studio, making it a hard game to recommend despite its technical competence.
  5. TheSixthAxis
    Feb 9, 2026
    70
    Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is a combo of action adventures that longtime fans of the series will have hours of fun with. The added gameplay features and altered visuals, unfortunately, contrast with the story experience in a way that doesn't feel as authentic to the original experience as I would have liked.
  6. TheGamer
    Feb 9, 2026
    70
    Yakuza Kiwami 3 is now the best way to experience Yakuza 3, especially since this retcon will likely now be the established canon. There’s no arguing that it has improved on the original in many ways, not only giving it a much-needed facelift and tinkering under the hood to make for a smoother experience, but adding a whole host of new content to whet our appetite. While I lament some losses during the creative overhaul and I am notably disgruntled by one major change, I can’t deny that the positives far outweigh the negatives.
  7. Hooked Gamers
    Feb 19, 2026
    64
    While it's nice to have this story accessible for newcomers, the reality is that the original Yakuza 3 was never the series' high point. Kiwami 3 fails to elevate the source material, instead hampering the experience with unfinished-looking cutscenes and a bizarre "chrome" aesthetic. With the original Yakuza 3 delisted from many digital storefronts, your only alternative is the Yakuza Remastered Collection. Given the high price point of that bundle and the lacklustre quality of this remake, there is very little reason to recommend Kiwami 3 as a standalone purchase.
  8. RPG Fan
    Feb 10, 2026
    59
    Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties left me deeply concerned about the future direction of the Like a Dragon franchise. Since the very first time I played Yakuza Kiwami, this series held a special place in my heart. But if there is one thing that Kiwami 3 lacks, it’s heart. If you’re craving some modern Yakuza action, play any of the recent Dragon Engine brawlers. But if you really want to play Yakuza 3, my suggestion is to go play Yakuza 3 and leave Yakuza Kiwami 3 alone.
  9. Gamekult
    Feb 9, 2026
    50
    If Yakuza 3 Remastered was kept readily accessible, then Yakuza Kiwami 3's mistakes wouldn't be such a big issue. But RGG Studio has decided to erase the original version in favor of a weaker, less inspired remake, with an outright stupid twist ending and watered-down gameplay (despite a few enjoyable side activities along the way). The Dark Ties gaiden game offers an interesting look into Mine's backstory and would be enjoyable as a budget title on its own, but the overall package is found lacking, to say nothing of Teruyuki Kagawa's involvement and RGG Studio's silence on that matter. Yakuza feels like a headless cash cow now. Let's hope Stranger Than Heaven strikes gold.
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  1. Rock, Paper, Shotgun
    Feb 9, 2026
    That Kanda/Kagawa cloud hangs over Dark Ties and Kiwami 3, and expanding Yakuza 3 with minigames taken from later Like A Dragon games does nothing to dispel it. One moment, you can be merrily mashing away at baddies in the biker battles as the co-boss of a girl gang – which would feel refreshingly progressive in any other Like A Dragon game – but in the next you might need to consider adding Kanda and Hamazaki to your squad in order to win the next scrum. Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is a serviceable remake in a vacuum, but it doesn't exist in isolation. Quirky charm and moreish busywork can’t distract from RGG’s questionable attitude to sexual assault.