Yakuza 3

 PlayStation 3
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Mar 9, 2010
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 284 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 205 out of 284
  2. Mixed: 56 out of 284
  3. Negative: 23 out of 284
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  1. JohnS
    Mar 16, 2010
    10
    Thoroughly enjoying my time playing this game. Having never played the previous two Yakuza titles, It was the PSN demo that persuaded me to give Yakuza 3 a chance. I'm really glad I did because it has been surprisingly addictive. This game has great atmosphere and is very cinematic. I love the combat, the storyline, the weird and wonderful characters, the cut scenes, sub quests and Thoroughly enjoying my time playing this game. Having never played the previous two Yakuza titles, It was the PSN demo that persuaded me to give Yakuza 3 a chance. I'm really glad I did because it has been surprisingly addictive. This game has great atmosphere and is very cinematic. I love the combat, the storyline, the weird and wonderful characters, the cut scenes, sub quests and mini games. Superb value for money.… Expand
  2. jayn
    Apr 13, 2010
    9
    For someone who loves Japanese culture and wants to experience living there, this game is definitely a must have. Of course there are lots of absurd and unrealistic situations but it's all fun. Gameplay is similar to previous titles but loading is faster in the PS3 so the game is more enjoyable. Fight mechanics are good, mini-games great. People like to compare this with GTA because For someone who loves Japanese culture and wants to experience living there, this game is definitely a must have. Of course there are lots of absurd and unrealistic situations but it's all fun. Gameplay is similar to previous titles but loading is faster in the PS3 so the game is more enjoyable. Fight mechanics are good, mini-games great. People like to compare this with GTA because of the free roaming atmosphere but this game is more like Shenmue (also from SEGA).… Expand
  3. brandaman69
    Nov 12, 2011
    10
    best game ever best story awesome combat a lot of stuff to do its so japanese that even japanese people say damn that game is japanese an all around fun game that I believe everyone should experience
  4. LegendaryBurger
    Apr 6, 2013
    10
    this game is a masterpiece there are tonnes of things to do and the Yakuza series is reborn on the PlayStation 3™ and all our favorite characters are back including Kiryu,Majima,Daigo etc. along with some new awesome characters with an amazing storyline as usual great graphics and gameplay boy this game made my day! MUST BUY!
  5. Isaac
    Dec 7, 2011
    9
    At times I miss last gen's games, and this game reminds me of the PS2 era. While some may see it it as an insult, I say it as a compliment. The game is the third in the Yakuza series, and while I'v never played any previous title, I thoroughly enjoyed Yakuza 3. The game has recap videos that summarize the last two games nicely, and help you understand it's story. As a former Yakuza, KiryuAt times I miss last gen's games, and this game reminds me of the PS2 era. While some may see it it as an insult, I say it as a compliment. The game is the third in the Yakuza series, and while I'v never played any previous title, I thoroughly enjoyed Yakuza 3. The game has recap videos that summarize the last two games nicely, and help you understand it's story. As a former Yakuza, Kiryu Kazuma is trying to escape his criminal life by building an orphange(he is an orphange as well) and living a peaceful life. At times the story can be very interesting and tense while it can also be obtuse and over the top. Not looking at the story, you can enjoy a really good beat-em-up with a ton of brawls with other yakuzas and street gangs. There are many bosses, and some of them can be really difficult. The game is very fun and flows really well. There are many sidequests, which are varied and unique enough to encourage you to complete more of them. The game is lengthy and fun and It has a "last gen" feel to it and I think it deserves more attention. give it a chance.… Expand
  6. the_blueprint
    Dec 19, 2013
    8
    The story and characters are amazing. I've never felt more about a character then I do about Haruka. I always want to protect her. Even though I know she won't get attacked on the streets, I alway stay close to her, I really feel like a father to her. That said, technically this is not a very good game. The gameplay has it's quirks and it's basically still the same game it was on PS2. TheThe story and characters are amazing. I've never felt more about a character then I do about Haruka. I always want to protect her. Even though I know she won't get attacked on the streets, I alway stay close to her, I really feel like a father to her. That said, technically this is not a very good game. The gameplay has it's quirks and it's basically still the same game it was on PS2. The graphics are better yes but on PS2 they were amazing, here on PS3 they're just average.… Expand
  7. melchaios
    May 27, 2011
    10
    Who would've thought being a message boy could be so fun? I didn't expect much from this game, but I have to say it held his own pretty well. The combat is intense and visceral, it may be clunky at first, but once you aquire more skills and moves it gets the depth you were waiting for. Never since the day of the final fight/double dragon era has a beat em up game given me such fun. TheWho would've thought being a message boy could be so fun? I didn't expect much from this game, but I have to say it held his own pretty well. The combat is intense and visceral, it may be clunky at first, but once you aquire more skills and moves it gets the depth you were waiting for. Never since the day of the final fight/double dragon era has a beat em up game given me such fun. The game starts incredibly slow, and in the first hours you just ache for something interesting to happen, story feels boring and cheesy, combat is lacking, and you can only wonder why do such banal sidemissions exist? (teaching a dog tricks? making banana juice? do shopping?). But before you know it, yakuza gets it's claws on you, you develop an addiction to finish sidequests, just for the sake of seing what will happen next; characters become charming and likable; story becomes interesting (although it remains cheesy); and the combat becomes the most rewarding skull bashing parade I've seen in years (with some minor annoyances). It has many rough edges, and many will hate it, but I can almost say that if you can get past the first few hours you won't be able to leave it before finishing it.… Expand
  8. GrumpyReviewer
    Aug 20, 2012
    8
    If you manage to SURVIVE the oh-my-God-this-game-goes-nowhere-initial chapters you'll find a rich, deep and engaging story, with many special characteristics that make this franchise so unique. People tend to compare Yakuza to GTA - and that's a HUGE mistake. If I had to compare, I'd say it resembles Shenmue. This is not a sandbox game, where you can roam freely, doing whatever you feelIf you manage to SURVIVE the oh-my-God-this-game-goes-nowhere-initial chapters you'll find a rich, deep and engaging story, with many special characteristics that make this franchise so unique. People tend to compare Yakuza to GTA - and that's a HUGE mistake. If I had to compare, I'd say it resembles Shenmue. This is not a sandbox game, where you can roam freely, doing whatever you feel like. There's a very linear structure of chapters and events with some sidequests in the middle. And a LOT of brawling. It's all about values, family and doing what it feels right. Great game, hidden gem.… Expand
  9. Ossy_King_99
    May 14, 2014
    10
    Truly a master piece, best game on the PS3 and quite possibly my favorite game of the 7th Gen.
    They messed up a bit with Yakuza 4 by introducing multiple characters and totally terminating kiryu's role in the game, that really sucked
  10. SalarymanDaishi
    Dec 21, 2010
    8
    A dream come true for any Japanophile and quite a proficient sandbox game featuring an intriguing story and the most charismatic cast of characters ever. The game dares to be different and apart from cut content, plenty of invisible walls, and repetitive random encounters, succeeds at that. Not perfect but loads of fun just the same.
  11. Tokyochuchu
    Apr 2, 2012
    8
    If you're a fan of the late, great Shenmue, then you should immediately check out the Yakuza franchise. Whilst Yakuza 3 doesn't quite achieve the level of catharsis or the stately dignity of Shenmue, it does have a lot of similar elements (namely, the real world locations and the free roaming RPG mechanics). That said, the game isn't a Shenmue wannabe, as it's tone is completely different.If you're a fan of the late, great Shenmue, then you should immediately check out the Yakuza franchise. Whilst Yakuza 3 doesn't quite achieve the level of catharsis or the stately dignity of Shenmue, it does have a lot of similar elements (namely, the real world locations and the free roaming RPG mechanics). That said, the game isn't a Shenmue wannabe, as it's tone is completely different. Yakuza 3 has a hilarious Japanese sense of humor that sees you beating the holy crap out of anyone who even looks at you funny. Stamping on a man's face / using a traffic cone as a golf club and a dude's head as a ball / braining somebody with a bicycle wheel... FUNNY EVERY SINGLE TIME! Especially when said 'victims' get up from their beatings and profusely apologize to you. The actual combat is tight and fun, the plot is totally nuts but entertaining (and very convoluted) and there are a ton of mini games to distract you from your main quest. Yakuza 3 made me a full-on franchise fan and was great fun from start to finish.… Expand
  12. peite
    Sep 27, 2016
    8
    A strong 8. Not as good as Yakuza 5 content-wise but story-wise this could be the best in the series with the Okinawan setting where you will learn small details about the Okinawan culture by spending time at the Kyabakura!
  13. skeith
    Sep 7, 2012
    8
    I enjoyed this game very much, despite of its outdated graphic. The combat is really fun, thanks to the simplicity. The storyline of the game is interesting, and has a lot of humour. The revelations made me LOL all the times. It is not those dark story, but more like macho japanese man story. I liked it and I will play the up coming titles for the series. =)
  14. YellowMegaMan
    Mar 6, 2012
    9
    Yakuza 3 is a highly underrated game which was overshadowed on release by the bad press it received for not including all of the side quests of the Japanese version. (Most notably, the ability to visit hostess clubs was removed.)

    Nevertheless, Yakuza 3 is well worth your time, especially if you are into Japanese culture and/or enjoy games with detailed story lines. Some will complain    Yakuza 3 is a highly underrated game which was overshadowed on release by the bad press it received for not including all of the side quests of the Japanese version. (Most notably, the ability to visit hostess clubs was removed.)

    Nevertheless, Yakuza 3 is well worth your time, especially if you are into Japanese culture and/or enjoy games with detailed story lines.

    Some will complain about the lengthy cut-scenes, but I think this is a bit overblown. The game always gives you an opportunity to save before showing you a long cut-scene, plus the scenes themselves are skip-able, and you can also re-watch them from the menu. So there's a good deal of flexibility there. Even without the removed content, Yakuza 3 has upwards of 50 hours of content to enjoy. If you're only interested in finishing the story, this takes about 20 hours.    … Expand
  15. thepatient613
    Feb 16, 2016
    8
    It's not a GTA clone and it's also not a game that everyone will appreciate. What makes Yakuza 3 so special is it's unique charm and storytelling. It is a huge refreshment from what I'm used to. I felt truly engaged in the story and I really wanted to save the orphanage. In the end you feel greatly rewarded for all your work. Solid gameplay, not groundbreaking but solid. It's one of thoseIt's not a GTA clone and it's also not a game that everyone will appreciate. What makes Yakuza 3 so special is it's unique charm and storytelling. It is a huge refreshment from what I'm used to. I felt truly engaged in the story and I really wanted to save the orphanage. In the end you feel greatly rewarded for all your work. Solid gameplay, not groundbreaking but solid. It's one of those games that could easily feel repetitive over time yet manages to keep its charm all the way through.… Expand
  16. RenzyWenzy
    May 2, 2022
    8
    2022 EDIT: After revisiting Yakuza 3, the gameplay is not as strong and it definitely shows its age. The combat and upgrade system gets better in the sequels but it's pretty rough here. Going back to Yakuza 3 after playing Kiwami 1 and 2 was very jarring. Yakuza 4 and 5 will eventually refine this combat by adding more characters and by giving Kiryu more moves to work with early on. I will2022 EDIT: After revisiting Yakuza 3, the gameplay is not as strong and it definitely shows its age. The combat and upgrade system gets better in the sequels but it's pretty rough here. Going back to Yakuza 3 after playing Kiwami 1 and 2 was very jarring. Yakuza 4 and 5 will eventually refine this combat by adding more characters and by giving Kiryu more moves to work with early on. I will have to lower the score but it doesn't take away from the fact this was still an amazing game when I first played it and it introduced to what would eventually become my favorite game series of all time. Nostalgia goggles are real and I definitely do acknowledge that this game's mechanics are probably the weakest out of all the Yakuza games barring the first two. That said, I can't deny how much of an impact this game had on me so I will still give it a solid 8.

    Original review from 2014 below.

    I have never played previous Yakuza games before but now I regret it. I found out about Yakuza 3 when I downloaded it's demo, i forgot why I downloaded it but I'm damn glad I did. The story was immersive, I actually cared about the characters and the struggles they had to go through especially the main character Kiryu Kazuma. Without spoiling anything, Kazuma is a former yakuza member and is the fourth chairman of the tojo clan. He now runs an orphange with his stepdaughter Haruka (not official stepdaughter but you can't deny the strong bond between these two). Kiryu finds out that his orphanage is in danger of being demolished for a resort and travels to Kamurucho to get to the bottom of things but he soon realizes that it's much more complicated than that. The story is rather complex and one that you have to pay close attention too but if you do, you'll experience one of the most mature stories of politics, betrayal, greed and violence in video game history. The intro was just a tad confusing but I guess it's my fault for not paying attention to the subtitles. Oh and that's another thing, you're gonna have to read the subtitles to get what they're saying cause this game is in full Japanese (apart from a few lines spoken in English) with no full English dubbing which is actually very appropriate so I didn't really have a problem with it. Next is the gameplay. The hand-to-hand combat is somewhat simple to learn and a bit harder to master but very rewarding. At the beginning, you have a bare bones moves list with your standard punches and kicks and grapple moves but as you progress, you are given new combos, weapons and special "Heat" moves. These "heat" moves allow you to finish enemies quicker by doing things like stomping their face, suplex-ing them on a chair, spit a cigarette at their face then finishing with a punch and soooooooo much more. It provides a very deep combat system and rewards you for mastering your moves. It may seem a little too easy once you get really strong but don't worry, tougher opponents come in huge numbers from time to time and you are also given fresh challenges in the form of some awesome boss battles. Apart from the combat, there's exploration and the side quests. Now, these side quests are unique and fun to play as well. You get to go on dates (little repetitive though), run away from cross dressers, be a hitman, chase guys who stole from old ladies, sing karaoke even act as a detective and solve mysteries and so much more and hell there's even this segment where you take pictures of these certain citizens who do extraordinary and if you hit the precise buttons at the right time and answer a question correctly, it'll reward you with a brand new "heat" move and that is awesome. Though, I wish they would add waypoints to the map. Seriously, I keep pausing and opening the map every 5 seconds to know where the **** I should be going because the game only sets waypoints for main story mission but not for side quests which is annoying as hell. Another annoyance I had with this game is how it doesn't have a day and night cycle. Sure you can switch from day to night and vice versa but you have to go to your base first and take a nap. I don't get it, why can't the Earth rotate by itself without me getting some shut eye first? Hopefully they fix this in future Yakuza installments.

    So in conclusion, this game has a complex and mature story, compelling characters, some high quality voice acting (even though I don't understand them, i know they're saying it with real emotion) some wacky and fun side quests and deep, rewarding combat system AND it has a new game plus so once you finish the game, you can start a new game with all the moves and skills you unlocked in your previous game. This is one of the most underrated PS3 exclusives and one I would recommend to anyone who wants a damn good open-world experience.    … Expand
  17. eyelidsz
    May 22, 2017
    10
    Yakuza 3 was my introduction to the series. Initially, I played about an hour or two, was unimpressed, and shelved it for a year. Boy was I wrong. When I gave it a second chance a year later, I realized just how wrong I was. Once you get past the slow beginning and realize this is going to be a deeply intense experience, it is extremely rewarding. The characters are among the best (dare IYakuza 3 was my introduction to the series. Initially, I played about an hour or two, was unimpressed, and shelved it for a year. Boy was I wrong. When I gave it a second chance a year later, I realized just how wrong I was. Once you get past the slow beginning and realize this is going to be a deeply intense experience, it is extremely rewarding. The characters are among the best (dare I say the best?) I've encountered in a video game. They aren't bland 2D cutouts of typical action game heroes like so many are today. They have plenty of depth, personality, motivations, and demons within them. The story is always suspenseful and never boring. The soundtrack adds another layer of greatness to the experience. What a game.… Expand
  18. Coreyhardie
    Jul 30, 2016
    9
    The yakuza game that got me into the series and it is awesome, I feel this game too be terribly underrated by fans, the story was great if really slow at times, the bosses are fantastic, and the soundtrack is phenomenal, my only gripes are the slow pacing and the lack of side quest being shown on the map beside that amazing game.
  19. Editman3
    Jan 31, 2017
    10
    I'm personally giving it a ten because I really like the story (though it might be slow paced at times) and bosses and how difficult the game really is though most people don't see how difficult is this. The soundtrack I really like, this game doesn't have as much content as 5 or 0 but it still is pretty fun being my first Yakuza game i'm giving it a ten now to play all the other titles. :-)
  20. raccoondaddy
    May 20, 2017
    9
    Do you like beat-em up games, Shenmue and Japan?! If so, this game should be a 10 easily. Yakuza 3 is obviously the sequel to...Yakuza 2. What you care about is, if its good. That is a resounding, hell yeah!! A fair warning, the graphics are a little dated and look more like PS2 graphics, if you can get through that and the over-the-top story. This is a true gem!

    Yakuza is a mob    Do you like beat-em up games, Shenmue and Japan?! If so, this game should be a 10 easily. Yakuza 3 is obviously the sequel to...Yakuza 2. What you care about is, if its good. That is a resounding, hell yeah!! A fair warning, the graphics are a little dated and look more like PS2 graphics, if you can get through that and the over-the-top story. This is a true gem!

    Yakuza is a mob drama that puts you in the shoes of the most badass gangsters ever...whose now in retirement. Yet, just like Michael Corleone, this story ain't over yet...by a longshot.

    Fighting in the game is entertaining, as you get plenty of moves at your disposal and are capable of picking up just about anything to kick someone's a$$. Along with the fighting, there are minigames, side quests and all kinds of fun things to do. (From fishing and poker to batting cages)

    For those of us, who were fans of Shenmue, this is, to me the spiritual successor to the game. (Even though we may still be getting a sequel) As you explore the area you live in, with a vibrant community and can interact with that environment. Yakuza does this, without the need to search drawers and talk to random NPCs.

    Overall: Yakuza 3 is a FUN blend of a beat em' up, mob soap opera and an RPG. Highly recommended if you looking for something a little different with a nice Asian flair.    … Expand
  21. bullshark
    Feb 23, 2022
    9
    Yakuza 3 is the underrated RGG mainline game. While it looks meh compared to Kiwami 2 and Yakuza 4, remember that Yakuza 3 was made after the PS2 version of Y2 (non-Kiwami), thus was a great technological leap forward. Much of this game was groundbreaking, and watching vids of Y2, I'm greatful for what this game offers & what it introduced into the series. The gameplay is strong, theYakuza 3 is the underrated RGG mainline game. While it looks meh compared to Kiwami 2 and Yakuza 4, remember that Yakuza 3 was made after the PS2 version of Y2 (non-Kiwami), thus was a great technological leap forward. Much of this game was groundbreaking, and watching vids of Y2, I'm greatful for what this game offers & what it introduced into the series. The gameplay is strong, the storyline memorable, tho the combat and QOL coulda used a little more thought. Also, shame the remaster was censored and one substory which didn't appear in the '10 English release, had text basically changed (tho in fairness their backs were prob against a wall). But still, worth playing and NOT to be skipped by any Yakuza fan!… Expand
  22. JessBeast
    Oct 6, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Good game!! The Best XDXDXDXDXDDDXDXSXDXDXDXDXDX XDXDXDXDXDDDXDXSXDXDXDXDXDX… Expand
  23. Ahmadovskii
    Jun 6, 2021
    10
    I beat this game on hard mode and finished all the ultimate challenges, I'm moving onto legend mode. This game is pretty cool
  24. GaAL
    Nov 23, 2021
    9
    Yakuza 3 is a controversial game within the Yakuza franchise. Many people refer to it as being the worst game in the series, but I have to thoroughly disagree there. I feel that the story flows very well with the antagonists involved and it goes on to create a fun and intriguing story. There are the downsides though. I feel the mini games arent at their best in this game and they feelYakuza 3 is a controversial game within the Yakuza franchise. Many people refer to it as being the worst game in the series, but I have to thoroughly disagree there. I feel that the story flows very well with the antagonists involved and it goes on to create a fun and intriguing story. There are the downsides though. I feel the mini games arent at their best in this game and they feel clunky and but polished enough. Overall though a great game.… Expand
  25. Heartbeat98
    Mar 5, 2023
    10
    Ps3 and xbox 360 version is way better than the remastered because it doesn't have the double framerate,causing double heat drain, double speed enemy turning,and double everything that could be against you.

Awards & Rankings

54
#54 Best PS3 Game of 2010
30
#30 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2010
49
#49 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2010

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 77 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 59 out of 77
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 77
  3. Negative: 0 out of 77
  1. GameCritics
    Feb 21, 2012
    65
    Don't get me wrong; Yakuza 3 is still a good game that offers a uniquely Japanese experience and dramatic content an order of magnitude more mature than most of what's coming down the pike, but it just doesn't match up to the first two entries. I hate to say it, but the Dragon of Dojima's gotten soft in the middle-it's time for Kazuma to cut back on the yakiniku and get his ass back to the gym.
    Read full review
  2. Gameplayer
    90
    No other Japanese PS3 game to date provides quite such a vivid game-world in which to play. [JPN Import]
    Read full review
  3. Play UK
    80
    Tells a good story and is a fun game. [Issue#191, p.74]
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