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. Kamurocholover
    Jun 25, 2023
    6
    i love this game with all my heart, it hurts me to put it on 6, but man the controls are horrible!!!, and the enemies are on super hard for no reason
  2. TianLong1
    Mar 31, 2023
    7
    New setting, new characters. I enjoyed this game a lot, not because of the plot but more because of the characters in the orphanage and your friends in Okinawa, it feels like living in some paradise island except it is tainted with corruption and yakuza plotting to take everything for you. The remastered graphics look decent enough, but you can tell this is an old game because of the veryNew setting, new characters. I enjoyed this game a lot, not because of the plot but more because of the characters in the orphanage and your friends in Okinawa, it feels like living in some paradise island except it is tainted with corruption and yakuza plotting to take everything for you. The remastered graphics look decent enough, but you can tell this is an old game because of the very cranky animations and gameplay. Still had a good time though.… Expand
  3. 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.
  4. JesseDillinger
    Feb 1, 2023
    5
    Worst one by far. The fighting is so stiff and the first few hours of the game are really slow. Ngl all these games kind of mix together when it comes to the story, but I don't recall being wowed by this one. Just remember the annoying fights.
  5. FatalErrorSyst
    Jan 25, 2023
    1
    Peut-on m'expliquer quel est l'intêret de changer complétement l'interface du jeu (le menu ressemble à un utilitaire DOS pour modifier son bios) , et la customisation des compétences est trés moche et hasardeuse.

    Parlons des personnages , les graphismes sont dans les choux, les personnages mal animés, on doit frôlé la densité de population de 200 personnes / m2, aprés avoir joué a    Peut-on m'expliquer quel est l'intêret de changer complétement l'interface du jeu (le menu ressemble à un utilitaire DOS pour modifier son bios) , et la customisation des compétences est trés moche et hasardeuse.

    Parlons des personnages , les graphismes sont dans les choux, les personnages mal animés, on doit frôlé la densité de population de 200 personnes / m2, aprés avoir joué a yakuza kiwami 2 , qui était trés franchement magifique, là c'est la grosse décéption .

    Enfin, j'imagine qu'il a dû y avoir une restriction budgétaire chez
    Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, où bien ce sont les stagiaires qui ont développé le jeu. mdr    … Expand
  6. shin777
    Jun 6, 2022
    0
    Game is 10/10, but Sega is so bad company not translating their games even after remastering them
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. superpyro296
    Dec 28, 2021
    7
    I played Yakuza 0, Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kimwami 2 before this one and until now, Yakuza 3 is the weakest of those entries. Don't get me wrong...it is still a good game but nothing compared to the previous games. Yakuza 3 still has a really good story and I think it is one of the major assets of the game. The cinematics, voice acting, music, sound are super good. However, the combat canI played Yakuza 0, Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kimwami 2 before this one and until now, Yakuza 3 is the weakest of those entries. Don't get me wrong...it is still a good game but nothing compared to the previous games. Yakuza 3 still has a really good story and I think it is one of the major assets of the game. The cinematics, voice acting, music, sound are super good. However, the combat can be really tedious and that's why I would recommend to avoid the hard difficulty or to try to complete 100% of the game. I did a few substories buy my completion rate was only 11% for a 23 hours playthrough. One of the streamers I follow had a completion rate of around 8% and only focused on the main story which seem recommend for this game. It is still a solid 7/10 and I definetly recommend to don't skip this game. There is also a new location that has a unique vibe and we see the soft side of Kiryu.… Expand
  10. TIMOFEIKA
    Dec 6, 2021
    5
    this game is a bit sad, but i think this is one of the worst games in the serious because of its upgrading mechanics. it's a great game and all but i used to think the upgrading mechanics ruin the game
  11. 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
  12. hellacool
    Sep 10, 2021
    2
    cant stand the dialogues in between the cinematic scenes. Reading and pressing one button all the time... nah
  13. 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
  14. adam5599
    Mar 7, 2021
    7
    The combat doesn't hold up well at all, but what makes Yakuza such an enjoyable experience is still here.
  15. MrIslamic
    Jan 27, 2021
    6
    (I played this on RPCS3) I wasn't a big fan of this game, the story starts good but the ending was weak. The open-world was good, I liked Okinawa a lot. The combat was ok. Overall the game is really mediocre.
  16. JessBeast
    Oct 6, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Good game!! The Best XDXDXDXDXDDDXDXSXDXDXDXDXDX XDXDXDXDXDDDXDXSXDXDXDXDXDX… Expand
  17. wspark
    Oct 16, 2018
    7
    I’ve just finished Yakuza 3 after playing through its PS4 remakes/prequels, and up to this point, this definitely seems to be weakest entry in the series so far. Sure, comparing Yakuza 3 to latter-PS4 entries is a bit unfair, but that is the context that I have, so be it.

    Someone else once stated that Yakuza is 3 more like a "gaiden" (side-story) version of the Kiryu saga, and I have    I’ve just finished Yakuza 3 after playing through its PS4 remakes/prequels, and up to this point, this definitely seems to be weakest entry in the series so far. Sure, comparing Yakuza 3 to latter-PS4 entries is a bit unfair, but that is the context that I have, so be it.

    Someone else once stated that Yakuza is 3 more like a "gaiden" (side-story) version of the Kiryu saga, and I have to agree. Everything is a bit slower-paced compared to the prequels; from a slower-pace Okinawa beach and smaller-city setting taking a large chunk of the gameplay. It's fine for what it is, but does feel a bit off kilter compared to the other sagas.

    Presentation is appropriate for an early PS3-era game, so if you keep your expectations in it's fine, but it didn't quite teleport me back to kabuki-cho/dotonbori like its PS4 prequels.

    The fight gameplay is fairly average - it just doesn’t have the bone-crunching effect of the PS4 entries, and the moves and the play seems a bit… plain-Jane. Mostly button-mashing with a few dodges thrown in here and there for the tougher fights, but nothing that will make you sweat for an extended period of time.

    The main story is decent – it’s maybe on par with part 1. Your typical crime-drama storyline here with some melodramatic plot points (with you running an orphanage and all). I can’t say the storyline was exceptional like that of part 0, but there’s nothing wrong here.

    The side-story missions are okay, but I feel the formula is starting to wear thin. I found myself just wanting to move on with the main story as I didn't find the side plots particularly compelling nor all the mini games interesting.

    All in all, Yakuza 3 is up to par or above average in most aspects, but the series is starting to become a grind at this point. I have pre-purchased the entire Kiryu-saga, so I will eventually finish up to part 6, but I’m definitely starting to run out of steam a bit. Series started out with a blast, but I think the entire saga could've been a trilogy (+ prequel maybe) or so, and they really should’ve capped everything off by about now. And this is coming from someone who has lived in Japan, speaks passable Japanese, and has a fair appreciation of the culture (and its subcultures like this). If I'm beginning to get tired of the series, I can only imagine it'd be much more so for the casual individual who might not have such an interest in Japanese (sub)cultures like myself.    … Expand
  18. ihatecheez
    Oct 22, 2017
    5
    started playing all the yakuza games in chronological order and this one has been worst so far. with one of the slowest opening acts, barely any voice acting, cut scenes, or anything interesting going on, i gave up quickly. and after looking up the story in the flashbacks in yakuza 4, i didn't miss much in terms of lore either. i'd recommend everyone to just skip this one.
  19. 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
  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. Broyax
    Apr 15, 2017
    0
    C'est l'histoire de programmeurs japonais qui veulent faire un jeu à la GTA et dans un sens, c'est très réussi : je n'ai jamais autant ri.

    Ri devant ces graphismes de Playstation 2, ri aux voix japonaises (les seules disponibles) ri durant les nombreuses cinématiques ridicules (mais pas trop longtemps quand même, on finit par rire jaune). Ri devant ces boîtes de dialogues en anglais    C'est l'histoire de programmeurs japonais qui veulent faire un jeu à la GTA et dans un sens, c'est très réussi : je n'ai jamais autant ri.

    Ri devant ces graphismes de Playstation 2, ri aux voix japonaises (les seules disponibles) ri durant les nombreuses cinématiques ridicules (mais pas trop longtemps quand même, on finit par rire jaune). Ri devant ces boîtes de dialogues en anglais (appuie sur X pour lire la phrase suivante...?)

    J'ai ri aussi devant cette ville que l'on ne peut pas explorer, où l'on ne peut strictement rien faire à dire vrai, sauf suivre le chemin imposé : une ville-couloir, il fallait le faire... ils l'ont fait (Sega c'est plus fort que toi !).

    J'ai ri également devant cette pauvre histoire de yakuzas plus niaise qu'un épisode de Candy, ces combats de rue indignes du plus mauvais jeu de baston, ces boss débiles. L'ambiance sonore est pauvre voire inexistante, la musique... n'en parlons pas. Oh bien sûr j'oubliais, on peut utiliser des objets du décor pour tabasser les tatoués. Tout cela est désopilant et consternant. L'humour japonais sans doute !    … Expand
  22. 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. :-)
  23. 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!
  24. 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.
  25. 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
  26. MixedKing
    Oct 6, 2015
    7
    Not bad, the only thing that was improved was the cut scenes which looked really good. I was quite impressed with them actually, I think they were the best cut scenes I have ever seen. It was like watching a movie. At some point though I got tired of all the fighting because I hate the combat style and you have to fight random people in the street a lot.
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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!
  30. 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. =)
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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

All reviews »
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]
See all critic reviews »