Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties

Despite a lack of boldness in some plot decisions, Yakuza Kiwami 3 is a valid and consistent way to experience Yakuza 3, which has always been one of the best chapters in the saga, especially for its deeper exploration of Kiryu’s personal life.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 continues the solid streak for Ryu Ga Gotoku and the series. The gripping narrative and fun combat deliver on what players enjoy. It doesn’t raise the bar in any way, but newcomers and returning fans will find it a thrill ride from start to epic finish.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties builds a gateway for new players with fun and memorable gameplay, though it leaves behind some of the original's identity along the way.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 definitely succeeds in what it set out to do: bringing a beloved entry in the series to a new generation on the current systems while giving longtime fans a polished reason to revisit Kiryu’s story. The visual improvements, detailed recap system, and fluid/simple combat make the experience welcoming and entertaining, while the series’ signature blend of intense drama and absurd humor remains as charming as ever. At the same time, some elements, like the Dark Ties chapter and main character development, feel like missed opportunities to dig deeper into the emotional core of the story. Still, thanks to its engaging combat, memorable characters, and improved presentation, the remake stands as a solid entry in the franchise. It may not reach the heights of the very best Yakuza titles, but it’s a worthwhile journey for both newcomers and returning fans.

To sum up, Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is a real mixed bag. An interesting story, with great combat will entice new players to try this classic game. Sadly, muddled visuals, not enough new content and terrible animations drag the overall package down. Remakes are meant to be a vast improvement on the original and this has failed to deliver. Still there is a great game to be found if you can see past the problems.