‘Respect the Original, But Don’t Rely on It’: Yakuza Kiwami 3 Director on Remaking a ‘Rough’ Game

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From what we’ve played so far, Yakuza Kiwami 3 looks like a fantastic and comprehensive remake of a beloved PlayStation 3 game.

So, how did the team go about expanding and updating such a popular game? According to Automaton, the producer and director, Ryosuke Horii, recently shared some interesting details in an interview.

You know, as a big fan, I always wonder how much of the original game the developers feel they have to keep when they’re making a remake. That seems like a really tough balance to strike, and that’s exactly what Mr. Horii was talking about – figuring out what stays and what goes.

If you don’t approach it carefully, you’ll likely end up with a disappointing remake. My goal with this project was to honor the original work without simply copying it.

RGG Studio has remade several games, but Yakuza Kiwami 3 seems to be their biggest remake so far. It includes significant additions, such as an entirely new campaign called ‘Dark Ties,’ where you play as the game’s villain, Mine.

Horii also believes the original Yakuza 3, released in 2009, is a strong contender for a remake, as it hasn’t held up well over time.

He describes the game as flawed but believes a successful remake requires acknowledging those imperfections.

He suggests it’s important to overcome overly positive memories, explaining that clinging to nostalgia can lead to poor decision-making for the team.

Horii then explained that Yakuza: Kiwami 3 was made with the most junior development team in the history of the RGG Studio, a deliberate choice to ensure they weren’t influenced by pre-existing opinions about the original game.

Looking back on Yakuza 3, creator Toshihiro Nagoshi (Horii is a likely transcription error) admits the combat was very challenging. He suggests this was due to tough enemies that blocked a lot and the fact that Kiryu’s attacks weren’t always easy to connect.

“It was tough to beat the game, and I’d even say it was the hardest in the series,” he continues.

Horii explained that the studio has improved significantly since then, and players can expect a much better experience with Kiwami 3.

“I think it’s a very ambitious game that doesn’t just dwell on memories of the past,” he concludes.

What did you think of what Horii said? Are you excited for Yakuza Kiwami 3? What do you think of all the new features? Share your thoughts and don’t forget to show off your best Hawaiian shirt in the comments!

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2026-01-19 23:07