Yakuza 3 Finally Has a Shot at Redemption After 17 Years

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Sega is having a busy few months, with seven games planned for release, including a remake of *Yakuza 3*. While details slipped out early, *Yakuza Kiwami 3* was officially announced at the Tokyo Game Show with a special addition: a new story called *Dark Ties* that focuses on the villain Yoshitaka Mine. Plus, the earlier *Yakuza Kiwami* remakes are also coming to the Nintendo Switch 2.

Just before the Tokyo Game Show, Sega let ComicBook and other gaming websites try out *Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties* at their California office. I hadn’t really gotten into the Yakuza games before – I’ve always preferred the Mafia series – but after playing almost an hour of both titles, I think that might be changing. I’m looking forward to the bundle’s release in February 2026 and could become a Yakuza fan by then.

Remaking an older game like this always faces the challenge of feeling fresh and modern. When *Yakuza 3* originally came out in 2009, action and martial arts games were very different. Returning to that game now would feel clunky and outdated, with little to enjoy beyond the main story. *Kiwami 3* solves this problem by completely updating the gameplay and adding new things to do and experience. This makes it a much better version of *Yakuza 3*, a game that many players have overlooked.

What You Should Know About Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties

The graphics in *Yakuza Kiwami 3* are a huge step up from the previous Kiwami games. Sega has really refined the Dragon Engine, resulting in incredibly detailed characters, smooth animations, and lively, interactive cities. The game looks as good as many brand-new releases, and it delivers the kind of immersive open world I’ve been hoping for. This high level of visual quality also extends to *Yakuza: Like a Dragon* (Dark Ties), as both games were developed concurrently and share similar environments.

The biggest improvement in Sega’s remake of *Yakuza 3* is definitely the combat system. *Kiwami 3* lets Kiryu fight using two different styles: the familiar Dragon of Dojima Style, which returning players will recognize, and the brand-new Ryukyu Style. Throughout the game, Kiryu also uses eight unique Okinawan weapons like spears, oars, and nunchucks. Players can quickly switch between fighting styles – and their corresponding weapons – during battles with a single button press, creating a dynamic and enjoyable experience.

In *Dark Ties*, the fighting feels fluid and fast-paced, like watching an MMA match. I actually preferred this game’s combat system because it gave me more control. It was very similar to the fighting in the first *Batman: Arkham* games, particularly how easily you could move between enemies.

While the fighting is a major part of Yakuza games, this remake offers much more to do. Familiar locations like Club Sega are back in *Kiwami 3*, along with plenty of activities such as karaoke, billiards, and darts. You can also explore a wide variety of restaurants. The city feels truly alive, with something interesting to discover around every corner, all delivered with the signature Yakuza humor fans love.

The main story follows the same path as *Yakuza 3*, as you’d expect from a remake, but it’s enhanced with new side stories and quests. These additions might even encourage players to explore beyond the main storyline this time around. The biggest addition is *Dark Ties* – it’s not just a simple flashback or side quest, but a complete, fully playable game that delves into the history of a key character. The fact that both the remake and *Dark Ties* are included is incredible, and *Dark Ties* alone makes this version worth experiencing, offering a fresh perspective on the Yakuza universe.

Although we’ll have to wait for the complete version to see everything it offers, fans who were let down by *Yakuza 3* can be reassured that the remake seems to address their concerns, based on the demo I played. Even if the remake doesn’t fully satisfy, the *Dark Ties* expansion is a great addition to the game, with new combat and a truly excellent minigame – one of the best I’ve ever experienced.

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2025-09-25 15:12