Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties Gets “Mixed” Reviews on Steam Due to Casting Choices, Retcons

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Since the release of Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties, Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio have received a lot of feedback from players, much of it critical. The PC version on Steam has ‘Mixed’ user reviews, with only 62% of players giving it a positive rating. While some reviewers liked new features, especially the story of Yoshitake Mine in Dark Ties, many others have raised concerns about the game.

A Steam user named JigenDaisuke criticized the new release, calling it unoriginal because the story changes made in Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties contradicted the original Yakuza 3 storyline.

Fans have strongly criticized the story changes made in Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties, calling them a disservice to the original RGG3 game, the entire Kiryu saga, and anyone who thinks critically about the series. They also expressed disappointment with the removal of content, replaced by minigames from newer games – a common practice in the Kiwami remakes – and the recasting of certain characters.

A user named jack has criticized the studio’s decision to cast Teruyuki Kagawa, who has faced sexual misconduct allegations. They also expressed disappointment with changes made to the story, saying it felt rushed and unpolished. The user reported experiencing frequent crashes while playing and admitted they were unsure how to feel about the final product, but ultimately found it underwhelming. They specifically mentioned allegations of sexual assault involving a cast member as a concern.

However, the game also has its share of positive feedback. Steam user Slifer Slacker described Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties as a mixed experience, admitting it has both strengths and weaknesses.

The story itself is controversial, but I don’t have any issues with it. However, the way it was marketed hurt it. If it had been presented as the beginning of a new storyline, it wouldn’t have received as much criticism. Otherwise, these changes could create problems for future games, particularly the fourth one. Overall, it’s a 90% improvement, except for the ending, which deviates from the original and causes issues.

Last week saw the release of Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. This game is a remake of the 2009 title Yakuza 3, rebuilt with the modern Dragon Engine – the same technology used in Yakuza 6: Song of Life. In addition to the main story, the game includes Dark Ties, which expands on the backstory and motivations of the character Yoshitaka Mine.

Masayoshi Yokoyama, an executive producer at RGG Studio, has announced that future remakes won’t be released under the “Kiwami” name. While the studio may still remake older Yakuza games like Yakuza 4 or 5, they’re shifting their approach to the series’ overall story, meaning the “Kiwami” label won’t be used again.

Yokoyama recently stated that while some upcoming games have already been revealed, Yakuza Kiwami 3 will likely be the final installment in the Kiwami series. He anticipates a new series will follow, moving beyond the Kiwami remakes.

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2026-02-17 19:11