Overall Score: 70/100
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Story | 7/10 |
| Gameplay | 7/10 |
| Visuals | 8/10 |
| Audio | 9/10 |
| Value for Money | 4/10 |
Price: $60
Completion Time: ~25 Hours
Reviewed On: PS5
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is an ambitious but uneven package. On the surface, it modernizes a nearly two-decade-old game with smoother combat and upgraded visuals. Underneath, however, its narrative revisions and missing content make it feel less cohesive than the original.
There are still heartfelt moments — especially during Kiryu’s time running Morning Glory orphanage — but the remake often complicates what once felt focused. Dark Ties, the new side campaign centered on Yoshitaka Mine, adds perspective but lacks depth. The result isn’t a bad experience — just a frustrating one that struggles to justify its existence.
What Is Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties?
Developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and published by SEGA, this release combines a full remake of Yakuza 3 (2009) with a brand-new side campaign titled Dark Ties.
Dark Ties shifts the focus to Yoshitaka Mine, the original game’s primary antagonist, promising insight into his rise within the Tojo Clan.
The game launched on February 12, 2026, for:
- PC (Steam)
- PlayStation 5
- PlayStation 4
- Xbox Series X|S
- Nintendo Switch 2
Key Features
- A new secondary campaign starring Yoshitaka Mine
- Ryukyu weapon-based combat style
- Expanded Morning Glory orphanage management
- “Bad Boy Dragon” biker gang side system
- Survival Hell roguelike combat mode
- Updated visuals via the Dragon Engine
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Combat feels smoother and more responsive
- Morning Glory side content adds emotional depth
- Strong soundtrack and voice performances
Cons
- Combat becomes repetitive quickly
- Narrative changes disrupt series continuity
- Dark Ties feels short and padded
- Significant cut content from the original
Story – 7/10
At its heart, Yakuza 3 has always been about Kazuma Kiryu trying — and failing — to leave the criminal underworld behind. That emotional foundation remains intact. Watching Kiryu act as a father figure to the children of Morning Glory orphanage is still one of the most sincere arcs in the franchise.
However, the remake introduces changes that muddy the larger timeline. Certain retcons alter previously definitive events, creating inconsistencies when transitioning into later entries in the series. Longtime fans may find these shifts distracting, while newcomers could struggle to understand the broader continuity.
Dark Ties attempts to deepen Yoshitaka Mine’s motivations but rarely ventures beyond ideas players already understood. Its short runtime and chore-heavy structure disrupt pacing rather than enhance it.
The emotional core is still there — it’s just surrounded by unnecessary revisions.
Gameplay – 7/10
The original Yakuza 3 was known for stiff, sometimes frustrating combat. Kiwami 3 undeniably improves responsiveness and animation flow. Movement feels cleaner, and fights are less clunky overall.
Unfortunately, smoother controls don’t equal deeper systems.
The newly introduced Ryukyu style allows Kiryu to summon weapons like tonfas, shields, and even scythes with a button press. It’s visually flashy and initially exciting. But enemy AI rarely demands strategic play. Most encounters devolve into repeated button combinations with little resistance.
Side activities return in abundance, including the biker gang storyline and various mini-games. While these offer variety, many feel repetitive or overstretched.
Combat works better technically, but it lacks complexity.
Visuals – 8/10
Powered by the Dragon Engine, this remake looks significantly more polished than the 2009 release. Lighting, environmental detail, and overall presentation benefit from modern hardware, particularly on PS5.
That said, something intangible feels lost. Some character models lack the expressive weight of the original performances, and certain recasting choices may surprise longtime fans.
It looks modern — but occasionally feels less soulful.
Audio – 9/10
The audio design is one of the strongest aspects of the package. The soundtrack continues the series tradition of blending emotional orchestration with high-energy battle themes.
Japanese voice performances are particularly strong, delivering both dramatic tension and heartfelt moments convincingly. The English dub for Kiryu, however, may feel slightly off for players accustomed to his traditional tone.
Still, musically and vocally, the game excels.
Value for Money – 4/10
At $60, this release is difficult to recommend at launch.
While visual and mechanical improvements are evident, a significant amount of original substory content has been removed. Yakuza 3 Remastered — now largely delisted — offered more side content at a lower price.
Dark Ties, which might have justified the premium cost, feels too short and padded to carry that weight.
There is enjoyment here, but it feels overpriced. Waiting for a sale is the smarter move.
Dark Ties – A Short-Lived Perspective
Marketed as a substantial second campaign, Dark Ties instead feels like an extended side mode.
Players control Yoshitaka Mine as he navigates Tojo Clan politics and builds his power base. Conceptually, this is compelling. Mine has always been one of the franchise’s more layered antagonists.
Execution, however, falls short.
Most story progression is locked behind mandatory errands and reputation tasks, slowing momentum considerably. Instead of delivering meaningful psychological depth, the campaign reiterates familiar themes.
The standout feature is Survival Hell, a roguelike combat mode where Mine fights through increasingly difficult waves of enemies. It strips away narrative padding and focuses purely on mechanics — arguably making it the most engaging part of Dark Ties.
Final Verdict – 70/100
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is technically improved but creatively conflicted.
The smoother combat and upgraded visuals are welcome. The Morning Glory content remains heartfelt. But narrative retcons, missing substories, and an underwhelming expansion prevent this remake from surpassing — or even matching — the original’s impact.
Sometimes modernization enhances a classic. Other times, it complicates what already worked.
For now, this is a remake best approached cautiously — and preferably at a discount.
Product Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties |
| Release Date | February 12, 2026 |
| Developer | Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio |
| Publisher | SEGA |
| Platforms | PC (Steam), PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2 |
| Genre | Action, Adventure, RPG |
| Players | 1 |
| ESRB | Mature 17+ |