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Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Game Cover
65%Game Brain Score
graphics, gameplay
story, replayability
65% User Score Based on 74 reviews

Platforms

Nintendo SwitchXbox Series X|SPCPlaystation 5Playstation 4XboxWindowsPlayStationNintendo Switch 2
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Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Game Cover

About

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is a single player role playing game. It was developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and was released on February 11, 2026. It received mostly positive reviews from players.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties follows ex-yakuza Kazuma Kiryu as he battles to protect his loved ones across vividly recreated Okinawa and Tokyo. This intense remake enhances combat and storytelling, blending deep character-driven drama with new customization options and fan-favorite content. Experience a reborn legend in a dynamic, action-packed adventure.

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Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties screenshot
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties screenshot
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties screenshot
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties screenshot
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties screenshot
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties screenshot
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties screenshot
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties screenshot
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties screenshot
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties screenshot
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties screenshot
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65%
Audience ScoreBased on 74 reviews
graphics4 positive mentions
replayability3 negative mentions
  • The combat mechanics have improved significantly, making battles more enjoyable and dynamic.
  • The game features modern quality-of-life improvements, such as no loading times before and after fights, enhancing the overall experience.
  • Despite some changes, the game retains the essence of the Yakuza series, providing a nostalgic experience for long-time fans.
  • Many fans are disappointed with the removal of content, including over 80 substories and significant character changes, which detracts from the original narrative.
  • The graphics and character models have been criticized for being inconsistent and not meeting modern standards, leading to a less immersive experience.
  • The controversial casting decisions and retcons have sparked significant backlash, causing frustration among the fanbase regarding the direction of the series.
  • story
    12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of Yakuza Kiwami 3 has received mixed reviews, with some praising its emotional depth and engaging narrative, particularly for newcomers, while others criticize significant retcons that undermine the original plot and character development. Many fans feel that the changes detract from the overall experience, making it less coherent and meaningful compared to the original titles. Despite these criticisms, the game retains its signature blend of action and dramatic storytelling typical of the Yakuza series.

    • “For those new players like me, Yakuza Kiwami 3 seems like the best option to have a deep dive into the Okinawa storyline, which played such a huge emotional role in Like a Dragon Gaiden.”
    • “The graphics just look like the new games, and the storyline is catchy.”
    • “It is still a Yakuza experience that stays true to its fighting style and soap opera story.”
    • “I can't even recommend this to new fans because of the retcons that make Yakuza 4's plot even more nonsensical.”
    • “The retcons made to the story of RGG3 with Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties are absolute abominations and an insult to the original game, the entire Kiryu saga, and any fan with even an ounce of critical sense.”
    • “The original story premise is gone.”
  • graphics
    12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics in the game receive mixed reviews, with some praising the sharp visuals and modern standards, while others criticize inconsistencies and a decline in quality compared to previous titles. Users note that while new additions are enjoyable, older assets appear outdated and clash with the overall art style. Overall, the graphics are seen as a blend of impressive elements and significant shortcomings, reflecting a decline in the series' visual fidelity.

    • “Amazing graphics, and the worst combat system in the series became the best one.”
    • “Graphics are sharp, mini games are fun.”
    • “Also the graphics look great and I'm enjoying the new stuff.”
    • “The graphics are almost bizarrely inconsistent and even at their best, don't match up to the past few games.”
    • “Instead they retconned the ending, cut 80+ substories including the fan favorite of the franchise, made the map smaller than the nearly 20-year-old original, and somehow made the graphics worse too?”
    • “The older faces don't match up in aesthetic with the newer faces and the game's general art style, also barely been touched up.”
  • gameplay
    7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the modern quality-of-life improvements and new fighting mechanics, while others find older mechanics tedious. The transition to turn-based mechanics has been divisive, though many have come to enjoy the new systems. Overall, the game offers a wealth of content and a more mainstream approach to gameplay, appealing to fans of the series.

    • “New fighting mechanic is far superior to the original.”
    • “If you enjoyed the combat/gameplay in the previous Dragon Engine games, you'll enjoy this.”
    • “Older mechanics feel like a chore, so I'm grateful to see my favorite icons and experience modern quality-of-life improvements.”
    • “The series is clearly becoming more mainstream, with modernized gameplay and combat that feels closer to the Judgment games.”
  • emotional
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players find "Yakuza Kiwami 3" emotionally impactful, particularly appreciating its deep dive into the Okinawa storyline and its connection to "Like a Dragon Gaiden." The game features a poignant narrative with a heartbreaking ending, though some sidequests, particularly those involving the orphanage, can detract from the overall emotional experience.

    • “For those new players like me, Yakuza Kiwami 3 seems like the best option to have a deep dive into the Okinawa storyline, which played such a huge emotional role in Like a Dragon Gaiden.”
    • “A great retrospectively-narrated expansion about my journey into Yakuza with a heartbreaking ending full of tears.”
    • “Side quests and fetch quests with heartfelt moments at the orphanage have added a significant emotional depth to the game.”
  • music
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players feeling that the soundtrack is a downgrade from the original, as it lacks several iconic tracks and the remixes do not meet expectations. Users recommend various mods to enhance the audio experience and restore the game's original musical elements.

    • “The music in this game truly enhances the overall experience, making every moment feel more immersive and engaging.”
    • “The soundtrack is a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation, capturing the essence of the original while introducing fresh elements.”
    • “Each track complements the gameplay beautifully, elevating the emotional impact of key moments throughout the game.”
    • “Even the soundtrack can really only be considered a sidegrade at best, with a lot of iconic tracks removed and the remixes not being as good.”
  • atmosphere
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere is enhanced by engaging sidestories and a vibrant nightlife, creating an immersive experience for players.

    • “The side stories are very interesting, and the nightlife has a great atmosphere.”
    • “The game's atmosphere is immersive, drawing you into its world with stunning visuals and sound design.”
    • “Every location feels alive, with a unique ambiance that enhances the overall experience.”
  • replayability
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players express disappointment in the replayability of the games, citing a lack of meaningful redemption arcs and a diminishing interest in revisiting the content.

    • “Results are fake redemption arcs and fading interest in replayability in their games.”
    • “Once you've completed the game, there's little incentive to go back and play it again.”
    • “The lack of meaningful choices means that replaying the game feels more like a chore than an enjoyable experience.”
  • humor
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is characterized by a satirical take on corporate culture, presenting a bizarre, overly sanitized alternate reality that feels more like a comedic reality show than a serious mobster drama. Players find amusement in the absurdity of the setting and the exaggerated portrayal of characters within this uncanny environment.

    • “Corporate mandates dictate a disinfected uncanny valley type of alternate reality where every person is part of a blank slate, everybody-be-happy community that continues to reshape more and more into a hilarious reality show instead of a grounded, believable mobster drama.”
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3h Median play time
3h Average play time
3-3h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 1 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is a role playing game.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5 and others.

On average players spend around 3 hours playing Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties was released on February 11, 2026.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties was developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties has received mostly positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its graphics but disliked it for its story.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is a single player game.

Similar games include Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, Yakuza Kiwami, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, YIIK: A Postmodern RPG and others.