Overview
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties presents an unusual but intriguing proposition: a comprehensive remake paired with a brand-new standalone adventure. The package includes the fully reimagined Yakuza 3, which follows ex-yakuza Kazuma Kiryu as he attempts to leave his violent past behind while managing an orphanage in Okinawa. Alongside this sits Dark Ties, an entirely separate game centered on Yoshitaka Mine—the primary antagonist from the original Yakuza 3—exploring his transformation from successful entrepreneur to yakuza family patriarch.
This dual-release structure allows longtime fans to experience a beloved chapter with modern enhancements while simultaneously gaining deeper understanding of one of the series' most tragic figures. Both games feature distinct combat systems, narrative focuses, and gameplay mechanics, yet share thematic connections that enrich the overall experience.
The remake philosophy here goes beyond simple visual upgrades. Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has reimagined combat encounters, expanded narrative sequences, and enhanced the side content that has become synonymous with the franchise. Meanwhile, Dark Ties introduces boxing-based brawling mechanics that differentiate Mine's journey from Kiryu's traditional yakuza fighting style.
What Makes This Remake Different?
Unlike previous Kiwami entries that primarily focused on visual and mechanical improvements, Yakuza Kiwami 3 introduces additional story scenes designed to deepen emotional connections and character development. These new sequences address some of the narrative gaps that existed in the 2009 original while maintaining the integrity of the core storyline.
- Reimagined combat system
- Added narrative sequences
- Enhanced side activities
- Dual-location exploration
- Modernized presentation
The bustling streets of Okinawa receive particular attention, transforming from the relatively sparse environments of the PlayStation 3 era into vibrant, detailed locations filled with activity. Tokyo's Kamurocho district, already familiar to series veterans, benefits from the same treatment, creating consistency with more recent franchise entries.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties
Combat mechanics have been rebuilt from the ground up rather than simply ported from earlier Kiwami titles. The brutal brawling system incorporates lessons learned from Yakuza 6 and subsequent releases, offering more responsive controls and devastating Heat Actions that take full advantage of environmental objects. Kiryu's moveset feels weighty yet fluid, balancing the deliberate pacing that defines the Dragon of Dojima's fighting style with modern action game responsiveness.
The Yoshitaka Mine Story: Dark Ties
Dark Ties operates as a completely separate experience, accessible independently from the main remake. This standalone adventure chronicles Mine's descent from the corporate world into yakuza life following a devastating personal loss. The narrative explores themes of emptiness, the search for genuine human connection, and the dark appeal of power when everything else has been stripped away.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties
The combat system here diverges significantly from Kiryu's brawling approach. Mine's background as a boxer informs every encounter, emphasizing footwork, precise timing, and combinations over the environmental improvisation that characterizes traditional Yakuza combat. This creates a more focused, technical fighting experience that rewards pattern recognition and defensive mastery.
Side activities within Dark Ties reflect Mine's different perspective on the yakuza world. While maintaining the series' tradition of eclectic minigames and substories, the tone skews darker, examining the criminal underworld from someone actively choosing this path rather than being drawn into it by circumstance or loyalty.
Visual and Technical Enhancements
Both games showcase the graphical capabilities that Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has developed over recent years. Character models feature expressive facial animations during cutscenes, capturing subtle emotional beats that the original Yakuza 3 could only suggest through voice acting and writing. Environmental lighting creates atmosphere during both daytime exploration and nighttime encounters, with neon reflections and shadow play adding cinematic quality to routine activities.
The PlayStation 5 version includes PS5 Pro enhancement support, offering improved performance modes and visual fidelity options. DualSense controller integration provides haptic feedback during combat encounters and environmental interactions, while adaptive triggers add resistance during specific actions. These technical features remain optional but demonstrate attention to platform-specific capabilities.
Performance targets maintain stability across both experiences, ensuring smooth combat encounters and seamless transitions between gameplay and cutscenes. The technical foundation supports both games' ambitious scope without compromising the moment-to-moment experience.
Content and Customization Options
The Digital Deluxe Edition expands both games with cosmetic additions and gameplay enhancements. The Ryukyu Gal Gang receives additional characters through DLC packs, including pre-order bonus content featuring Ichiban Kasuga from the Like a Dragon series. Flip phone customization options provide period-appropriate personalization, while outfit collections allow visual variety during exploration and combat.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties
Music additions through the Legendary BGM CD Set incorporate tracks from across franchise history, creating nostalgic connections for longtime fans. These customization elements remain supplementary rather than essential, preserving the core experience while offering optional enhancements for those seeking additional content.
Conclusion
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties represents an ambitious experiment in remake structure, pairing comprehensive reimagining with original storytelling. The dual-game approach provides both the comfort of revisiting a classic action-adventure and the excitement of exploring new narrative territory. Whether experiencing Kiryu's protective struggle in Okinawa or Mine's darker descent into yakuza life, this package offers substantial content for beat 'em up enthusiasts and series veterans alike. The distinct combat systems, enhanced visuals, and expanded narrative content create a compelling argument for revisiting this chapter of the franchise's history.
