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Game Information

Game Title: Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties

Platforms:

• PlayStation 5 (Feb 11, 2026)
• PlayStation 4 (Feb 11, 2026)
• Xbox Series X/S (Feb 11, 2026)
• PC (Feb 11, 2026)
• Nintendo Switch (Feb 12, 2026)

Trailer:

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 73 average - 74% recommended
Metacritic - 74 Based on 12 Reviews (PS5 version)

Critic Reviews


AltChar - Asmir Kovacevic - 90 / 100

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties delivers phenomenal storytelling, endlessly engaging activities, and heartfelt character moments that shattered every preconception I had about the franchise.

COGconnected - Stephan Adamus - 90 / 100

Quote not yet available

ComingSoon.net - Tyler Treese - 9 / 10

While it's sure to get longtime fans talking with its new twist ending, there's no doubt that Yakuza Kiwami 3 plays much better than the original.

Digitec Magazine - Rainer Etzweiler - German - 3 / 5

I'm a bit annoyed at our 5-point scoring system right now. Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is a classic 7/10 kind of game. The foundation is solid, the story is gripping, and the amount of side content is generous.

But what good are 100 side quests if 90% of them are painfully boring? Why isn't Okinawa used to its full potential? And why does Dark Ties feel more focused on Kanda than on Mine?

In the end, that leaves a slight sense of disappointment — and the question of whether RGG Studios can find their footing again.

I really hope they do.

GameOnly - Kamil Kozakowski - Polish - 4.5 / 5

It's not easy to refresh and improve a game that was already excellent from the very start. Too often the remakes go too far and lose the original's atmosphere in the process. However, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio once again proves that they are masters of both creating new titles and revitalizing older ones. Yakuza Kiwami 3 not only preserves the best elements of the original but also fixes all of its flaws and limitations. It's an almost perfect remake and an absolute must-play!

Gameliner - Rudy Wijnberg - Dutch - 4 / 5

Story-wise Yakuza Kiwami 3 brings little that is new, but its improved presentation, welcome side content—especially the character-building Morning Glory moments—and the added value of Dark Ties make it a solid remake with better visuals and tighter gameplay that's highly recommended for newcomers who enjoyed Kiwami 1 and 2, though it likely won't change the minds of those who disliked the original.

Gamer Guides - Lexi Luddy - 20 / 100

There is precious little to enjoy about Yakuza Kiwami 3. From problematic casting to combat that feels near mindless compared to the series' usual output, incredibly dull side content to story changes that seem to actively disdain the work of the original writers, Yakuza Kiwami 3 lacks charm, heart, and a clear direction, resulting in a new low point for the venerable series.

GamerFocus - César Salcedo - Spanish - 8.5 / 10

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties together form a great game that tells a well-rounded story, showcasing not only Kiryu's more human side but also Mine's darker side. Thanks to the new content, Mine's character has a deeper development, solidifying her status as one of the best villains in the series. Additionally, it features a wide selection of minigames and new missions and story arcs not present in the original version. However, just as the third installment marked a turning point for the franchise, its reimagining has revealed a possible stagnation or fatigue with the formula.

Hinsusta - Pascal Kaap - German - 8 / 10

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is not a simple remake. It is a reappraisal of an underestimated chapter. Kiwami 3 finally gives Kiryu's story the mechanical weight it deserves, while Dark Ties proves that the series has the courage to seriously question its antagonists.

Loot Level Chill - Chris White - 9 / 10

Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties is an exceptional entry in the Yakuza series, with a strong story, great combat, plenty to do, and gorgeous visuals.

Manual dos Games - Luiz Henrique Silva - Portuguese - 8.5 / 10

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties delivers a complete remake of the third game in the series alongside a new story episode that complements the narrative of Yakuza Kiwami 3 by delving even deeper into the motivations and desires of Yoshitaka Mine. Yakuza Kiwami 3 presents a more compact version of Yakuza 3's story, making some questionable choices by relocating certain content to side activities, in addition to introducing significant changes to Kiryu's gameplay. Dark Ties, on the other hand, succeeds by focusing exclusively on Mine's deeper character development, offering a short campaign that knows when to end, despite falling a bit short in terms of secondary content.

NintendoWorldReport - John Rairdin - 9 / 10

Wanting something more compact after recently spending time with Yakuza 0, Kiwami 1, and Kiwami 2 on Switch 2, Dark Ties was a perfect encapsulation of what makes the series so fun and charming, without the bloat that can creep in from time to time. Mine's combat style is simple but fast-paced, meaning random street encounters with unfriendly Yakuza never lasted more than 30 seconds. It may hit differently if you choose to roll credits on Kiwami 3 first, but for what it is, Dark Ties represents a welcome pack-in and the type of additional content I hope we see with the next Kiwami remaster.

One More Game - Vincent Ternida - 8.5 / 10

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is a welcome surprise from a title that many long-time fans, myself included, once considered the weakest entry in the Like A Dragon series. Where the original often felt overshadowed by its more explosive predecessors, the Kiwami remake breathes new life into this quieter chapter, elevating it into something far more memorable.

Playing through Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties was a genuine joy, and it now feels like a worthy addition to the Kiwami brand of remakes.

PPE.pl - Grzegorz Cyga - Polish - 7.5 / 10

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is a project that was realized after years of requests from fans. However, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio didn't stop there and tried to exceed expectations, which resulted in them taking two steps forward and three steps back.

PSX Brasil - Isabella Alves - Portuguese - 75 / 100

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is a remake that retains only a small essence of the original work. Despite being quite faithful to the story, some script decisions leave something to be desired, and the secondary content, with the exception of Daddy Rank, goes from something new to just "more of the same." Dark Ties is an interesting addition, but it could also have a better-developed story. On the other hand, the gameplay of both titles remains fluid and with fun new combat styles to master. The final experience is somewhat bittersweet, being a remake well below the original, but one that provides many hours of fun.

Pizza Fria - Matheus Jenevain - Portuguese - 8.8 / 10

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is another great remake in the Yakuza series, bringing a good title from the series into a new era with new features and improvements that make it more accessible, as well as greater attention to its main villain. The game is beautiful to play, fun, packed with content, and features the excellent gameplay that the series has made famous.

PlayStation Universe - Michael Harradence - 8 / 10

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is a top-notch package brimming some great new content, with the Dark Tide side-story worth the price of entry alone. There's some questionable changes and additions to Yakuza 3 that will irk some longtime fans, but overall, this is a brilliant remake and easily the most ambitious in the series to date.

República DG - Renan Venturini - Portuguese - 8.2 / 10

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is a reimagining of the original, featuring modernization across several aspects, highly welcome additions, and an excellent experience for every type of player—whether new to the franchise or a longtime fan. The Dark Ties campaign stands out as an intriguing element, opening the possibility for RGG to apply this strategy to other beloved characters from the series.

WellPlayed - Kieron Verbrugge - 7.5 / 10

Yakuza Kiwami 3 is a successful retelling of one of the series' less-understood titles, massaging it into something that's a touch homogenous but ultimately more agreeable. But some off-putting choices and a fumbled focus on Mine in both the main game and Dark Ties stop it from sticking the landing.

XboxEra - Jesse Norris - 6.5 / 10

Yakuza Kiwami 3 is a mostly competent remake of an original that needed an update. The combat and upgrade changes are welcome, though those in the ending and its attempt to justify the expansion are not.

 

[Baemono]

Argh, disappointed, I was expecting it to be good

 

[Gambit2483]

Can't believe some people got their panties in a bunch simply because they changed one simple side character.

Not saying they don't have the right to be upset, but tanking scores a full point bc of it? Petty.

 

[NeverYouMind]

Can't believe some people got their panties in a bunch simply because they changed one simple side character.

Not saying they don't have the right to be upset, but tanking scores a full point bc of it? Petty.

That side character was a personification of Okinawa. The new schmuck could not be picked out of a line up of NPCs.

 

[keefged4]

Yeah couldn't really give a shit about reviews thesedays.

It's an RGG game. Automatic Day 1.

 

[Gonzito]

I am a big fan of the original. I loved the orphanage story and it made me love the franchise back when almost nobody knew these games

In my opinion, they are releasing too many Yakuza games too fast and I think the quality is starting to suffer as a result

I still got the game quite cheap for pc (30 euros) and I will play it because of my love for this game, but I believe that the franchise needs a reset, more development times and less recycling. And above all this, more innovation. Expanding a bit more the maps, bringing more depth to the combat etc.

 

[Gambit2483]

That side character was a personification of Okinawa. The new schmuck could not be picked out of a line up of NPCs.

Boo-fucking hoo....didn't they replace an Actual mainline actor with Yakuza 4 re-release? I didn't see so many people condemning that game for it.

Get over it. These things happen.

 

[Metnut]

I think this still looks good. Not in for full price, but will buy over the summer when it's in the $40 range.

I've played 0, Kiwami 1, 2 (both recently on Switch 2), 6, 7, 8 and the Gaidens, so any of the "changes" that bother some people won't matter to me as 3 will be a new experience.

Also, consider these reviews with down skepticism as the scores are being driven down because some activists aren't happy they hired a scum bag to be to voice actor for one of the characters. A single 2/10 review can materially affect the aggregate.

 

[Gonzito]

One reviewer gave the game a 20 out of 100 lol. Maybe that was a bit too much huh

 

[Jack Videogames]

One reviewer gave the game a 20 out of 100 lol. Maybe that was a bit too much huh

If they use the word "problematic" in the first sentence, they're not reviewing the game, they're doing a heckin activism

 

[Go_Ly_Dow]

If they use the word "problematic" in the first sentence, they're not reviewing the game, they're doing a heckin activism

My thoughts too.

I never look at review scores for Yakuza games. It just comes down to whether I'm in the mood or not.

On this particular occasion I'm not in the mood simply because I've already beaten this game (it was my starting point with the series and it was great).

I also don't really have an interest in any spin off in the franchise, like the pirate game

So I hope they release a new mainline entry in the near future because that is what will bring me back into the franchise.

 

[NeverYouMind]

Boo-fucking hoo....didn't they replace an Actual mainline actor with Yakuza 4 re-release? I didn't see so many people condemning that game for it.

Get over it. These things happen.

The difference is nobody gives a shit about Yakuza 4.

 

[Signalis]

Gamer Guides - Lexi Luddy - 20 / 100

There is precious little to enjoy about Yakuza Kiwami 3. From problematic casting to combat that feels near mindless compared to the series' usual output, incredibly dull side content to story changes that seem to actively disdain the work of the original writers, Yakuza Kiwami 3 lacks charm, heart, and a clear direction, resulting in a new low point for the venerable series.

While I don't use reviews to determine what I purchase. But this review cemented what I suspected is going to have. So fuck Sega and RGG studio. They are running Yakuza into the fucking ground. While I love all the Yakuza games, Yakuza 3 is a very special game to me. Got 100% in both the PS3 and PS4 versions.

I'd rather go back to the days of having to beg Sega to localise the games.

 

[abysswatcher]

I'm really somewhat on the fence with this one. I've been a longtime Yakuza fan but RGG Studio's recent direction regarding story, atmosphere and character development sucks and I'm somewhat worried they botched this one. Don't really care that much about the minigames but want a gripping crime drama with a bit of Japanese silliness (not the other way around). I liked the demo although the lightning during the day feels weirdly oversaturated just as it was in LaD.

 

[Orbital2060]

While I don't use reviews to determine what I purchase. But this review cemented what I suspected is going to have. So fuck Sega and RGG studio. They are running Yakuza into the fucking ground. While I love all the Yakuza games, Yakuza 3 is a very special game to me. Got 100% in both the PS3 and PS4 versions.

I'd rather go back to the days of having to beg Sega to localise the games.

Well done getting fooled by this woke clown

Meet The Team — startmenu

www.startmenu.co.uk

Spoiler

 

[Baemono]

XboxEra

 

[Signalis]

Well done getting fooled by this woke clown

Meet The Team — startmenu

www.startmenu.co.uk

Spoiler

Not the same review I quoted.

 

[Orbital2060]

Not the same review I quoted.

You know what I meant, before you edited your post.

 

[Jack Videogames]

While I don't use reviews to determine what I purchase. But this review cemented what I suspected is going to have. So fuck Sega and RGG studio. They are running Yakuza into the fucking ground. While I love all the Yakuza games, Yakuza 3 is a very special game to me. Got 100% in both the PS3 and PS4 versions.

I'd rather go back to the days of having to beg Sega to localise the games.

That person is who wrote the review you quoted.

 

[Signalis]

You know what I meant, before you edited your post.

Sure, I edited my post because I saw you quoted another review site and posted that goblin. Which was not the review I was referring to, Thus it made my post redundant.

However, that specific review is overly harsh and cuntish. But the same criticism is valid in the other reviews as well. Many things removed, story changed etc.

 

[Orbital2060]

Sure, I edited my post because I saw you quoted another review site and posted that goblin. Which was not the review I was referring to, Thus it made my post redundant.

However, that specific review is overly harsh and cuntish. But the same criticism is valid in the other reviews as well. Many things removed, story changed etc.

Its hard to keep up with all the activist bs. Theyre crawling out of the woodwork, cant blame you for not seeing it.

 

[Kurotri]

Dark Ties feels more focused on Kanda than Mine? What the fuck?

 

[StereoVsn]

I love Yakuza 3 (especially the OG JP version), but I don't see myself jumping in onto Kiwami 3 unless there are some major fixes. It just seems so low effort.

 

[Gonzito]

Yikes, this game is just unfinished wtf

 

[Signalis]

Its hard to keep up with all the activist bs. Theyre crawling out of the woodwork, cant blame you for not seeing it.

No, I get it. But what I am referring to is the same criticism that goblin posted, is mirrored by many other reviews. E.g. Story changes, sub-story removals / changes, revelations removed(which was funny in OG 3 and gave a lot people and places personality) and retconning etc. If the reviewer gave it such a low score for the pure fact that "sexism, patriarchy, etc etc" then yes. But the goblin does have valid points. A broken clock is correct twice a day.

On a second note, it's funny how people like that have pictures of themselves looking like clowns and have no self awareness. I'd be embarrassed if that was me.

 

[Boy bawang]

The Yakuza series is funny. I tried recently and didn't really care for the gameplay. But it's amusing how Japanese fantasise about Yakuza (that game seems made by edgy teenagers) while being scared AF by them in real life (and honestly for no good reason in 2026).

 

[Gonzito]

Buildings are floating, as if they did not have time to finish it. RGG, whas has happened to you. I think I am just going to cancel my preorder

 

[DenchDeckard]

This is the one you start at the Nursery right? where you have all the orphans?

Ive deffo completed it but cant remember it for some reason.

 

[Signalis]

Yikes, this game is just unfinished wtf

Switch 2 version or all versions?

 

[Gonzito]

Switch 2 version or all versions?

Seems to be pc and actually these screenshots seem to come from the person that gave the game a 20 out of 100

Maybe He, She, They or whatever the fuck she wants us to call her, is actually right about the quality of this remake or remaster

This how that area looks in the original game lol

 

[LordCBH]

Love this series. And 3 needed a damn good remake, and this really doesn't seem like it's it, entirely because of some bizarre story changes.

RGG, stop reviving dead fucking characters. Y'all did it in the Director's Cut of 0 and nobody liked that change, and y'all did it here and nobody seems to like that change. Take the fucking hint and let the dead characters stay dead. It isn't hard.

 

[ElFenomeno]

Yikes, this game is just unfinished wtf

Or a properly finished PS2 game. Yikes.

 

[Signalis]

Seems to be pc and actually these screenshots seem to come from the person that gave the game a 20 out of 100

Maybe He, She, They or whatever the fuck she wants us to call her, is actually right about the quality of this remake or remaster

I think I might cancel my pre-order. And keep OG Yakuza 3 as the version I see as the canon version. I skipped Pirate Yakuza as well. I don't like the direction the series is going anymore.

 

[Orbital2060]

Im gettibg a preorder in tonight but I cant decide if Im paying for the deluxe edition

 

[Killer8]

Uh YongYea we have a problem

 

[Humdinger]

What good are 100 side quests if 90% of them are painfully boring?

Eh, that's not good to hear. I hope it's not true. Side quests are what provide most of the fun and levity in Yakuza games, and next to the main story, they are what I enjoy most about the series.

I'll still pick it up, because I like Yakuza, particularly Kiryu. Thanks for compiling the review snippets, adam.

 

[thtJhnn]

I wish I was into these Yakuza series but I find them so boring. I think it's the lack of spoken dialog in most character conversations, that typewriter sound effect while they talk just takes me out of the immersion.

 

[Miyazaki’s Slave]

My eyes glaze over when I see the word problematic in a review/commentary for something.

 

[A.Romero]

I love the series but I'm going to hold on picking this up until it's on sale or something. So far it seems a low effort remake to me (from what I've seen, hopefully I'll be surprised).

 

[LordCBH]

I love the series but I'm going to hold on picking this up until it's on sale or something. So far it seems a low effort remake to me (from what I've seen, hopefully I'll be surprised).

That's where I'm at.

7 ended up being probably my favorite one. I liked IW despite the meh story thanks to the characters that I really liked. Pirate Yakuza….yeah….i still haven't beat that one lol

 

[bender]

20/100?

 

[Gonzito]

Eh, that's not good to hear. I hope it's not true. Side quests are what provide most of the fun and levity in Yakuza games, and next to the main story, they are what I enjoy most about the series.

I'll still pick it up, because I like Yakuza, particularly Kiryu. Thanks for compiling the review snippets, adam.

Apparently the original Yakuza 3 had 119 sidequest.

This remake has 31

 

[Gambit2483]

Buildings are floating, as if they did not have time to finish it. RGG, whas has happened to you. I think I am just going to cancel my preorder

Did this game kick your dog or something? If the game had such serious graphical issues reviews would state so. Yet here you are (again) continuing to post erroneous screenshots attempting to shit on its visuals...what's your deal?

 

[Gonzito]

Did this game kick your dog or something? If the game had such serious graphical issues reviews would state so. Yet here you are (again) continuing to post erroneous screenshots attempting to shit on its visuals...what's your deal?

I dont have any deal. These screenshots are from a reviewer that has shown how the game is at the moment, unfinished. These aren't erroneous pictures, why do you accuse me falsely?




Unless a Day 1 patch fixed all of this, this is how the game looks as of now.

 

[March Climber]

If the type of reviewers that some here don't like, come to the same conclusion as the reviewers people here like, doesn't that solidify the conclusion across the board?

 

[xrnzaaas]

Yeah couldn't really give a shit about reviews thesedays.

It's an RGG game. Automatic Day 1.

I'm not the kind of person who bases their purchases on what the gaming sites are saying, but blindly consuming the content you're being given is also not healthy. Former standards can drop and that can lead to more lazy releases down the road, especially when they're remasters or remakes instead of brand new games.

I'm planning to play this remake since day1, but for the first time in years I had doubts about picking it up. We'll see, if it disappoints I won't be so keen to purchase Kiwami 4 & 5 in the future.

 

[Labadal]

The disrespect to Nagoshi's legacy is real. I really hope that his game turns out good.

/Gigantic Yakuza Fan

 

[Bridges]

Eh, that's not good to hear. I hope it's not true. Side quests are what provide most of the fun and levity in Yakuza games, and next to the main story, they are what I enjoy most about the series.

I'll still pick it up, because I like Yakuza, particularly Kiryu. Thanks for compiling the review snippets, adam.

Well, to be fair, OG Y3 probably has the least interesting substories in the series anyway. Y3 is super rough but I'm definitely an apologist for it, I'm so interested in what they felt compelled to change about the story, the story was basically "the good part" in my opinion

 

[DeVeAn]

No doubts here. I know it's gonna be good. Enjoyed the demo. Series is entering "villian" phase. It will be nice as a fan to see all the trendy fans move on to another franchise. Not one of their games has disappointed me yet.

 

[miller152]

Did they get rid of the massage minigame?

Yakuza is not Yakuza without some sexy ass bitches.