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Yakuza Kiwami 3: RGG Studio's Most Demanded Remake - What to Expect

Last Updated: October 25, 2025

Kazuma Kiryu in Okinawa, anticipating a Yakuza Kiwami 3 remake.

The Dragon of Dojima's saga is a cornerstone of modern gaming, yet a crucial chapter remains locked in a previous generation. Following the immense success of *Yakuza Kiwami* and *Yakuza Kiwami 2*, the question on every fan's mind is not *if*, but *when* Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio will announce *Yakuza Kiwami 3*, a full-scale remake of the beloved 2009 classic. While the studio remains focused on new entries like *Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth*, the demand for a modernized overhaul of Kazuma Kiryu's Okinawan journey has never been higher.

A potential *Kiwami 3* would be far more than a simple remaster. Built from the ground up in the Dragon Engine, it would offer a stunning visual and mechanical revitalization of its iconic Kamurocho and Okinawa settings. More importantly, it represents a chance to refine a pivotal, emotional story, address historical controversies, and create the definitive version of a classic for both veterans and the millions of new fans who have joined the series in recent years.

Okinawa Reborn in the Dragon Engine

*Yakuza 3* was a significant technological leap on the PlayStation 3, but its gameplay and visuals have since been surpassed. A *Yakuza Kiwami 3* remake would leverage the power of the Dragon Engine, the same technology that brought *Yakuza 6*, *Yakuza Kiwami 2*, and the *Judgment* series to life with stunning realism.

This engine transition implies a complete graphical and gameplay overhaul. Fans can anticipate hyper-realistic character models, vastly more detailed environments, and the seamless, physics-based combat that has become a hallmark of modern *Like a Dragon* titles. The bustling, neon-drenched streets of Kamurocho and the tranquil, sun-soaked coastline of Okinawa would be reimagined with modern lighting, textures, and atmospheric effects. Crucially, the engine would eliminate the loading screens when entering buildings or initiating street fights, creating the fluid, immersive experience players now expect. The original's notoriously stiff, block-heavy combat would be replaced with the more dynamic and impactful brawling mechanics refined in recent entries, giving Kiryu's techniques the modern weight they deserve.

The Case for an Expanded Narrative

A key feature that elevated the previous *Kiwami* titles beyond simple remakes was their inclusion of new story content, most notably the "Majima Saga" in *Yakuza Kiwami 2*. A hypothetical *Yakuza Kiwami 3* would almost certainly follow this precedent, offering an expansion to flesh out the original's complex plot.

*Yakuza 3*'s narrative, centered on a conspiracy involving the Tojo Clan, political figures, and a land deal threatening Kiryu's Morning Glory Orphanage, is ripe for deeper exploration. A new story chapter could serve several vital purposes:

  • Expanding Character Backstories: Key characters from the Okinawan Ryudo Family could receive additional development, strengthening their motivations and enriching their role in the central conflict.
  • Bridging Narrative Gaps: An expansion could better connect the events of *Yakuza 3* to the broader series lore, possibly foreshadowing events in *Yakuza 4* and *5* or exploring the lingering fallout from *Yakuza Kiwami 2*.
  • Introducing New Perspectives: A new scenario could be told from the viewpoint of another character, offering a fresh angle on the main plot and its political intrigue.

This commitment to narrative enhancement is what defines a *Kiwami* title. It's an opportunity to refine and deepen a classic story for a modern audience, ensuring its emotional beats land with even greater impact.

Modernizing a Controversial Classic

*Yakuza 3* holds a unique place in the series' Western history. Its original 2010 localization was infamous for cutting a significant amount of content, including 22 substories, minigames like mahjong and shogi, and hostess club conversations. While the 2019 remaster for the *Yakuza Remastered Collection* thankfully restored this content, a full *Kiwami* remake offers the chance to integrate it seamlessly and build upon it.

Fans would expect a host of quality-of-life improvements that are now standard for the franchise. This includes a revamped user interface, improved map and navigation systems, and potentially re-recorded dialogue from the original Japanese voice cast to match the quality of recent titles. We could also see the integration of fan-favorite minigames from other Dragon Engine titles alongside classics like karaoke and golf. By comprehensively addressing the original's dated mechanics and controversial release history, *Yakuza Kiwami 3* has the potential to finally let the game's powerful story shine, free from the baggage of its past.

Completing the Dragon's Legacy

An eventual *Yakuza Kiwami 3* announcement feels like an inevitability. It reaffirms RGG Studio's commitment to preserving its legacy while making it accessible for the massive global audience the franchise has cultivated. For long-time fans, it’s a chance to re-experience a beloved chapter with the polish it has always deserved. For those who joined with *Yakuza 0* or *Yakuza: Like a Dragon*, it will fill the most significant gap in Kazuma Kiryu's modern timeline.

Until that official reveal comes, the discussion and anticipation will continue. A remake of *Yakuza 3* isn't just a desired project; it's the missing piece needed to create a perfectly consistent, modern, and definitive saga for the Dragon of Dojima.