Yakuza Kiwami 3: Dark Ties Announced for PS5, PS4
The Dragon of Dojima's journey through the sun-drenched streets of Okinawa is set to be reborn. SEGA has officially announced Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, a ground-up remake of the 2009 PlayStation 3 classic, Yakuza 3. This revitalized edition is scheduled to launch for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 on February 12, 2026, for the Southeast Asia region. Following the critically acclaimed Kiwami and Kiwami 2, this project promises to leverage cutting-edge technology to completely overhaul the third chapter in Kazuma Kiryu's saga. The announcement confirms that the remake will feature not only a stunning visual upgrade but also expanded narrative content, including additional cutscenes designed to add new depth to its intricate story. Fans can also expect more intense combat and a host of new minigames, ensuring that this return to Ryukyu is both a faithful restoration and a significant evolution of the original experience. This long-awaited announcement finally fills a major gap in the series' modern lineup, bringing a pivotal and emotionally charged story to a new generation of players.
Return to the Ryukyu Kingdom
Originally released on the PlayStation 3, Yakuza 3 marked a significant shift for the series, moving a large portion of its narrative away from the neon-lit chaos of Kamurocho to the tranquil, picturesque shores of Okinawa. This upcoming remake, Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, aims to bring that iconic setting to life like never before. SEGA's announcement highlights a revitalization powered by "cutting-edge technology," suggesting a complete overhaul on par with previous Kiwami titles, which were rebuilt in the studio's modern Dragon Engine. While the specific engine has not been confirmed, players can anticipate a massive leap in graphical fidelity, environmental detail, and character model quality from the PS3 original.
The Okinawan landscape, with its vibrant markets, sprawling beaches, and the Morning Glory Orphanage at the heart of its story, stands to benefit immensely from this technological leap. The promise of a more immersive world will allow players to fully appreciate the stark contrast between Kiryu's peaceful life with his adopted children and the violent criminal underworld that inevitably pulls him back in. This visual and technical enhancement is central to the Kiwami philosophy: preserving the soul of the original while presenting it with the polish and performance of a contemporary title.
More Than a Remake: Expanded Story and Gameplay
Yakuza Kiwami 3 is not just a visual upgrade; the addition of the subtitle "& Dark Ties" hints at a deeper narrative experience. SEGA has confirmed the remake will feature added cutscenes, a move that will surely excite longtime fans. The original game's plot was a complex web of political conspiracy, land acquisition deals involving the military, and deeply personal conflicts tied to Kiryu's past. The new scenes are expected to flesh out these story threads, potentially providing more context for key characters and their motivations, and strengthening the emotional core of the narrative.
Beyond the story, the gameplay is also receiving a significant overhaul. The announcement promises several key enhancements:
- More Intense Battles: Combat in Yakuza 3 was a product of its time. The Kiwami version is set to refine and intensify the brawling action, likely bringing it in line with the more fluid and impactful combat systems seen in recent entries.
- New Minigames: A staple of the series, the minigames are being expanded. While the original featured activities like golf and tuna fishing, this remake will be "chock-full" of new diversions, offering more ways to explore the world and take a break from the high-stakes drama.
These additions signal a commitment to making Kiwami 3 the definitive version of the story, addressing both the technical limitations and narrative pacing of the original 2009 release.
Fulfilling the Kiwami Legacy
The announcement of Yakuza Kiwami 3 has been one of the most requested projects from the series' global fanbase. The first two Kiwami titles set a high standard for what a full remake could be, not only modernizing the graphics and gameplay of the original PS2 titles but also expertly weaving in new story elements that connected them to the wider series canon, such as the expanded Majima Saga in Kiwami 2. This third entry in the Kiwami sub-series is expected to continue that tradition.
By remaking Yakuza 3, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is bridging the last major technological gap in Kazuma Kiryu's mainline story. With Yakuza 0, Kiwami, Kiwami 2, and the remastered collection for 3, 4, and 5, players have been able to experience the entire saga on modern platforms. However, Yakuza 3's remaster, while welcome, still retained the core gameplay and presentation of its PS3 origins. A full Kiwami remake will finally give this pivotal chapter the same modern treatment as the games that chronologically precede it, creating a more seamless and consistent experience for newcomers and veterans alike.
Release Date and What's Next
SEGA has set a firm release date of February 12, 2026, for Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties on both PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. It is crucial to note that this announcement is specifically for the Southeast Asian market. As of now, no details regarding a release in North America, Europe, or other territories have been shared. Historically, the franchise has seen worldwide releases follow its initial Asian launch, but fans outside of Southeast Asia will need to await a separate, official announcement from SEGA's Western branches.
The reveal of Kiwami 3 reignites excitement for the classic era of the franchise, proving that while the series has moved forward with new protagonists in Yakuza: Like a Dragon, the legacy of Kazuma Kiryu remains a vital and celebrated part of its identity. For now, players in the announced regions can mark their calendars for a modern return to one of the most personal and defining chapters in the Dragon of Dojima's life.