Yakuza Kiwami 3: Why a Modern Remake is Absolutely Essential

Last Updated: October 24, 2025

For years, a single, persistent question has echoed through the global fanbase of the Like a Dragon (formerly Yakuza) series: will we ever get a Yakuza Kiwami 3? While the critically acclaimed Kiwami and Kiwami 2 remakes brought Kazuma Kiryu’s early PS2 adventures roaring onto modern hardware, the third chapter remains a major technological gap. The original Yakuza 3 is available on current platforms via The Yakuza Remastered Collection, but this version is a port with an increased resolution and frame rate, not the ground-up remake fans crave.

As Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio continues to push the franchise forward with hits like Yakuza: Like a Dragon and the upcoming Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the call to give Yakuza 3 the full "Kiwami" treatment has only grown louder. Such a project would be more than just a graphical upgrade; it would be a crucial step in creating a seamless, modern experience for the entire Kiryu saga and a chance to refine one of the most unique and pivotal entries in the series.

Rebuilding the Ryukyu Kingdom

Originally released for the PlayStation 3 in 2009, Yakuza 3 represented a bold shift. It moved a significant portion of its narrative from the familiar, neon-drenched streets of Kamurocho to the tranquil, sun-kissed shores of Okinawa. At the heart of this new setting was the Morning Glory Orphanage, where Kiryu attempts to leave his yakuza past behind to raise a group of children, including his adoptive daughter Haruka.

A potential Kiwami 3, rebuilt in RGG Studio’s modern Dragon Engine (or its latest iteration), could bring this iconic setting to life with breathtaking fidelity. The Okinawan landscape—from the vibrant Makimachi market to the serene beaches—would be transformed from a PS3-era environment into a living, breathing world on par with the stunning depictions of Kamurocho and Sotenbori in recent titles. This visual and technical leap is the core of the Kiwami philosophy: preserving the soul of the original while presenting it with the polish and immersion of a contemporary game.

More Than a Fresh Coat of Paint: Refining Gameplay and Story

A full remake would offer the chance to address the aspects of Yakuza 3 that show their age the most. The combat, while foundational, is often remembered for its stiff controls and enemies who block excessively, a common point of friction for players coming from the more fluid systems of Kiwami 2 or Yakuza 6. A Kiwami 3 could completely overhaul the brawling, implementing the smoother physics, destructive environments, and impactful Heat Actions that define the modern series.

Furthermore, a remake presents a golden opportunity for narrative enhancement. The original Yakuza 3’s plot, a complex web of local land acquisition deals, political conspiracy, and deep personal conflict, is one of the most emotionally resonant in the series. However, the initial Western release was notorious for its cut content, which included numerous sub-stories and minigames like mahjong and shogi.

A Kiwami 3 could not only restore this content for a definitive global release but also expand upon the story itself. Following the precedent set by Kiwami 2’s "Majima Saga," a remake could add new story chapters or cutscenes to flesh out the motivations of key characters like the Ryudo Family or the enigmatic Andre Richardson. This would allow the developers to strengthen the narrative's pacing and add new layers of depth to Kiryu’s Okinawan journey.

Fulfilling the Kiwami Legacy

The announcement of a Yakuza Kiwami 3 remains one of the most requested projects from the series' fanbase. Completing the trilogy of Kiwami remakes would bridge the last major technological and gameplay divide in Kazuma Kiryu's story. For new fans, it would create a perfectly consistent entry point, allowing them to play from Yakuza 0 through Yakuza 6 with a similar level of graphical and mechanical quality. The jump from the Dragon Engine-powered Kiwami 2 to the PS3-era mechanics of the Yakuza 3 remaster can be jarring, and a full remake would finally smooth out that transition.

What's the Holdup?

Despite the overwhelming fan demand, RGG Studio has remained focused on the future. In interviews, studio director Masayoshi Yokoyama has acknowledged the fan desire for more remakes but stated the team's priority is on creating new titles and pushing the series forward. With a full slate including Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth and Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, the studio's resources are clearly dedicated to expanding the universe.

While a Kiwami-style remake of Yakuza 3 isn't officially on the horizon, the possibility is never zero. RGG Studio has a deep respect for its legacy and its passionate community. For now, the dream of returning to a fully modernized Okinawa lives on in the hearts of fans, a testament to the enduring impact of one of the Dragon of Dojima's most personal and defining chapters.