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Yakuza Kiwami 3: Why a Modern Remake is Needed for this Classic

Last Updated: October 24, 2025

Kazuma Kiryu standing in front of the Morning Glory Orphanage in Okinawa, from Yakuza 3.

For years, a persistent question has echoed through the Like a Dragon community: will RGG Studio ever give Yakuza 3 the full "Kiwami" treatment? While a high-quality remaster exists, the desire for a ground-up remake of this pivotal chapter in Kazuma Kiryu's life remains one of the most fervent hopes among series veterans and newcomers alike.

Rumors and elaborate fan concepts—some envisioning a dual package with a spin-off for antagonist Yoshitaka Mine—continue to surface, speaking to the game's enduring impact. As of today, Yakuza Kiwami 3 has not been officially announced, but a deep dive into the original game, the Kiwami precedent, and RGG Studio's current strategy reveals exactly why this potential project is so highly anticipated.

The Dragon in Okinawa: Revisiting a Critical Chapter

Yakuza 3 holds a unique and crucial place in the franchise's history. As the first mainline entry built specifically for the PlayStation 3 in 2009, it was a significant technological leap. More importantly, it marked a profound narrative shift. The story famously moves the action from the chaotic, neon-drenched streets of Kamurocho to the tranquil, sun-drenched beaches of Okinawa. Here, Kazuma Kiryu attempts to leave his bloody past behind to run the Morning Glory Orphanage.

This tonal dichotomy—balancing high-stakes yakuza conspiracy with heartwarming, slice-of-life moments raising children—became a defining element of Kiryu’s character arc. However, the original Western release was infamous for its cut content, including numerous substories and minigames, which were only fully restored in the Yakuza Remastered Collection. While this collection provided a welcome HD upgrade and a stable 60 FPS, it was a remaster, not a remake. A full "Kiwami" project, following the precedent set by Yakuza Kiwami and Kiwami 2, would be a far more substantial undertaking. Fans imagine a complete graphical overhaul in the modern Dragon Engine, bringing the vibrant settings of Ryukyu and Kamurocho to life with photorealistic detail, lighting, and character models.

Beyond aesthetics, a Kiwami remake would offer a vital gameplay modernization. The combat of the PS3 original, while functional, feels dated compared to the fluid, style-switching brawling of Yakuza 0 or the polished action of the Judgment series. A remake could implement these refined systems, along with modern quality-of-life improvements and a re-recorded soundtrack, to create the definitive version of this classic story.

A Villain's Perspective: The Enduring Appeal of Yoshitaka Mine

A popular element in fan discussions about a potential Kiwami 3 is the idea of an accompanying spin-off centered on its antagonist, Yoshitaka Mine. As the primary villain of Yakuza 3, Mine represented a new breed of yakuza. A cold, brilliant financier dubbed the "Wizard of Wall Street," his motivations were driven by a modern blend of profit and power, a stark contrast to the series' more traditional, honor-bound antagonists. His complex psychology and unforgettable final confrontation with Kiryu cemented him as one of the most memorable characters in the franchise.

Giving a villain their own playable story would be a bold, yet logical, next step for RGG Studio. The developer has already successfully explored other protagonists in Judgment and Like a Dragon: Gaiden. A spin-off focused on Mine offers immense narrative potential. It could serve as a prequel, detailing his meteoric rise through the Tojo Clan and the tragic events that forged his ruthless ambition. Alternatively, it could run parallel to the main story, offering his perspective on the events of Yakuza 3. Such a project would provide a fascinating opportunity to explore the darker side of the series' universe and add new depth to a story fans thought they knew.

RGG Studio's Strategy: Where Would Kiwami 3 Fit?

The prospect of a remake raises the question of where it would fit in RGG Studio's packed schedule. The developer has maintained a relentless pace, delivering the turn-based RPG Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the action-focused Like a Dragon: Gaiden, and the feudal-era remake Like a Dragon: Ishin! in quick succession. This output demonstrates a clear long-term vision.

The mainline Like a Dragon series has successfully transitioned to a turn-based RPG format with Ichiban Kasuga at the helm. Simultaneously, the studio is keeping its iconic real-time brawler combat alive through the Judgment series and standalone stories like Gaiden. A Yakuza Kiwami 3 would fit perfectly into this strategy, allowing the studio to modernize a crucial part of Kiryu’s legacy for contemporary audiences without disrupting the flow of the new mainline saga. It would serve the dedicated fanbase that fell in love with Kiryu’s bone-crunching combat while ensuring the entire saga is playable on modern hardware with a consistent level of quality.

While no official announcements have been made, the conversation around Yakuza Kiwami 3 is a testament to the game's importance. It’s a story of fatherhood, duty, and the inescapable pull of the past. For now, the Yakuza Remastered Collection remains the best way to experience this chapter. Yet, the dream of returning to the Morning Glory Orphanage in full Dragon Engine glory persists, a clear signal to RGG Studio that fans are more than ready to see this classic reborn.