Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Mine Spin-off Unveiled
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has just dropped a bombshell announcement, confirming the long-rumored remake of a pivotal chapter in Kazuma Kiryu's saga. In a surprise reveal, the developer unveiled Yakuza Kiwami 3, a ground-up remake of the 2009 PlayStation 3 classic. But the studio isn't stopping there. In an unprecedented move, the remake will be released as part of a dual package titled Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, which includes a brand-new spin-off adventure starring one of the series' most memorable antagonists: Yoshitaka Mine.
This ambitious two-part release is slated to launch in early 2026, promising to bring the sun-drenched streets of Okinawa and the shadowy alleys of Kamurocho to modern hardware with a complete visual and mechanical overhaul. The announcement signals RGG Studio's continued commitment to preserving its legacy, while also taking bold new narrative risks by placing a villain squarely in the spotlight. For fans of the classic beat-'em-up action and the rich, character-driven drama the series is known for, this is a monumental reveal that sets the stage for a massive year for the franchise.
The Dragon Returns to Okinawa in Kiwami 3
Yakuza 3 holds a unique and critical place in the franchise's history. As the first mainline entry developed specifically for the PlayStation 3, it represented a significant technological and narrative leap. The game famously shifted the focus from the neon-lit chaos of Kamurocho to the tranquil beaches of Okinawa, where Kazuma Kiryu attempted to leave his violent past behind to run the Morning Glory Orphanage. This dramatic tonal shift, balancing high-stakes yakuza conspiracy with slice-of-life moments raising children, became a defining characteristic of Kiryu's journey.
A full 'Kiwami' remake suggests a far more substantial upgrade than the existing HD remaster. Following the precedent set by Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2, fans can likely expect a complete graphical overhaul, potentially built in the studio's modern Dragon Engine. This would bring the environments of Okinawa and Kamurocho to life with stunning new detail, lighting, and character models. Beyond aesthetics, the 'Kiwami' treatment typically involves significant gameplay modernization. This could include a refined combat system, incorporating the fluid style-switching mechanics from Yakuza 0 or the polished brawling of the Judgment series. Quality-of-life improvements, a re-recorded soundtrack, and potentially restored or expanded side content are also hallmarks of these remakes, promising the definitive version of this classic story for both veterans and newcomers.
A Villain's Perspective: The Story of Dark Ties
Perhaps the most shocking part of the announcement is Dark Ties, a new, standalone spin-off focused on Yoshitaka Mine. As the primary antagonist of Yakuza 3, Mine was a departure from the series' more traditional, honor-bound villains. A cold, calculating financier known as the "Wizard of Wall Street," he represented a new generation of yakuza driven by profit and power rather than tradition. His complex motivations and memorable final confrontation with Kiryu cemented him as a fan-favorite character.
Giving a villain their own playable story is a bold new direction for RGG Studio. While the developer has explored other protagonists in the Judgment series and Like a Dragon: Gaiden, this is the first time players will step into the shoes of a mainline antagonist. The narrative possibilities are immense. Dark Ties could serve as a prequel, detailing Mine's meteoric rise through the Tojo Clan and the events that shaped his ruthless worldview. Alternatively, it could be a parallel story, showing the events of Yakuza 3 from his perspective, or even a 'what if' scenario. Making such a complex and morally ambiguous character playable offers a fascinating opportunity to explore the darker side of the series' universe and add new layers to a story fans thought they knew.
RGG Studio's Ambitious Double-Feature Strategy
Packaging a full remake with a brand-new spin-off is a novel release strategy that speaks to RGG Studio's incredible productivity and ambition. In recent years, the studio 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 dual release continues that trend, offering immense value and catering to different facets of the fanbase simultaneously.
This approach allows the studio to honor its past while innovating for the future. The Kiwami 3 remake ensures that a crucial part of Kiryu's story remains accessible and engaging for modern audiences. At the same time, Dark Ties demonstrates a willingness to experiment with new narrative structures and character perspectives. It's a strategy that keeps the franchise vibrant, satisfying the hunger for classic brawler action while also expanding the rich lore of its world. The early 2026 release window gives the team ample time to deliver a polished experience that lives up to the high standards set by both the 'Kiwami' sub-series and the studio's recent original titles.
The Future of Like a Dragon: Action and RPG Coexist
The announcement of Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties provides a clearer picture of RGG Studio's long-term vision. While the mainline series has successfully transitioned to a turn-based RPG format with Ichiban Kasuga, the studio is clearly not abandoning the real-time brawler combat that defined its first era. By relegating the classic action gameplay to remakes, spin-offs, and the Judgment series, RGG has found a sustainable way to keep both styles of play alive.
This dual-pronged approach ensures the franchise can continue to attract new players with its RPG evolution while still serving the dedicated fanbase that fell in love with Kiryu's bone-crunching combat. The focus on Mine in Dark Ties also opens the door for future spin-offs centered on other iconic characters, be they heroes or villains. As we look toward 2026, it's clear that the world of Like a Dragon is bigger and more diverse than ever, with a future as bright and unpredictable as the streets of Kamurocho itself.