Yakuza Kiwami 3: The Gold Standard for Video Game Remakes

Last Updated: October 31, 2025

Years after its celebrated release, Yakuza Kiwami 3 stands as a monumental achievement in the history of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio. What began as fan anticipation for a modern take on a pivotal, yet mechanically dated, chapter in Kazuma Kiryu's life became a masterclass in video game restoration.

Yakuza 3 was always a critical story bridge, but it was long shackled by its early PlayStation 3-era design. RGG Studio’s full 'Kiwami' remake didn't just update the game; it re-forged it into the definitive version of Kiryu’s journey to Okinawa, setting a benchmark for how to respectfully modernize a classic.

Okinawa Reborn in the Dragon Engine

The most striking transformation in Kiwami 3 was its complete reconstruction in the studio's modern Dragon Engine. The difference was not merely an upgrade; it was a total rebirth. The neon-drenched streets of Kamurocho, a familiar haunt for series veterans, felt more vibrant and densely populated than ever before, with photorealistic lighting and textures that brought the city to life.

However, the true masterpiece of the visual overhaul was Okinawa. The sun-bleached beaches and tranquil streets of Ryukyu were rendered with breathtaking fidelity. The Dragon Engine captured the coastal humidity and the gentle lapping of the waves with an atmosphere the original could only hint at. Character models received the meticulous Kiwami treatment, granting Kiryu, the children of the Morning Glory Orphanage, and the game’s antagonists a new level of emotional expression. The re-rendered cinematic cutscenes elevated an already poignant story into the stratosphere of video game narratives.

Finally Fixing the Dragon's Toughest Fight

While the original Yakuza 3’s story was revered, its combat was infamous for a single, frustrating flaw: enemies who would block incessantly. RGG Studio made addressing this its top priority, and the results were phenomenal. The clunky stiffness of the 2009 original was replaced with the fluid, fast, and deeply satisfying combat system refined in subsequent series entries.

The remake’s combat allows for seamless combo strings, responsive dodges, and a wealth of varied, context-sensitive Heat Actions that use the beautifully detailed environments to brutal and often hilarious effect. Enemy AI was overhauled to be aggressive and intelligent rather than purely defensive. Thugs now flank, use team tactics, and press the attack, making every street brawl a thrilling test of skill instead of a tedious battle of attrition. It is, without question, the modern combat system this classic story always deserved.

The 'Dark Ties' Expansion: A Story Re-Told

Perhaps the most brilliant and unexpected addition was 'Dark Ties,' a completely new companion story woven expertly into the main narrative. This campaign runs parallel to Kiryu’s quest, offering a fresh perspective on the political turmoil gripping the Tojo Clan. The expansion put players in the shoes of one of the series' most complex antagonists: Yoshitaka Mine.

Playing as Mine, players investigate the conspiracy that Kiryu becomes entangled in, but from the opposite side of the conflict. This narrative masterstroke provided profound context for Mine’s motivations, fleshing out his character from a simple villain into a tragic, compelling figure. 'Dark Ties' was a substantial piece of new content that demonstrated a commitment not just to remaking the game, but to meaningfully expanding its lore. It transformed the main story, adding layers of dramatic irony and emotional weight that enriched the entire experience for veterans and newcomers alike.

A Legacy Forged in Excellence

Yakuza Kiwami 3 is far more than a simple remaster. RGG Studio treated the project with the reverence it deserved, surgically addressing long-standing criticisms while preserving the narrative heart that made the original a classic. The visual and combat upgrades alone made it a must-play, but the inclusion of the 'Dark Ties' storyline elevated it into the upper echelon of video game remakes. It stands as a comprehensive and ambitious reimagining that delivered the ultimate Yakuza 3 experience and proved that even a beloved story can be made better.