"In Game News" Editorial: Yakuza Kiwami 3 – A Masterclass in Remake Content, Not Just a Facelift
We at In Game News are rarely left speechless by a remake's feature list, but the sheer volume of content revealed for Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties has us buzzing. Headlining this monumental update is the full integration of SlashOut, the hack-and-slash spiritual successor to Toshihiro Nagoshi’s iconic SpikeOut. This isn't just a throwaway minigame; it's a deep cut that, alongside a treasure trove of other machines and an entire emulated Game Gear library, promises to make Kiwami 3 a definitive entry in the Dragon of Dojima’s saga.
For anyone who cut their teeth on arcade brawlers, the mention of SlashOut is a game-changer. Nagoshi’s pedigree with the original SpikeOut – a true 3D arena brawler that defined countless arcade quarters back in the day, recently revived in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth and Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii – brings instant credibility. While SpikeOut owned the street-brawl aesthetic, SlashOut takes that core brutal combat feel and plunges it into a medieval fantasy setting. Our analysis suggests this shift to battling mythological creatures with weapons, while retaining the foundational mechanics, is a stroke of genius. It offers a fresh power fantasy without sacrificing the visceral feedback we expect from a Nagoshi-directed title. This isn't just another minigame; it's a significant expansion to the gameplay loop, potentially even establishing a new meta for Yakuza's in-game diversions.
Beyond the confirmed and much-anticipated inclusion of Emergency Call Ambulance, SEGA's promise of a "treasure trove of machines" suggests we're only scratching the surface of the arcade offerings. And then there's the Game Gear. For veterans like us, the thought of Kiryu whipping out a perfectly period-appropriate Game Gear, complete with fully emulated titles, is pure nostalgia fuel. We're talking classics like Sonic Chaos, alongside Bandai Namco gems like Pac-Man, Mappy, and Galaga ’91. This isn't just a novelty; it's a love letter to a bygone era of handheld gaming, offering an authentic slice of 90s digital entertainment that will resonate deeply with long-time fans and introduce a new generation to some fantastic retro experiences.
It’s not all about the retro grind, though. RGG Studio is also injecting modern quality-of-life (QoL) improvements and classic Yakuza absurdity. Kiryu’s new flip-phone isn’t just for show; its customisation options with rhinestones and stickers allow for a bit of personal flair, while the infrared-style app introduces a fresh way to connect with the locals of Kamurocho and Okinawa. Zapping passers-by to open 'Loveboxes' filled with useful items and rewards is a brilliant, immersive touch that promises to make exploration even more rewarding. It’s a subtle yet impactful mechanic that deepens the interaction with the game world.
Finally, the new sub-stories are classic Kiryu at his best. The prospect of Kazuma Kiryu posing as an impromptu host named 'Kazzy-chan' is already gold, guaranteeing the kind of hilarious, heartwarming, and often baffling side-quests that define the series. The sub-story involving a dog digging up a dirty magazine is equally indicative of the series' unique charm. These aren't mere filler; they're essential to the Yakuza experience, enriching Kiryu’s character and providing memorable moments that contribute significantly to the game's overall replayability and unique atmosphere.
All told, Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, due out on February 12th, is shaping up to be more than just a remake. It’s an action-packed, content-rich reimagining that respects its legacy while pushing the envelope for what a remake can deliver. This is a massive win for fans and a benchmark for the genre. We’re ready to dive back into Kamurocho and Okinawa.