Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Reviews
Yakuza Kiwami 3 is more than just a graphical update to one of the series' most human classics, it's an expansion with lots of fun new content, but the combat leaves a lot to be desired while Dark Ties is totally unnecessary.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is, above all, a celebration of what the series does best. The package strikes a smart balance between nostalgia and modernization, revisiting a key chapter in Kazuma Kiryu’s journey while expanding the universe with an original story that adds depth to one of the franchise’s most compelling antagonists. It’s not a revolutionary game, but it is a very welcome refinement of a formula that still works.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Yakuza Kiwami 3 is a reinvention of a classic entry in the franchise, but it's far from being its definitive version. (Review written in Portuguese for Entertainium Brasil)
Anyone who's never played "Yakuza 3" will definitely have fun with "Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties." The story is exciting, there's plenty to do everywhere, and the new mode with Mine as the playable character is sure to provide many hours of entertainment. However, all in all, this third "Kiwami" installment just doesn't quite gel. This is certainly due to the numerous removed elements from the original, the lack of depth in the new features, and the reuse of familiar structures from other RGG games. Aside from the roguelike mode, which isn't exactly groundbreaking either, many things are just another copy that's rather unexciting.
Review in German | Read full review
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is the definitive version of the third installment and a much-needed remake at the same time, where the relatively high price tag is fully justified by the numerous adjustments, improvements, and the amount of new content.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is essential as a complete narrative package. It takes the heart of the series, Kiryu’s struggle to find peace, and gives it the presentation it deserves. Dark Ties puts the spotlight on an underutilized and misunderstood antagonist in a campaign that is over all too soon. If you don’t mind some of RGG Studio’s choices regarding casting and delisting Yakuza 3 Remastered, then I’d say this is a must-play.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 + Dark Ties is an ambitious remake that modernizes a pivotal chapter of the franchise while preserving much of its emotional core. Refined combat, rebuilt visuals powered by the Dragon Engine, and a more mature narrative make it especially rewarding for long-time fans. However, controversial changes to the ending, explained through the Dark Ties expansion. may frustrate series veterans, and the inconsistent English voice acting undermines immersion at key moments. Performance on Switch 2 is solid and meaningful for the series. Not an ideal entry point, but still a rich and memorable experience, albeit one that will likely divide its audience.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, burdened with the series’ greatest expectations and doubts, set out to preserve the original story while filling its gaps. Though not flawless, it ultimately overcomes its limits, coming closest yet to the “Kiwami” ideal.
Review in Korean | Read full review
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties together form a great game that tells a well-rounded story, showcasing not only Kiryu's more human side but also Mine's darker side. Thanks to the new content, Mine's character has a deeper development, solidifying her status as one of the best villains in the series. Additionally, it features a wide selection of minigames and new missions and story arcs not present in the original version. However, just as the third installment marked a turning point for the franchise, its reimagining has revealed a possible stagnation or fatigue with the formula.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is a welcome surprise from a title that many long-time fans, myself included, once considered the weakest entry in the Like A Dragon series. Where the original often felt overshadowed by its more explosive predecessors, the Kiwami remake breathes new life into this quieter chapter, elevating it into something far more memorable. Playing through Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties was a genuine joy, and it now feels like a worthy addition to the Kiwami brand of remakes.
There is precious little to enjoy about Yakuza Kiwami 3. From problematic casting to combat that feels near mindless compared to the series’ usual output, incredibly dull side content to story changes that seem to actively disdain the work of the original writers, Yakuza Kiwami 3 lacks charm, heart, and a clear direction, resulting in a new low point for the venerable series.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is a reimagining of the original, featuring modernization across several aspects, highly welcome additions, and an excellent experience for every type of player—whether new to the franchise or a longtime fan. The Dark Ties campaign stands out as an intriguing element, opening the possibility for RGG to apply this strategy to other beloved characters from the series.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
While it's sure to get longtime fans talking with its new twist ending, there's no doubt that Yakuza Kiwami 3 plays much better than the original.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties is an exceptional entry in the Yakuza series, with a strong story, great combat, plenty to do, and gorgeous visuals.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties delivers a complete remake of the third game in the series alongside a new story episode that complements the narrative of Yakuza Kiwami 3 by delving even deeper into the motivations and desires of Yoshitaka Mine. Yakuza Kiwami 3 presents a more compact version of Yakuza 3’s story, making some questionable choices by relocating certain content to side activities, in addition to introducing significant changes to Kiryu’s gameplay. Dark Ties, on the other hand, succeeds by focusing exclusively on Mine’s deeper character development, offering a short campaign that knows when to end, despite falling a bit short in terms of secondary content.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
It’s not easy to refresh and improve a game that was already excellent from the very start. Too often the remakes go too far and lose the original’s atmosphere in the process. However, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio once again proves that they are masters of both creating new titles and revitalizing older ones. Yakuza Kiwami 3 not only preserves the best elements of the original but also fixes all of its flaws and limitations. It’s an almost perfect remake and an absolute must-play!
Review in Polish | Read full review
Yakuza Kiwami 3 is a mostly competent remake of an original that needed an update. The combat and upgrade changes are welcome, though those in the ending and its attempt to justify the expansion are not.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is not a simple remake. It is a reappraisal of an underestimated chapter. Kiwami 3 finally gives Kiryu’s story the mechanical weight it deserves, while Dark Ties proves that the series has the courage to seriously question its antagonists.
Review in German | Read full review
Story-wise Yakuza Kiwami 3 brings little that is new, but its improved presentation, welcome side content—especially the character-building Morning Glory moments—and the added value of Dark Ties make it a solid remake with better visuals and tighter gameplay that’s highly recommended for newcomers who enjoyed Kiwami 1 and 2, though it likely won’t change the minds of those who disliked the original.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
I’m a bit annoyed at our 5-point scoring system right now. Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is a classic 7/10 kind of game. The foundation is solid, the story is gripping, and the amount of side content is generous. But what good are 100 side quests if 90% of them are painfully boring? Why isn’t Okinawa used to its full potential? And why does Dark Ties feel more focused on Kanda than on Mine? In the end, that leaves a slight sense of disappointment — and the question of whether RGG Studios can find their footing again. I really hope they do.
Review in German | Read full review