Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is an action-adventure RPG beat 'em up that combines a full remake of the 2009 classic with an entirely new campaign. Players step into the shoes of ex-yakuza Kazuma Kiryu as he protects his orphanage and loved ones in Okinawa and Tokyo, while a separate story follows Yoshitaka Mine in the events leading up to the main narrative. The experience blends intense street combat, exploration across detailed city districts, and a variety of side activities that define the series.
Gameplay
Combat centers on fluid brawler mechanics where players switch between distinct fighting styles. Kiryu accesses the Dragon of Dojima Kiwami style, which emphasizes powerful strikes, environmental weapons, and Heat Actions that deliver cinematic finishers. A second Ryukyu style incorporates traditional Okinawan weaponry for technical combos and crowd control. Upgrades flow through a streamlined skill tree that improves techniques without complex resource management. Exploration takes players through reimagined versions of Kamurocho and Downtown Ryukyu, where they interact with residents, complete substories, and participate in minigames such as karaoke, bowling, and casino games. Additional features include a dad-focused system at the orphanage with chores and bonding activities that tie into progression.
Game Modes
The title offers two distinct main campaigns selectable from the title screen. Yakuza Kiwami 3 follows Kiryu through an expanded story with new cutscenes and side content. Dark Ties shifts perspective to Mine and features its own set of substories and battles. Beyond the core narratives, Premium Adventure unlocks after completion for free-roaming play and unfinished activities. New Game+ provides a fresh run with carried-over progress. Dark Ties includes Hell's Arena, an underground fight club with Brawler Hell cage matches and Survival Hell, a roguelite dungeon mode that emphasizes randomized runs, loot collection, and permanent upgrades across attempts. A separate Bad Boy Dragon mode lets players manage a motorcycle gang, complete turf conquests, and participate in team-based rumbles.
Story and Setting
The narrative splits across two eras and protagonists. Kiryu's campaign picks up after prior events as he settles into civilian life only to face renewed threats from organized crime and development schemes. Mine's story in Dark Ties explores his origins as an entrepreneur drawn into the yakuza world, highlighting themes of ambition and loyalty. Both campaigns unfold across vibrant recreations of Japanese locales, with added depth from extra scenes and character interactions that expand on the original material.
Is It Worth Playing?
The package delivers a complete action-adventure experience with two full campaigns, varied combat options, and extensive minigame variety. It launched in February 2026 across PC and consoles and continues to receive support through updates. Reception on Steam sits in the mixed range overall, with praise for combat refinements and the new Dark Ties content balanced against some criticism of visual changes and story alterations from the source material. Players who enjoy beat 'em up action combined with deep side activities and narrative focus on character relationships will find substantial value here, especially those seeking a modern entry point into the series or a replay of the remade classic alongside fresh material.
