Recreation Title: Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Darkish Ties

Platforms:

PlayStation 5 (Feb 11, 2026) PlayStation 4 (Feb 11, 2026) Xbox Collection X/S (Feb 11, 2026) PC (Feb 11, 2026) Nintendo Swap (Feb 12, 2026)

Trailer:

Assessment Aggregator:

OpenCritic – 75 common – 72% advisable – 53 opinions

Critic Opinions

AltChar – Asmir Kovacevic – 90 / 100

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Darkish Ties delivers phenomenal storytelling, endlessly partaking actions, and heartfelt character moments that shattered each preconception I had in regards to the franchise.

CGMagazine – Zubi Khan – 6 / 10

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Darkish Ties is the third instalment within the Kiwami collection, roughly translating to final, peak or excessive

Cloud Dosage – Jon Scarr – 4.5 / 5

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Darkish Ties brings considered one of Kiryu’s most private chapters again with smoother fight, stronger pacing, and a clearer sense of place. The remake respects what made Yakuza 3 completely different, whereas Darkish Ties provides context with out pulling focus away from the principle story. It isn’t flawless, however as an entire bundle, it’s a simple chapter to return to and play by means of.

ComingSoon.web – Tyler Treese – 9 / 10

Whereas it's certain to get longtime followers speaking with its new twist ending, there's little question that Yakuza Kiwami 3 performs significantly better than the unique.

Every day Mirror – Aaron Potter – 4 / 5

It’s undoubtedly a disgrace that the Darkish Ties portion of this bundle by no means reaches its full potential, but that is greater than made up for by Yakuza Kiwami 3’s completely beautiful tackle Okinawa and the new-and-improved methods you’re in a position to work together with it. So far as beatdown-led holidays within the solar go, Yakuza Kiwami 3 serves as RGG Studio’s finest reimagining but.

Digitec Journal – Rainer Etzweiler – German – 3 / 5

I’m a bit irritated at our 5-point scoring system proper now. Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Darkish Ties is a traditional 7/10 type of recreation. The inspiration is strong, the story is gripping, and the quantity of aspect content material is beneficiant.

However what good are 100 aspect quests if 90% of them are painfully boring? Why isn’t Okinawa used to its full potential? And why does Darkish Ties really feel extra centered on Kanda than on Mine?

In the long run, that leaves a slight sense of disappointment — and the query of whether or not RGG Studios can discover their footing once more.

I actually hope they do.

DualShockers – Usama Mehmood – 7.5 / 10

As somebody who deeply adores the unique Yakuza 3, this remake consistently left me torn between appreciation and disappointment, as a result of it’s sometimes good but so undeniably polarizing at some ranges, serving as superb proof for me that not each black sheep in a collection must be remade.

Entertainium – Eduardo Rebouças – 3 / 5

Yakuza Kiwami 3 is a reinvention of a traditional entry within the franchise, however it's removed from being its definitive model. (Assessment written in Portuguese for Entertainium Brasil)

Eurogamer.pt – Bruno Galvão – Portuguese – 4 / 5

Yakuza Kiwami 3 is greater than only a graphical replace to one of many collection' most human classics, it's an growth with a number of enjoyable new content material, however the fight leaves loads to be desired whereas Darkish Ties is completely pointless.

Everyeye.it – Italian – 8 / 10

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GAMES.CH – Fabrice Henz – German – 70%

Anybody who's by no means performed "Yakuza 3" will certainly have enjoyable with "Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Darkish Ties." The story is thrilling, there's a lot to do in every single place, and the brand new mode with Mine because the playable character is certain to supply many hours of leisure. Nonetheless, all in all, this third "Kiwami" installment simply doesn't fairly gel. That is definitely as a result of quite a few eliminated parts from the unique, the dearth of depth within the new options, and the reuse of acquainted buildings from different RGG video games. Apart from the roguelike mode, which isn't precisely groundbreaking both, many issues are simply one other copy that's reasonably unexciting.

GameBlast – Hiero de Lima – Portuguese – 5 / 10

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Darkish Ties has little interest in the supply materials apart from making an attempt to adapt it to the drained system of mass attraction that Masayoshi Yokoyama perfected when he took over as head of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio. Within the course of, the sport forgets every thing that made the unique story a landmark of the franchise and replaces it with a thick coat of company varnish. Unlucky associations and sure narrative selections additionally make the expertise arduous to swallow. A real disappointment within the franchise, of the type that has, sadly, turn into extra frequent over time — maybe it's time for the top of the annual format.

GameOnly – Kamil Kozakowski – Polish – 4.5 / 5

It’s not straightforward to refresh and enhance a recreation that was already glorious from the very begin. Too typically the remakes go too far and lose the unique’s ambiance within the course of. Nonetheless, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio as soon as once more proves that they’re masters of each creating new titles and revitalizing older ones. Yakuza Kiwami 3 not solely preserves one of the best parts of the unique but additionally fixes all of its flaws and limitations. It’s an nearly good remake and an absolute must-play!

GameSpot – 6 / 10

Attending to the top, in a manner, took me again to the start, remembering Kiryu's stroll within the cemetery. The scene symbolizes the end result of a selected time and place for the series–one that's presently unable to shake off its phantoms.

Gameliner – Rudy Wijnberg – Dutch – 4 / 5

Story-wise Yakuza Kiwami 3 brings little that’s new, however its improved presentation, welcome aspect content material—particularly the character-building Morning Glory moments—and the added worth of Darkish Ties make it a strong remake with higher visuals and tighter gameplay that’s extremely advisable for newcomers who loved Kiwami 1 and a couple of, although it doubtless gained’t change the minds of those that disliked the unique.

Gamer Guides – Lexi Luddy – 20 / 100

There’s valuable little to get pleasure from about Yakuza Kiwami 3. From problematic casting to fight that feels close to senseless in comparison with the collection’ standard output, extremely uninteresting aspect content material to story adjustments that appear to actively disdain the work of the unique writers, Yakuza Kiwami 3 lacks attraction, coronary heart, and a transparent route, leading to a brand new low level for the venerable collection.

GamerFocus – César Salcedo – Spanish – 8.5 / 10

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Darkish Ties collectively kind an excellent recreation that tells a well-rounded story, showcasing not solely Kiryu's extra human aspect but additionally Mine's darker aspect. Because of the brand new content material, Mine's character has a deeper improvement, solidifying her standing as among the finest villains within the collection. Moreover, it options a wide array of minigames and new missions and story arcs not current within the unique model. Nonetheless, simply because the third installment marked a turning level for the franchise, its reimagining has revealed a doable stagnation or fatigue with the system.

Gamersky – Chinese language – 8 / 10

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Darkish Ties should still be sure by some unavoidable legacy frameworks, however its renewed deal with traditional yakuza storytelling-devoting extra time to character improvement and the emotional weight of main story beats-recaptures the sensation of first stepping into the Yakuza collection.

GamesRadar+ – Oscar Taylor-Kent – 4 / 5

Yakuza 3 has, regardless of its flaws, lengthy been considered one of my favorites within the collection.

GamingBolt – Joelle Daniels – 8 / 10

Yakuza Kiwami 3 is an effective way to expertise one of many extra enjoyable tales within the collection because of the brand new and improved gameplay.

Hey Poor Participant – Lewis Maisel – 4 / 5

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Darkish Ties is crucial as an entire narrative bundle. It takes the guts of the collection, Kiryu’s battle to search out peace, and offers it the presentation it deserves. Darkish Ties places the highlight on an underutilized and misunderstood antagonist in a marketing campaign that’s over all too quickly. For those who don’t thoughts a few of RGG Studio’s decisions relating to casting and delisting Yakuza 3 Remastered, then I’d say it is a must-play.

Hinsusta – Pascal Kaap – German – 8 / 10

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Darkish Ties shouldn’t be a easy remake. It’s a reappraisal of an underestimated chapter. Kiwami 3 lastly provides Kiryu’s story the mechanical weight it deserves, whereas Darkish Ties proves that the collection has the braveness to significantly query its antagonists.

Pastime Consolas – Spanish – 92 / 100

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IGN – Tristan Ogilvie – 7 / 10

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Darkish Ties is one other satisfying mix of hard-boiled drama and sidestory silliness, however as a bundle it’s not fairly as well-rounded because the collection’ extra achieved entries.

IGN Italy – Francesco Destri – Italian – 8 / 10

Yakuza Kiwami 3 improves on the unique 2009 model each visually and by way of gameplay, whereas additionally providing an all-new prequel that isn't important however remains to be satisfying for followers of the collection.

IGN Spain – Rafa Del Río – Spanish – 9 / 10

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Darkish Ties delves into Kazuma Kiryu's previous to convey again among the finest episodes of Yakuza. Ryu Ga Gotoku refines the unique title with brutal fight, new actions, and loads of mini-games that assist exploration to create bombproof gameplay. New tales, improved storytelling, Spanish subtitles, and the addition of Darkish Ties make this pack one of many studio's finest remakes. It's the right excuse to relive Kiryu's previous and perceive his function in Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased his Identify and Infinite Wealth.

INVEN – Hongman Yoon – Korean – 8 / 10

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Darkish Ties, burdened with the collection’ biggest expectations and doubts, got down to protect the unique story whereas filling its gaps. Although not flawless, it in the end overcomes its limits, coming closest but to the “Kiwami” ideally suited.

LevelUp – Spanish – 8 / 10

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Darkish Tides modernizes a divisive entry within the collection with improved fight, development, and added content material. Whereas the remake is extra enjoyable and accessible than the unique, some adjustments have an effect on narrative pacing and emotional impression. Darkish Tides enhances the bundle with a quick however partaking prequel centered on Yoshitaka Mine, including invaluable context to the general expertise.

Loot Stage Chill – Chris White – 9 / 10

Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Darkish Ties is an distinctive entry within the Yakuza collection, with a powerful story, nice fight, a lot to do, and lovely visuals.

Guide dos Video games – Luiz Henrique Silva – Portuguese – 8.5 / 10

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Darkish Ties delivers an entire remake of the third recreation within the collection alongside a brand new story episode that enhances the narrative of Yakuza Kiwami 3 by delving even deeper into the motivations and wishes of Yoshitaka Mine. Yakuza Kiwami 3 presents a extra compact model of Yakuza 3’s story, making some questionable decisions by relocating sure content material to aspect actions, along with introducing important adjustments to Kiryu’s gameplay. Darkish Ties, however, succeeds by focusing solely on Mine’s deeper character improvement, providing a brief marketing campaign that is aware of when to finish, regardless of falling a bit brief by way of secondary content material.

MeuPlayStation – Thiago do Nascimento Barros – Portuguese – 83 / 100

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Darkish Ties is, above all, a celebration of what the collection does finest. The bundle strikes a sensible steadiness between nostalgia and modernization, revisiting a key chapter in Kazuma Kiryu’s journey whereas increasing the universe with an unique story that provides depth to one of many franchise’s most compelling antagonists. It’s not a revolutionary recreation, however it’s a very welcome refinement of a system that also works.

Multiplayer First – Paulmichael Contreras – 8.5 / 10

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Darkish Ties is the entire bundle. You get not one, however two fully-contained campaigns, with all of the violence and drama you’d count on in any Yakuza story. Having each video games unlocked from the beginning is nice for anybody who’s performed the unique Yakuza 3 and simply desires to get to the entire new stuff, although any gamers new to Yakuza 3 will most likely wish to play Yakuza Kiwami 3 first to get extra aware of the story. Enjoying both recreation is assured to be a superb time.

Nintendo Life – Oliver Reynolds – 6 / 10

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Darkish Ties is a good collection entry, however one which's tainted by poor pacing and a recasting controversy that merely didn't have to occur. The primary story has loads to supply, however it's additionally bloated with manner an excessive amount of aspect content material getting in the way in which of the core narrative. Darkish Ties seems like a pleasant antidote to this, however I'm unsure whether or not this alone can be definitely worth the buy for anybody however collection die-hards.RGG Studio fastened some visible blemishes in time for launch, in order that's excellent news. Sadly, it appears Kiwami 3 will ceaselessly be related to the recasting of considered one of its foremost antagonists, an issue that undeniably affected my private enjoyment of the sport. If that doesn't trouble you, and if an overabundance of aspect content material appeals, you possibly can most likely add a degree to the scoreline.

NintendoWorldReport – John Rairdin – 9 / 10

Wanting one thing extra compact after just lately spending time with Yakuza 0, Kiwami 1, and Kiwami 2 on Swap 2, Darkish Ties was an ideal encapsulation of what makes the collection so enjoyable and charming, with out the bloat that may creep in every now and then. Mine's fight type is easy however fast-paced, which means random road encounters with unfriendly Yakuza by no means lasted greater than 30 seconds. It could hit in another way should you select to roll credit on Kiwami 3 first, however for what it’s, Darkish Ties represents a welcome pack-in and the kind of further content material I hope we see with the following Kiwami remaster.

One Extra Recreation – Vincent Ternida – 8.5 / 10

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Darkish Ties is a welcome shock from a title that many long-time followers, myself included, as soon as thought-about the weakest entry within the Like A Dragon collection. The place the unique typically felt overshadowed by its extra explosive predecessors, the Kiwami remake breathes new life into this quieter chapter, elevating it into one thing way more memorable.

Enjoying by means of Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Darkish Ties was a real pleasure, and it now seems like a worthy addition to the Kiwami model of remakes.

PPE.pl – Grzegorz Cyga – Polish – 7.5 / 10

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Darkish Ties is a venture that was realized after years of requests from followers. Nonetheless, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio didn't cease there and tried to exceed expectations, which resulted in them taking two steps ahead and three steps again.

PSX Brasil – Isabella Alves – Portuguese – 75 / 100

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Darkish Ties is a remake that retains solely a small essence of the unique work. Regardless of being fairly trustworthy to the story, some script selections depart one thing to be desired, and the secondary content material, aside from Daddy Rank, goes from one thing new to only "extra of the identical." Darkish Ties is an fascinating addition, however it may even have a better-developed story. Then again, the gameplay of each titles stays fluid and with enjoyable new fight types to grasp. The ultimate expertise is considerably bittersweet, being a remake nicely beneath the unique, however one that gives many hours of enjoyable.

Pizza Fria – Matheus Jenevain – Portuguese – 8.8 / 10

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Darkish Ties is one other nice remake within the Yakuza collection, bringing a superb title from the collection into a brand new period with new options and enhancements that make it extra accessible, in addition to larger consideration to its foremost villain. The sport is gorgeous to play, enjoyable, filled with content material, and options the superb gameplay that the collection has made well-known.

PlayStation Universe – Michael Harradence – 9 / 10

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Darkish Ties is a top-notch bundle brimming some nice new content material, with the Darkish Tide side-story definitely worth the value of entry alone. There's some questionable adjustments and additions to Yakuza 3 that can irk some longtime followers, however total, it is a good remake and simply essentially the most bold within the collection thus far.

ProjectN – Carlos de Arruda – Portuguese – 85%

Yakuza Kiwami 3 + Darkish Ties is an bold remake that modernizes a pivotal chapter of the franchise whereas preserving a lot of its emotional core. Refined fight, rebuilt visuals powered by the Dragon Engine, and a extra mature narrative make it particularly rewarding for long-time followers. Nonetheless, controversial adjustments to the ending, defined by means of the Darkish Ties growth. could frustrate collection veterans, and the inconsistent English voice performing undermines immersion at key moments. Efficiency on Swap 2 is strong and significant for the collection. Not a perfect entry level, however nonetheless a wealthy and memorable expertise, albeit one that can doubtless divide its viewers.

Push Sq. – Robert Ramsey – 8 / 10

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Darkish Ties is one hell of a bundle. Taken purely as an expanded remake, it's an absolute blast for followers each outdated and new – however questionable adjustments to the story and its solid will inevitably stain the expertise for loads of individuals.It's such a disgrace that these unforced errors muddy the waters, as a result of we predict Kiwami 3 might be RGG Studio's finest remake thus far – and one of many strongest titles within the collection almost about gameplay.

República DG – Renan Venturini – Portuguese – 8.2 / 10

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Darkish Ties is a reimagining of the unique, that includes modernization throughout a number of elements, extremely welcome additions, and a very good expertise for each sort of participant—whether or not new to the franchise or a longtime fan. The Darkish Ties marketing campaign stands out as an intriguing aspect, opening the likelihood for RGG to use this technique to different beloved characters from the collection.

SomHráč.sk – Slovak – 80%

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Darkish Ties is the definitive model of the third installment and a much-needed remake on the similar time, the place the comparatively excessive price ticket is totally justified by the quite a few changes, enhancements, and the quantity of latest content material.

Spaziogames – Italian – 8.4 / 10

Yakuza 3 + Darkish Ties is rather more than a mere business enterprise, because it might sound to the much less attentive: it’s a daring remake that refreshes a strong however flawed title and resolves practically all of its points. Whereas some longtime followers may grumble over the recasting of a few characters and some cuts right here and there within the interactions, the overwhelming majority of gamers will inevitably respect the adjustments in pacing.

Stevivor – Matt Gosper – 8 / 10

Whereas the principle story does really feel a bit shorter in comparison with the opposite Kiwami video games, the sheer quantity of “stuff to do” on this planet greater than balances that out. By the point you’ve cleared the principle story, bested the Coliseum, accomplished each weird sub-story, accomplished the photograph rally, fought each beatdown goal, unlocked each costume merchandise AND solid a deep, emotional reference to each little one in your care? You’ll surprise why Kiryu ever left the life behind.

The Video games Machine – Danilo Dellafrana – Italian – 8.8 / 10

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TheGamer – Meg Pelliccio – 3.5 / 5

General, Yakuza Kiwami 3 is now one of the simplest ways to expertise Yakuza 3, particularly since this retcon will doubtless now be the established canon. There’s no arguing that it has improved on the unique in some ways, not solely giving it a much-needed facelift and tinkering below the hood to make for a smoother expertise, however including an entire host of latest content material to whet our urge for food. Whereas I lament some losses throughout the inventive overhaul and I’m notably disgruntled by one main change, I can’t deny that the positives far outweigh the negatives.

TheSixthAxis – Miguel Moran – 7 / 10

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Darkish Ties is a combo of motion adventures that longtime followers of the collection can have hours of enjoyable with. The added gameplay options and altered visuals, sadly, distinction with the story expertise in a manner that doesn't really feel as genuine to the unique expertise as I’d have preferred.

VGC – Ashley Schofield – 2 / 5

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Darkish Ties is a tragic microcosm of the state of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio: a developer spinning its wheels, not caring for high quality, content material to chew up outdated property and discard what made the unique particular with a view to spit out a yearly launch that cashes in on love for what the collection was.

WellPlayed – Kieron Verbrugge – 7.5 / 10

Yakuza Kiwami 3 is a profitable retelling of one of many collection' less-understood titles, massaging it into one thing that's a contact homogenous however in the end extra agreeable. However some off-putting decisions and a fumbled deal with Mine in each the principle recreation and Darkish Ties cease it from sticking the touchdown.

Xbox Achievements – Richard Walker – 70%

Does Yakuza 3 want a remake? It's already been remastered, and, I'd argue that the sport holds up reasonably nicely, having initially launched fo…

XboxEra – Jesse Norris – 6.5 / 10

Yakuza Kiwami 3 is a principally competent remake of an unique that wanted an replace. The fight and improve adjustments are welcome, although these within the ending and its try and justify the growth will not be.