Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Review: A Generous Remake Package with a Split Personality
The third full-scale Yakuza remake, Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, arrives as the most ambitious entry in the Kiwami series yet. However, this generous package from RGG Studio presents a game of two distinct halves, with the main remake shining brightly while the new side story, Dark Ties, falls short due to its brevity and narrow focus.
Yakuza Kiwami 3: A Sunny, Expanded Adventure
Yakuza Kiwami 3 picks up with Kazuma Kiryu seeking to leave his criminal past behind, relocating to the scenic Okinawa region to run an orphanage. This setting shift provides a refreshing change from the urban landscapes of previous games, offering a holiday-like atmosphere that enhances the game's identity. The story remains faithful to the original Yakuza 3, following Kiryu's inevitable return to the underworld when a military operation threatens his new life, exploring themes of fatherhood and the futility of escaping one's past.
The remake excels in expanding side content, particularly through the revitalised Morning Glory orphanage. Players can engage in numerous activities to build bonds with the children, such as helping with homework, insect catching, cooking, and sewing. These minigames not only increase your 'Daddy Rank' but also deepen the emotional connection to Kiryu's struggle, making them an integral part of the experience.
Additionally, the new Bad Boy Dragon storyline introduces a recruiting and battle system inspired by recent series entries, set in the beautifully rendered Downtown Ryukyu. This open-world district, made more accessible with the Street Surfer, offers a relaxing environment filled with substories and minigames. Combat has been enhanced with Kiryu's faster, weapon-based Ryukyu fighting style, adding depth to encounters.
Dark Ties: An Undercooked Side Story
In contrast, the all-new Dark Ties side story centres on Yoshitaka Mine, a key antagonist from the main game, as he rises from entrepreneur to Yakuza member. Set entirely in Kamurocho, this standalone tale disappoints due to its painfully short length, spanning just three chapters and completable in under four hours. This brevity makes it feel like an add-on rather than a substantial narrative.
RGG Studio attempts to pad out Dark Ties with features like the Survival Hell fight mode, but it feels barebones compared to Kiwami 3's content. Mine's boxing-style combat is enjoyable but lacks meaningful connection to his character arc. The story is further stalled by repetitive tasks to raise reputation, which only highlight its underdeveloped potential.
Overall Impressions and Rating
Despite Dark Ties' shortcomings, Yakuza Kiwami 3 stands out as a successful reimagining. It captures the franchise's signature blend of madcap action and poignant storytelling, bolstered by new activities that reinforce themes of fatherhood and justice. The gorgeous Okinawa setting and improved interactions make it a standout entry in the series.
Ultimately, Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is a generous package that largely delivers, even if one half fails to meet expectations. For fans awaiting the next Kiwami instalment, the main remake is well worth the wait, offering a beatdown-led holiday in the sun that ranks as RGG Studio's best reimagining to date.
Rating: 4/5
