Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties: First impressions of a look back at the RGG franchise

This week, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio surprised us by revealing that there are still surprises in store as part of the 20th anniversary celebration of its flagship franchise, Like a Dragon. In case you missed it, the studio announced the upcoming arrival of Yakuza Kiwami 3, a remake of the third installment in the series, along with Dark Ties, a brand-new title that will be released in a single package. Prior to the reveal, and as part of our visit to SEGA of America’s offices, we had the opportunity to briefly try out both experiences.

The return of the legend

After almost eight years without a remake, and at the request of fans, Yakuza Kiwami 3 is here. This new version picks up the story of Kazuma Kiryu, the iconic Dragon of Dojima, in an adventure that takes him to both Tokyo and Okinawa. As in previous Kiwami games, the game features visual and environmental improvements, polishing the experience of the original 2008 title. It also includes new scenes and elements that promise to delve even deeper into the narrative of the original title.

Beyond the graphics, there are also significant gameplay changes. The original title was criticized for its overly aggressive blocking system against enemies, but this has been rethought with the inclusion of the “Dragon de Dojima Kiwami” style. This makes combat more fluid and dynamic, maintaining the essence of the series without sacrificing the player experience.

Full screen

During our session, we explored part of Okinawa, and the game looks solid. It doesn’t quite reach the visual level of recent releases such as Like a Dragon 8 Infinite Wealth, but it does stand out for its textures and atmosphere. The combat feels familiar, with the ability to switch between Kiryu’s different fighting styles. Although our time was brief, we got to try out classic activities such as decorating Kiryu’s cell phone, giving him more summery outfits, and visiting the karaoke bar, all with that distinctive touch that the series is known for.

A new adventure

Although Kiwami 3 is the trump card, Dark Ties is not far behind. This new story stars Yoshitake Mine, the main antagonist of Yakuza 3, whom we now see from a completely different perspective. The game seeks to delve deeper into his background and motivations, taking us back to the streets of Kamurocho.

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Mine stands out for his agile and aggressive fighting style, which offers a breath of fresh air compared to what the franchise has shown in recent years. In addition, after performing combos and attacks, the “Dark Awakening” Mode meter will rise, unleashing Mine’s fury. Revisiting Kamurocho is a pleasure, and doing so under this new narrative makes it even more interesting. In addition, there will be a mode called “Hell’s Arena,” which is an underground fight club with a variety of unique rules for players.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties will be available on February 12, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and Steam.

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