Game reviews / Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties
2026 · PlayStation 5 · PlayStation 4 · Xbox Series X|S · Nintendo Switch 2 · PC · Action · Adventure
4 scored sources · 2 countries contributing scores
Review consensus
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is a substantial but uneven remake that preserves Yakuza 3’s emotionally grounded story while modernizing its combat and expanding Okinawa with orphanage activities, minigames, and new side content. Kiryu’s improved fighting feels considerably better than in the original, and the Morning Glory setting remains the package’s emotional centerpiece. However, pacing problems, repetitive or recycled activities, inconsistent visuals, controversial story and casting changes, and a comparatively shallow Dark Ties campaign prevent it from matching the series’ strongest entries. Critics generally view it as worthwhile for newcomers and dedicated fans, but not an essential upgrade for everyone.
Limited geographic coverage. Treat this score as an early indication.
Last researched: 2026-09-12
Pros
- Much-improved, more impactful combat
- Strong emotional story centered on Kiryu and Morning Glory
- Okinawa and Kamurocho remain engaging settings
- Dark Ties adds meaningful context to Yoshitaka Mine
Cons
- Uneven pacing and excessive side-content bloat
- Controversial recasting and heavy-handed story changes
- Dark Ties has shallow combat and limited scope
- Visuals and atmosphere can feel inconsistent or homogenized
Review sources
5 sources found across 2 countries. This is not exhaustive worldwide coverage.
- Nintendo Life · United Kingdom · 60/100
- Push Square · United Kingdom · 80/100
- VGC · United Kingdom · 40/100
- Game Informer · United States · 80/100
- GameSpot · United States