As a long-time Yakuza fan, I’ve often hesitated to recommend Yakuza 3 due to its outdated graphics and gameplay, especially compared to the remastered earlier titles and newer entries. However, the recent announcement of Yakuza Kiwami 3—a full remake that revitalizes the 16-year-old game with updated graphics, combat, and storytelling—alongside Dark Ties, a companion game focusing on antagonist Yoshitaka Mine’s rise in the criminal underworld, promises to change that perception significantly. Both titles, set for release on February 12, 2026, are designed to appeal to modern audiences while offering deeper character exploration and refined gameplay mechanics.
Discussion Point: How do you think the addition of a companion story like Dark Ties can enrich our understanding of the Yakuza universe and its characters, especially those who initially seemed one-dimensional?
