Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Remake Arrives to Divided Critical Opinion

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, the highly anticipated remake of the 2009 PlayStation 3 game Yakuza 3, is set to launch on February 11, 2026. This enhanced title, which includes new DLC, will be available across multiple platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch. Players can look forward to updated visuals and content.

Initial Critical Reception

Upon its debut, Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties has garnered a score of 75 on the review aggregation site OpenCritic, with 72% of critics recommending it.

Critical opinions, however, are notably divided on whether the remake successfully enhances the original title, leaving reviewers with varying perspectives on its overall success.

Individual Critic Takes

Tristant Ogilvie, IGN (7/10)

Tristant Ogilvie, in his 7 out of 10 review for IGN, found the game to be "another enjoyable blend of hard-boiled drama and sidestory silliness." However, he noted that it was "not quite as well-rounded as the series’ more accomplished entries," suggesting it falls short of the franchise's higher benchmarks.

Oliver Reynolds, Nintendo Life (6/10)

Oliver Reynolds of Nintendo Life rated the game 6 out of 10, describing it as "a fair series entry." His review criticized its "poor pacing and a recasting controversy," highlighting areas where the remake struggled to meet expectations.

Usama Mehmood, DualShockers (7.5/10)

For DualShockers, Usama Mehmood awarded a 7.5 out of 10, revealing he was "torn between appreciation and disappointment." Mehmood ultimately found the game to be "undeniably polarizing," reflecting the diverse reactions within the critical landscape.

Tyler Treese, ComingSoon (9/10)

Conversely, Tyler Treese from ComingSoon offered a significantly higher score of 9 out of 10. Treese emphatically stated that the game "plays much better than the original," praising it as a "fulfilling package." This positive assessment highlighted the new Dark Ties expansion, a meaningful story, and additional side content as key enhancements. Treese further suggested that a remake of Yakuza 4 might be a logical next step for RGG Studio, indicating strong satisfaction with this latest entry.