Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties review: How not to do a remake

Some remakes are a product of passion and respect for the source material being adapted. A few bells and whistles shed to streamline, but the heart of the original experience is maintained in a genuine, adoring attempt to revitalise and rebirth. Others are Yakuza Kiwami 3: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio demonstrates little but condescension for Yakuza 3, the game it purports to be remaking. The story remains similar: orphanage owner Kazuma Kiryu is dragged into an Okinawan political conspiracy that rips apart yakuza families and found families. There aren’t many alterations to one of the series’ most touching (if not entirely cohesive) narratives, which isn’t a terrible thing. What isn’t as positive is that scenes are burdened by the Kiwami remakes’ time/money saving measure of adapting the original PS3 games’ animation data to the Dragon Engine’s more intricate contemporary models. Formerly heartbreaking moments are presented with far less emotion, damaging their impact through strangely stilted facial animations. A few new scenes are added, increasing screentime for antagonists such as Hamazaki and Kanda or granting Kiryu closer interactions with the politicians of Okinawa. Despite adding little value to the narrative, they do at least look prettier thanks to being animated from scratch for this game. Read More...

Feb 10, 2026 - 00:36

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties review: How not to do a remake

Some remakes are a product of passion and respect for the source material being adapted. A few bells and whistles shed to streamline, but the heart of the original experience is maintained in a genuine, adoring attempt to revitalise and rebirth. Others are Yakuza Kiwami 3: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio demonstrates little but condescension for Yakuza 3, the game it purports to be remaking.

The story remains similar: orphanage owner Kazuma Kiryu is dragged into an Okinawan political conspiracy that rips apart yakuza families and found families. There aren’t many alterations to one of the series’ most touching (if not entirely cohesive) narratives, which isn’t a terrible thing. What isn’t as positive is that scenes are burdened by the Kiwami remakes’ time/money saving measure of adapting the original PS3 games’ animation data to the Dragon Engine’s more intricate contemporary models.

Formerly heartbreaking moments are presented with far less emotion, damaging their impact through strangely stilted facial animations. A few new scenes are added, increasing screentime for antagonists such as Hamazaki and Kanda or granting Kiryu closer interactions with the politicians of Okinawa. Despite adding little value to the narrative, they do at least look prettier thanks to being animated from scratch for this game.

Read More...

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