Games Happy

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Darkish Ties is the newest title in Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s iconic Yakuza collection, following remakes of the unique two entries relationship again to 2016. This modernized reimagining goals to seize the spirit of the unique whereas implementing up to date quality-of-life options, adjusting story beats, and introducing a model new expertise in Darkish Ties, which follows antagonist Yoshitaka Mine. I acquired to get early hands-on expertise with each the principle recreation and Darkish Ties in an virtually four-hour preview session.

As a newcomer to the Yakuza collection, going into my preview, I used to be a bit intimidated by the sheer quantity of obtainable titles to choose from, its devoted fanbase, and the cult-like standing it’s garnered over time. My fears had been soothed considerably, nonetheless, upon beginning up my demo. Whereas I didn’t see it for myself, I did obtain affirmation that the total launch will embrace a roughly 20-minute recap of the primary two Yakuza titles, for individuals who could wish to begin with this entry as a jumping-on level. 

Yakuza Kiwami 3

The primary half of my preview session was spent with the principle recreation, divided into three sections, every emphasizing key features of Yakuza 3 as I managed longtime collection protagonist Kazuma Kiryu. First, I used to be launched to the Morning Glory orphanage, the place I labored to boost my Daddy Rank by participating in a handful of eclectic and enjoyable mini-games to assist the kids. I labored out my mind in a multiple-choice science quiz (which I virtually failed, don’t snort), did a fast-paced stitching mini-game, the place the slight deviation off the trail might spell your doom, and ended with harvesting and chopping greens, finally leading to a scrumptious plate of dragon curry on rice. Every of those mini-games took roughly 5 minutes to finish, and I used to be scored based mostly on efficiency to boost my Daddy Rank. None of them had been too difficult, and there are a handful of others to expertise with the total launch.

After spending time with mini-games on the orphanage, I then had the chance to discover Okinawa, the place I met up with the Haisai ladies and was launched to the traditional Yakuza real-time motion fight. That is early within the recreation, and I confronted off in opposition to the Tokyo Night time Terrors, a rival gang that has power in numbers. The quantity of campy humor and variety of deadpan quips throughout dialogue had me crack a smile or two, and the extent of ridiculousness the over-the-top fight provides was my favourite a part of my total demo. Though this was my first time experiencing Yakuza fight, I rapidly acquired the cling of issues, because of tight digital camera management and snappy motion. Shifting from one enemy to a different was simple, and I by no means as soon as felt overwhelmed on the variety of enemies on display at one time. Getting used to a few of the buttons got here with a little bit of a studying curve, similar to sprinting with the fitting bumper, however after getting some reps in, I used to be assured in my skills to take my fists to the streets. 

The third a part of the demo allowed me to discover the open world for about an hour. These acquainted with the Yakuza collection in all probability already know what to anticipate right here. I used to be capable of traverse the town, deck out Kiryu in new digs, store for gadgets, do utterly random actions like golf and bowling, play Sega Sport Gear, and, in fact, beat the snot out of some road thugs. All this and a lot extra shall be at your disposal within the full launch, however this part was a terrific indicator of what to anticipate. 

A spotlight from my time with this space was once I acquired sidetracked with a aspect quest (known as a Substory). Whereas strolling down the road, I used to be stopped by a digital camera crew and was interviewed by TV star Akko-San and the native information station, which led to me gushing concerning the native Okinawan sizzling spots and getting right into a brawl available in the market. After exhibiting the staff round city, we determined to cap all of it off with Akko-San serenading us with karaoke in Miya’s bar. The search ended with Akko-San comically hitting a bell to find out how a lot enjoyable she had on our tour – to not brag, however I acquired the best marks with three punches, netting me a golden statue of the TV host and numerous different goodies. It’s these foolish aspect tales that really feel like the center and soul of Yakuza Kiwami 3, and I’m excited to see what different antics I’ll get into. 

As soon as I wrapped up my fifteen minutes of fame, it was time to deck out Kiryu within the newest drip. For my preview, a ton of cosmetics had been unlocked, so I had free rein to alter up his coiffure and outfits. The clothes choices are seemingly limitless, and the whole lot from foolish to fashionable is out there.

Darkish Ties

The second half of my preview session was spent with Darkish Ties, a model new story expertise starring Yoshitaka Mine, the antagonist from the principle recreation. This separate recreation takes place earlier than the occasions of Yakuza Kiwami 3 and introduces a number of latest options. Most notably, there are the Survival Hell and Brawler Hell modes, through which Yoshitake Mine’s fight prowess is playable. He sports activities a shootboxing fashion of preventing, shifting quick and staying agile to take out his opponents. His new Darkish Awakening energy will be activated, offered you have got sufficient meter to burn, and this lets you energy up your assaults and look cool doing it. 

Survival Hell is what you’d get if you sprinkle in slightly little bit of Roguelike into an already-delicious Yakuza-flavored stew – you’ll discover a seemingly randomly generated area and seek for the exit to the subsequent ground whereas battling teams of enemies alongside the best way. You’ll combat stronger Treasure Keeper enemies to get loot that’ll increase your fight skills for every run, which could be a little bit of a time sink, however well worth the detour for an improve. You will have roughly 12 minutes per space, and might problem the Grasp Keeper (the bosses of Survival Hell) any time, however it’s really useful you discover and discover upgrades to make the encounter a bit simpler. For later runs, you’ll be able to even carry Mercenaries in that can assist you clear runs by discovering Gospels littered across the space.

Brawler Hell is a traditional fight survival mode, the place you’ll face off in opposition to hordes of enemies in wave-based fight. That is the proper alternative to strive combos and methods, in addition to earn a pleasant chunk of change by profitable. 

Identical to with Kiryu in the principle Yakuza 3 recreation, I acquired to spend round half-hour of uninterrupted exploring of the Kamurocho open world with Yoshitaka Mine. I engaged in just about the identical actions right here as I did with Kiryu, however it appears there are not any beauty choices and clothes retailers to outfit Mine with, sadly. There are just a few new arcade and Sega Sport Gear video games to play, and you may entry each Survival Hell and Brawler Hell at any time when you communicate to the fitting vendor within the underground Hell’s Enviornment.

The largest new addition right here is doing Kanda Harm Management. These are missions given to you by Kanda that, upon completion, will assist improve the gang’s fame. In a humorous twist, Mine suggests to Kanda that they carry out good deeds for the group to construct up their belief within the gangster. In my preview, the Harm Management mission I performed concerned investigating the underground combat membership, which led me to the Hell’s Enviornment part the place I might tackle the fight challenges. Story particulars and different Harm Management missions are nonetheless mum, however it’s simple to think about the sorts of conditions we’ll get into with a Yakuza attempting to do proper by their group. 

My time with Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Darkish Ties has piqued my curiosity within the collection and has left me hungry for extra. As somebody who has by no means touched a recreation within the collection prior, the participating and frenetic gameplay has sunk its hooks into me, and that is now one other recreation popping out in 2026 that I’m eagerly awaiting. Perhaps I can try a few of the different entries within the meantime..

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Darkish Ties launches on February 12, 2026, for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Change 2, Xbox Sequence X|S, and PC by way of Steam.