Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties

The main pros of the game

• Visuals and Graphics: Many players find the graphics appealing, particularly in 4K resolution. The game can look stunning in certain scenes, especially when enhanced with mods.
• Combat Improvements: The combat system has been noted as more fluid and responsive compared to the original Yakuza 3, with the introduction of new fighting styles and mechanics.
• Expanded Story Elements: Dark Ties provides additional context and depth to the character of Yoshitaka Mine, allowing players to explore his backstory and relationship with other characters.
• Morning Glory Content: The orphanage management aspect is generally well-received, adding heartwarming interactions with the children.
• New Minigames: Some of the new side activities and minigames, particularly those related to the orphanage and the Haisai Girls, are seen as fun additions.

The main cons of the game

• Content Cuts: A significant number of substories (from 119 to 31) have been removed, which has disappointed many fans who enjoyed the original's depth.
• Recasting Controversy: The decision to recast beloved characters, particularly with actors who have controversial backgrounds, has drawn backlash from fans.
• Story Retcons: Changes to the story, including character deaths and motivations, have upset longtime fans and created inconsistencies with the overall Yakuza narrative.
• Gameplay Mechanics: Some players feel the combat has been simplified and lacks the depth and excitement of previous titles, with issues like super armor and a lack of impactful heat actions.
• Technical Issues: Reports of crashes and bugs, particularly related to framerate and graphical fidelity, have been noted, which detracts from the overall experience.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Original Substories: Many fans miss the variety and charm of the original substories, which were often humorous or engaging.
• Key Characters and Mechanics: The absence of characters like Komaki and the removal of mechanics such as the revelations system are seen as significant losses.
• Dynamic Boss Fights: The removal of certain boss mechanics and the introduction of super armor have made fights less engaging and dynamic.
• Soundtrack Changes: The replacement of iconic tracks with new compositions has disappointed some players who preferred the original music.
• Consistency in Graphics: The inconsistency in graphical quality and lighting across different scenes has been a point of criticism.

Summary

• While Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties has its enjoyable aspects, particularly for newcomers to the franchise, it has drawn significant criticism from longtime fans for its numerous cuts, changes, and technical issues. Many feel it does not do justice to the original Yakuza 3 and recommend waiting for a sale or opting for the original game if possible.

Summary generated on: March 9, 2026