Story and battle system details for two titles, "Yakuza: Like a Dragon Ishin!" and "Yakuza 3 Remastered: Dark Ties," unveiled. Introducing the two combat styles controlled by Kazuma Kiryu.
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/947/G094758/20251106064/
Editorial Department: maru | 2025/11/06 11:16 (UTC)
SEGA today (November 6, 2025) released the latest information for “Yakuza Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3: Dark Ties,” scheduled to launch on February 12, 2026, across PC, Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PS4.
This title features a full remake of Yakuza 3 and a completely new story centered on the series’ fan-favorite character, Genta Hōshin. Today’s update unveiled detailed information about both games’ stories and combat systems.
In “Kiwami 3,” Kazuma Kiryu—having left the Tojo Clan—has settled in Okinawa to run an orphanage called “Asagao” with his companion Haruka. He becomes entangled in a conspiracy surrounding land development. Set between Okinawa and Sotenbori, the story rekindles encounters with former allies and enemies, portraying once again the life of the “Dragon of Dojima.”
The combat system introduces two styles: “Dragon of Dojima – Kiwami” and “Ryukyu Style.” Players can enjoy bold brawl action and battles utilizing traditional Ryukyuan weapons.
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Meanwhile, in “Yakuza 3: Dark Ties,” the backstory of fan-favorite character Genta Hōshin is revealed for the first time. After losing everything due to betrayal, he throws himself into the yakuza world and embarks on a journey seeking an “absolute bond.”
The combat system centers around stylish action with boxing as its foundation. When activating the “Dark Awakening” ability, players can unleash wild, deranged attacks.
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Official website for “Yakuza Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3: Dark Ties”
Yakuza Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3: Dark Ties
Introducing stories and action from two distinct lives—Kazuma Kiryu and Genta Hōshin.
SEGA has released new information about the story, battle system, and other game details for Yakuza Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3: Dark Ties, set to launch on February 12, 2026, for PlayStation(R)5, PlayStation(R)4, Nintendo Switch(TM) 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam).
Yakuza Kiwami 3
● Story:
When peace is shattered—the legendary dragon’s “way of life” rises once more.
After concluding his conflict with the Omi Alliance, Kazuma Kiryu decides to leave the Tojo Clan and relocate to Okinawa with Haruka, establishing a children’s care facility called Asagao. He entrusts the future of the Tojo Clan to Daigo Dojima, and asks veteran member Goro Majima for support before departing Sotenbori.
Six months later, while enjoying quiet days with nine children at Asagao, Kazuma receives eviction notices out of nowhere. Determined to protect his beloved children, he infiltrates a yakuza group in Okinawa—the Ryudo Family—responsible for land acquisition, meeting their leader Nagahara Shigeru and deputy head Shimabukuro Rikiya. Initially opposing the Ryudo Family over eviction issues, Kazuma gradually forms an alliance with them, uncovering that behind it all lies a massive conspiracy tied to Okinawa’s military base expansion bill and resort development plans.
As he uncovers the truth, returning to Sotenbori, Kazuma faces off against high-ranking Tojo Clan members embroiled in succession struggles—and covert forces from the CIA. A grand conspiracy spanning both Okinawa and Sotenbori drags Kazuma Ito once again into the heart of a storm.
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● Character Introductions
Deputy Head of the Tojo Clan and leader of the Majima Family
Goro Majima (Voiced by Shuhei Uragami)
A fearsome, hyper-aggressive yakuza known as the “Mad Dog of Shima.” A free-spirited rogue whose unpredictable actions often disrupt those around him. Once having left the Tojo Clan to become a construction company president, he returned after being persuaded by Kazuma. He is obsessed with Kazuma and constantly seeks reasons to fight him.
Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
Yoshiyuki Suzuki (Voiced by Toshio Kobayashi)
Pushes forward resort development projects to boost Okinawa’s domestic economy, and opposes the U.S. military base expansion bill proposed by Defense Minister Tanmura.
The Man in the Black Coat (Voiced by Charles Glover)
A mysterious man in a black coat who attacks Kazuma. His intentions and true identity remain shrouded in mystery.
The Mysterious Man (Voiced by Tetsuya Watari)
A man who visited Tojo Clan headquarters and is believed to have attacked Daigo Dojima. He bears an uncanny resemblance to the late Kazuma’s mentor, Shintaro Kaizu. His background and motives remain unknown.
● Battle: Introducing Two Combat Styles Mastered by Kazuma Kiryu
◆ Dragon of Dojima – Kiwami: A Bold, Overwhelmingly Powerful Brawl Style
The “Dragon of Dojima – Kiwami” is a conceptual evolution of Kazuma Kiryu’s iconic “Dragon of Dojima” combat style. Designed to reflect the raw, unrefined essence of Kazuma from earlier games—without over-simplifying or losing authenticity—it incorporates nostalgic techniques from past titles while greatly enhancing basic actions like punches and kicks with more ferocity and youthful energy. The result is a deeply satisfying, uniquely bold, and exhilarating combat experience.
The classic, improvisational use of street signs and weapons remains intact. Get ready for flashy, over-the-top brawls!
The “Dragon of Dojima – Kiwami” features a wide variety of powerful finishing moves called “Heat Actions.” New techniques introduced in this installment, combined with attacks utilizing weapons and environments from the streets—plus revived nostalgic moves from the original Yakuza 3—let you fully experience Kazuma Kiryu’s raw strength.
During gameplay, players can accumulate a gauge to activate “Dragon Boost,” enhancing the style. In this mode, the “Dragon of Dojima – Kiwami” performs exaggerated finishers such as slamming enemies upside-down into the ground or hoisting and throwing them. Additionally, the finishing blow—“Dragon Finish”—packs devastating power. Crush your foes with overwhelming might!
◆ Ryukyu Style: A Balanced Attack-Defense Combat Style Using Eight Types of Okinawan Weapons
The “Ryukyu Style” is a combat style inspired by traditional Okinawan weapons, allowing players to wield eight different types. Starting from the basic stance using the shield (Tinbē) and short spear (Rōchin), simple button combinations—such as rapid taps or long presses—enable swift execution of dynamic attacks with diverse weapons like Sai, Nunchaku, Tonfa, Iron Armor, Two-Handed Scythe, Eik, and Suljin.
The Tinbē shield can even block gunfire. Deflect enemy attacks while dominating with various weapons!
The “Ryukyu Style” features numerous technical Heat Actions using Okinawan weapons. Some of these Heat actions can be triggered seamlessly from regular combo attacks. Launch powerful finishing blows mid-combo to deliver the final blow!
During “Dragon Boost” in Ryukyu Style, players can perform exhilarating finishers such as throwing the Sai like shurikens or spinning around with the Two-Handed Scythe. The finishing blow—“Dragon Finish”—is also extremely powerful. Obliterate enemies using masterful weapon techniques!
Yakuza Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3: Dark Ties – Kazuma Kiryu Battle Trailer
https://youtu.be/TOP0AR_mhxM
● Train and Refine Your Own Customized Techniques
The ability upgrade system allows acquisition of the largest number of techniques in series history. Complete various missions and training exercises to hone Kazuma’s skills and shape him into your ideal fighter.
Additionally, this installment introduces a new feature: equipping accessories like phone straps to raise Kazuma’s motivation and boost battle performance. Use all these features to create the ultimate combat style!
Yakuza 3: Dark Ties
● Story:
A man captivated by the yakuza seeks his own “way of life” in darkness—
In 2007, Genta Hōshin—a former CEO of a venture company—loses everything due to betrayal by someone he trusted.
While drowning in alcohol and wandering through night streets, he stumbles upon fierce gang warfare. Witnessing a yakuza member risk his life defending his boss ignites something within him. A subordinate sacrificing himself to protect his leader—that is precisely the “absolute bond” Genta has long craved. The surviving boss’s name? Daigo Dojima—the sixth-generation president of Japan’s largest yakuza organization, the Tojo Clan.
Determined to learn more about Dojima, Hōshin approaches Shinkan, a member of the direct Tojo Clan faction “Kajima Group,” recently released from prison. With Shinkan’s help, he joins Kajima Group and steadily earns his place through successive conflicts. Shinkan calls him brother and entrusts him as his right-hand man.
However, Hōshin’s aggressive actions become a source of internal tension within the Tojo Clan—and eventually result in an attack on them. Surviving multiple crises alongside Shinkan, Hōshin begins to slowly sense warmth akin to “bond.”
One day, he receives a summons from Daigo Dojima.
Could meeting him finally allow Hōshin to understand what it means to live by the “absolute bond”?
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● Battle: Introducing Genta Hōshin’s Dark Action
◆ Combat Style: A Stylish, Boxing-Based Approach
Hōshin employs a stylish combat style based on shoot boxing. He remains calm and calculated, exploiting opponents’ weaknesses with refined combinations to dismantle enemies. Additionally, the game features special action buttons unique to Hōshin—allowing acrobatic maneuvers such as using an enemy as a stepping stone for aerial attacks.
Many of the techniques Hōshin used as an enemy in the original Yakuza 3 return. Experience his cool and powerful presence firsthand!
◆ Dark Awakening: Unleashing Inner Darkness, Fighting with Pure Instinct
By spending “Dark Hearts” accumulated through attacks, Hōshin can enter a powerful state called “Dark Awakening.” This unleashes his inner darkness and hidden madness, allowing him to rage uncontrollably.
During Dark Awakening, all combat motions transform completely. He rains down relentless combos, drags enemies by the face—delivering brutal, merciless actions that showcase his suppressed fury. Awaken the darkness within Hōshin and crush formidable foes!
The game includes numerous stylish yet ruthless Heat Actions—such as repeatedly punching enemies in the face or striking their solar plexus at point-blank range. Even under identical conditions, Dark Awakening activates different Heat actions, delivering merciless blows fueled by madness!
Yakuza Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3: Dark Ties – Genta Hōshin Battle Trailer
https://youtu.be/8DoZVjTOpWc
● Calm vs. Frenzied! Master Both Sides of Hōshin’s Duality Through Ability Upgrades
Ability upgrades unlock refined techniques showcasing Hōshin’s combat prowess, cool aerial attacks, and more. The game also includes powerful new abilities designed to further awaken the power of Dark Awakening.
Sharpen both your calm precision and frenzied strength—then defeat even the toughest enemies!