Interview with "Yakuza: Like a Dragon Gaiden / Yakuza 3 Remastered": Developers Discuss the Revival of Okinawa Using the Latest Engine and the New Story Surrounding Sakamoto [TGS2025]
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/947/G094758/20250927021/
Writer: Takahashi Yusuke | 2025/09/27 03:44 (UTC)
At the September 24, 2025 events “RGG SUMMIT 2025” and “RGG DIRECT 2025” (related article), two new titles were announced: a full remake of the original 2009 PlayStation 3 release, “Yakuza Kiwami 3” (hereafter “Kiwami 3”), and a spin-off centered on the character Yuki Takaoka titled “Yakuza 3 Side Story: Dark Ties” (hereafter “Dark Ties”). Both games are scheduled for release on February 12, 2026 as a single 2-in-1 package.
“Kiwami 3” features a graphical overhaul using the Dragon Engine, along with a new combat system incorporating unique Ryukyuan weapons. At Tokyo Game Show’s demo area, players could experience exploration using an Oka surfboard—convenient for movement—as well as fun activities like karaoke and bug catching.
Meanwhile, “Dark Ties” is a side story exploring Yuki during his younger years, set against the backdrop of his longstanding conflict with Shinya Kanda. New elements such as the “Shadow Awakening” mode and sub-stories delve deeper into his character, drawing anticipation from fans who say they’ll finally get to see an unfamiliar side of Yuki. The game is also playable during Tokyo Game Show’s demo sessions.
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Playing “Yakuza Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3 Side Story: Dark Ties”. This time, Kiryu fights with eight traditional Ryukyuan weapons and rides an Oka surfboard across Okinawa [TGS2025]
The “Tokyo Game Show 2025”, currently ongoing since September 25, 2025, featured an exhibition booth by Sega showcasing the newly announced “Yakuza Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3 Side Story: Dark Ties”—just one day after its official reveal. This time, we present a hands-on report on this fully remade title, which has been powerfully upgraded across every aspect.
[September 26, 2025, 14:28]
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- Writer: Aoi Suguiura
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What will the two new titles, “Kiwami 3” and “Dark Ties,” look like? We spoke with Hiroshi Sakamoto, Chief Producer of the Yakuza Studio, and Ryosuke Horii, Producer & Director.
Sakamoto (left), Horii (right) Thumbnail image No.002 / Interview with “Yakuza Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3 Side Story: Dark Ties”. Developers discuss the revival of Okinawa in the latest engine and the new story surrounding Yuki Takaoka [TGS2025]
4Gamer:
The topics covered at “RGG SUMMIT 2025” and “RGG DIRECT 2025” were truly exciting—just what I expected! The direct, no-frills style of delivering information in the Direct was also enjoyable.
Hiroshi Sakamoto (hereafter Sakamoto):
This isn’t our first time using a Direct format. Originally, we experimented with presenting RGG SUMMIT content to international audiences, including simultaneous translation. That’s when we realized how important it is to properly localize content and deliver it promptly worldwide. In fact, for “Yakuza 8 Side Story: Pirates in Hawaii,” we even imported English-language videos back into Japanese.
4Gamer:
So that’s why the tone felt so natural—it wasn’t a conscious choice but rather an organic result of translating from English to Japanese?
Sakamoto:
Exactly. The advantage of the Direct format is delivering game content in a compact, clear way—something we couldn’t fully achieve during SUMMIT. This time, with the 20th anniversary as a milestone, there was so much to convey that we decided to structure it carefully. We felt that releasing immediately after the event would allow us to reach fans around the world without time zone delays.
4Gamer:
I actually thought at one point—wait, is this mimicking some other famous Direct? I nearly got confused.
Sakamoto:
We did intentionally take inspiration from the narration style of a certain popular “miracle experience” show. No one noticed, though (laughs). We might continue using such formats in the future, fully localized to deliver game overviews effectively.
4Gamer:
The combat system for “Kiwami 3” feels broader now—thanks to elements like Ryukyuan architecture and nunchaku.
Horii:
We approached the remake naturally—thinking, “If we were making ‘Yakuza 3’ today, this is how it would turn out.” The original game launched in 2009, and both technology and design trends have evolved dramatically since then. We wanted to make sure players can enjoy it with modern standards. Switching between two combat styles has become familiar in recent “Yakuza” titles, so there’s no need to stick strictly to one style from the original.
Sakamoto:
Recreating the original “Yakuza 3” today would be incredibly difficult. I even questioned whether the final boss was really that powerful back then!
Horii:
It might be the most intense battle in the series (laughs). But with improvements to enemy AI, satisfying combat transitions, and a greater sense of weight and impact, we believe “Kiwami 3” delivers on fun.
4Gamer:
The graphics have also been upgraded—HDR (High Dynamic Range) support is now included, making outdoor lighting and contrasts between indoor arcade areas feel much more realistic.
Sakamoto:
Of course. The vibrant cityscapes are a core part of the series’ charm. With HDR, the transition from dark alleys to bright streets feels natural, enhancing that “you’re actually there” feeling. That’s thanks to the hard work of our designers and programmers.
4Gamer:
How about the additional story content?
Horii:
We’ve added plenty! We filled in character motivations and relationships not fully explored in “Yakuza 3.” For instance, we expanded on Kiryu’s relationship with Takeru Shima to deepen emotional moments. While staying faithful to the original, we refined details scene by scene—essentially doing a full rebuild.
4Gamer:
I was also surprised by the old model of the Oka surfboard.
Horii:
People always say that (laughs). The demo version at TGS is fine, but in the full game, it’s much more volatile—it overheats and explodes during normal movement, not just during events. We’ve carefully inserted a prequel-style story from “Yakuza 8”, bringing it back into this timeline.
4Gamer:
And of course, if you’re familiar with the ending of “Yakuza 7 Side Story: The Man Who Erased His Name,” the Okinawa storyline hits even harder emotionally.
Horii:
I think the biggest change in this project is the new system called “Asagao Life.” It involves building bonds with children, offering advice to those struggling—creating a more heartfelt experience overall.
4Gamer:
On another note, “Dark Ties” seems to be something entirely new—a dark hero story we haven’t seen before.
Horii:
This isn’t about someone driven by justice to defeat evil. Yuki himself has a yakuza-like mindset. His approach to helping others—whether solving their problems or abandoning them—depends heavily on his personality. This allows us to explore an entirely new side and inner depth of the character Yuki.
4Gamer:
The combat experience should feel different too, then?
Horii:
Yes. As a cool, stylish character, we incorporated elements like boxing, but also added “Shadow Awakening”—a brand-new feature. It stems not just from surface-level coolness, but from inner struggles: complexes, loneliness, anger toward society.
Sakamoto:
It’s essentially the story of someone succeeding in underground circles while gradually descending into darkness. We’re portraying human dynamics rarely seen before in this series—making it fresh and compelling. And honestly, there are almost no truly good characters.
Horii:
The story begins with Yuki still not fully immersed in that world, showing his gradual deepening involvement through connections with Kanda. While inspired by relationships shown in “Yakuza ONLINE,” the shift from text-based storytelling to a 3D action-adventure format naturally changes how it unfolds.
4Gamer:
Even for longtime fans, this could feel like an entirely different story. That said, I’m not sure how Yuki will interact with the sub-stories.
Horii:
That’s where Kanda’s “Charisma Project” comes into play. Kanda is infamous within his organization and causes all sorts of trouble—so it’s up to Yuki, as his junior, to clean up after him.
4Gamer:
So Kanda himself will end up being portrayed in much greater depth than expected?
Horii:
He’s almost like another main character—or a MVP-level presence (laughs). His personality remains just as despicable as ever, but the way Yuki gets dragged into his schemes is what makes it entertaining.
4Gamer:
Finally, any message for readers?
Horii:
The unique personality of Yuki—a protagonist unlike any we’ve seen before—and the fresh narrative depth in “Kiwami 3” both offer a completely new gaming experience. Whether you’ve played past entries or are approaching this as a newcomer, you’ll feel right at home. Please give it a try.
Sakamoto:
We took an unconventional approach by merging two titles that should’ve been separate into one 2-in-1 package—a bold move! You can enjoy either title first without any issues—no problem there. We’ve packed in plenty of content, so if you feel drawn to the experience, we’ll be thrilled.
4Gamer:
Thank you very much.