Playing "Yakuza: Like a Dragon Gaiden / Yakuza 3 Remaster: Dark Ties." This time, Kiryu fights using eight legendary weapons from Okinawa and rides the waves as an Oka surfer across Okinawa [TGS2025]
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/947/G094758/20250926033/
Writer: Aoi Sugiyura | 2025/09/26 05:28 (UTC)
At the Sega booth during the ongoing game event “Tokyo Game Show 2025,” which began on September 25, 2025, Yakuza: Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3: Dark Ties—just announced on September 24—was immediately showcased.
This title combines a full remake of Yakuza 3 with a completely new original story, Yakuza 3: Dark Ties, starring protagonist Yuki Kō. Beyond upgraded graphics, the game has been reimagined as a modern release through added cinematic scenes and new gameplay spots.
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Report from “RGG SUMMIT 2025”: Announcement of “Yakuza: Kiwami 3,” “Yakuza 3: Dark Ties,” and Live-Action Project with “Nihon Tōitsu”
On September 24, Sega held the event “RGG SUMMIT 2025 / Yakuza Studio New Release Announcement Event” in Tokyo to unveil latest news from the Yakuza Studio. As previously reported, the second installment of the series’ 20th anniversary project was unveiled: “Yakuza: Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3: Dark Ties.” This report covers the event, where cast members also took part.
[2025/09/25 11:07]
- Keywords:
- PC: Yakuza: Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3: Dark Ties
- PC
- Action
- Adventure
- Crime
- Sega
- Hardboiled
- PS5: Yakuza: Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3: Dark Ties
- PS5
- Xbox Series X|S: Yakuza: Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3: Dark Ties
- Xbox Series X|S
- Nintendo Switch 2: Yakuza: Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3: Dark Ties
- Nintendo Switch 2
- PS4: Yakuza: Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3: Dark Ties
- PS4
- Event
- Writer: Daitō Shinkoku
During the hands-on demo, players could freely switch between Yakuza: Kiwami 3 and Yakuza 3: Dark Ties. This time, we played Kiwami 3 to compare differences.
Official Website for “Yakuza: Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3: Dark Ties”
Characters and Okinawa remain in full “Kiwami Quality” — Watch for New Battle Style and Systems
Let’s recap the story. The protagonist is former yakuza gangster Kazuma Kiryu, once known as the “Dragon of Dojima” in Tokyo. After leaving his criminal past behind, Kiryu settled quietly in Okinawa, serving as director of a children’s welfare facility called Asagao.
However, Kiryu’s peaceful life in Okinawa is disrupted by various hardships. Conflicts among local yakuza and government-backed resort development plans threaten the survival of Asagao, plunging him into a massive conspiracy that eventually reaches even the political arena.
Thumbnail image No.004 / Playing “Yakuza: Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3: Dark Ties.” This time, Kiryu fights using eight traditional Okinawan weapons and rides an Oka Surfer across Okinawa [TGS2025] Thumbnail image No.005 / Playing “Yakuza: Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3: Dark Ties.” This time, Kiryu fights using eight traditional Okinawan weapons and rides an Oka Surfer across Okinawa [TGS2025]
The most obvious change is the “Kiwami Quality” upgrade in visuals—stunningly beautiful graphics. Character detail is especially impressive, with distinct skin textures, varying fat and muscle volume, even visible veins beneath the surface.
The seamless integration of voice acting and visual performance creates a cinematic experience that feels like watching a drama. Originally Yakuza 3 already had a different atmosphere due to its Okinawa setting compared to earlier entries; this version successfully captures that essence once again.
Thumbnail image No.006 / Playing “Yakuza: Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3: Dark Ties.” This time, Kiryu fights using eight traditional Okinawan weapons and rides an Oka Surfer across Okinawa [TGS2025] Thumbnail image No.007 / Playing “Yakuza: Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3: Dark Ties.” This time, Kiryu fights using eight traditional Okinawan weapons and rides an Oka Surfer across Okinawa [TGS2025]
The game settings are highly detailed, allowing fine adjustments to subtitles and font options.
Thumbnail image No.008 / Playing “Yakuza: Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3: Dark Ties.” This time, Kiryu fights using eight traditional Okinawan weapons and rides an Oka Surfer across Okinawa [TGS2025] Thumbnail image No.009 / Playing “Yakuza: Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3: Dark Ties.” This time, Kiryu fights using eight traditional Okinawan weapons and rides an Oka Surfer across Okinawa [TGS2025] Thumbnail image No.010 / Playing “Yakuza: Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3: Dark Ties.” This time, Kiryu fights using eight traditional Okinawan weapons and rides an Oka Surfer across Okinawa [TGS2025]
A standout feature in combat is the new battle style, “Okinawan Style,” which utilizes eight traditional Okinawan weapons. It can be switched seamlessly from the familiar “Dragon of Dojima” fighting style depending on situation.
Immediately switching to Okinawan Style, Kiryu pulls out a shield and short spear (Tinbē Rōchin) seemingly from nowhere and equips them. In this state, blocking is possible—pressing the guard button [L1] in response to an attack can even deflect bullets.
Thumbnail image No.011 / Playing “Yakuza: Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3: Dark Ties.” This time, Kiryu fights using eight traditional Okinawan weapons and rides an Oka Surfer across Okinawa [TGS2025] Thumbnail image No.012 / Playing “Yakuza: Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3: Dark Ties.” This time, Kiryu fights using eight traditional Okinawan weapons and rides an Oka Surfer across Okinawa [TGS2025]
For normal attack combos, different weapons are drawn depending on which button is pressed, each triggering unique combinations. Coordinated attacks with shield and spear, or rapid strikes using a tonfa—all effective against individual enemies. The core strategy involves blocking with the shield and countering with combo moves.
What’s especially interesting is the action triggered by holding down a button. Each of three buttons activates entirely different weapons, each with immense power.
For example, pressing [□] triggers a close-range multi-hit attack using a nunchaku, while [◯] activates an area-of-effect attack via suljin (chain flail). Using the nunchaku against single bosses and suljin for groups of enemies makes tactical sense—great efficiency.
Unlike the “Dragon of Dojima” style, which relies on raw power to send enemies flying, the appeal of “Okinawan Style” lies in its skill-based combat using a variety of weapons. Either style alone is more than sufficient—you’re free to play whichever you prefer.
Thumbnail image No.014 / Playing “Yakuza: Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3: Dark Ties.” This time, Kiryu fights using eight traditional Okinawan weapons and rides an Oka Surfer across Okinawa [TGS2025] Thumbnail image No.015 / Playing “Yakuza: Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3: Dark Ties.” This time, Kiryu fights using eight traditional Okinawan weapons and rides an Oka Surfer across Okinawa [TGS2025]
After combat, it’s time to explore the city. As soon as you start walking, a prompt appears in the lower-right corner: “Oka Surfer.”
The Oka Surfer is an electric mobility device introduced in Yakuza 8. Though futuristic, it was said in that game to have been under development for over 20 years—and even experienced a publicized explosion incident during testing. So its existence isn’t implausible.
Following the on-screen prompt and pressing the button, Kiryu smoothly mounts what looks like a Segway-style vehicle and immediately speeds off. There’s some initial hesitation, but the speed is impressive—this could make map exploration incredibly comfortable.
Still in prototype form, motor components are visibly exposed. For now, it hasn’t exploded after several minutes of riding.
This time, we mainly moved through Ryukyu Street’s shopping district—its setting is remarkably well-crafted. The worn floor tiles convey a sense of history from years of foot traffic; faded shop signs and surprisingly vibrant cigarette store ads create that authentic, bustling Japanese street atmosphere.
Every detail—trash bins, benches, posters, banners—is rich in realism. This level of authenticity is truly “Yakuza” quality.
Thumbnail image No.017 / Playing “Yakuza: Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3: Dark Ties.” This time, Kiryu fights using eight traditional Okinawan weapons and rides an Oka Surfer across Okinawa [TGS2025] Thumbnail image No.018 / Playing “Yakuza: Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3: Dark Ties.” This time, Kiryu fights using eight traditional Okinawan weapons and rides an Oka Surfer across Okinawa [TGS2025]
Fast travel is available, but taxis cost money. For moderate distances, using the Oka Surfer would be more efficient.
Thumbnail image No.019 / Playing “Yakuza: Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3: Dark Ties.” This time, Kiryu fights using eight traditional Okinawan weapons and rides an Oka Surfer across Okinawa [TGS2025] Thumbnail image No.020 / Playing “Yakuza: Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3: Dark Ties.” This time, Kiryu fights using eight traditional Okinawan weapons and rides an Oka Surfer across Okinawa [TGS2025]
Of course, activities are also abundant. In this demo version, we enjoyed karaoke and fashion customization. The wardrobe options appear significantly expanded, and all activities have clearly evolved into true “Kiwami-level” experiences.
Multiple outfit presets can be saved, and different styles can be applied in both the Ryukyu district and Sotenbori. Whether dressing appropriately for any occasion or creating bold, unconventional looks—your choice is entirely free.
Thumbnail image No.021 / Playing “Yakuza: Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3: Dark Ties.” This time, Kiryu fights using eight traditional Okinawan weapons and rides an Oka Surfer across Okinawa [TGS2025] Thumbnail image No.022 / Playing “Yakuza: Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3: Dark Ties.” This time, Kiryu fights using eight traditional Okinawan weapons and rides an Oka Surfer across Okinawa [TGS2025] Thumbnail image No.023 / Playing “Yakuza: Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3: Dark Ties.” This time, Kiryu fights using eight traditional Okinawan weapons and rides an Oka Surfer across Okinawa [TGS2025] Thumbnail image No.024 / Playing “Yakuza: Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3: Dark Ties.” This time, Kiryu fights using eight traditional Okinawan weapons and rides an Oka Surfer across Okinawa [TGS2025] Thumbnail image No.025 / Playing “Yakuza: Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3: Dark Ties.” This time, Kiryu fights using eight traditional Okinawan weapons and rides an Oka Surfer across Okinawa [TGS2025] Thumbnail image No.026 / Playing “Yakuza: Kiwami 3 / Yakuza 3: Dark Ties.” This time, Kiryu fights using eight traditional Okinawan weapons and rides an Oka Surfer across Okinawa [TGS2025]
Pressing the [L2] button at specific locations triggers corresponding special actions—such as befriending townspeople or catching insects.
Although we only experienced the early portions of the game, its transformation was already clearly evident. With a wealth of content beyond what could be explored in just a short time, it’s exciting to imagine how much fun the full experience will offer.