Yakuza Kiwami 3 — A Fresh Look at the Past: Heavily Changed from the Original

After persistent requests and circulating rumors, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has officially confirmed development of Yakuza Kiwami 3. The remake will let players experience Kazuma Kiryu’s story anew and will introduce fresh elements sure to surprise even longtime fans of the series.

The 2009 original has noticeably aged compared to the entries built on the Dragon Engine, so after sixteen years the project received substantial revisions. Producer Ryōsuke Hori acknowledged at the Tokyo Game Show that the remake has grown far more ambitious than originally expected.

The team preserved Kiryu’s emotional core while adding new narrative highlights. For example, an additional episode titled “Dark Ties” will explore Yoshitaki Mine’s past and return to a heavier political tone, while “Morning Glory” will feature expanded scenes involving orphaned children.

Changes also affected side content: nearly all side stories have been rewritten or fully replaced. Players will once again encounter beloved activities such as bowling.

The developers refreshed the appearances of several key characters. According to Hori, this was necessary to retain the spirit of the original while giving the cast a renewed look. He noted that reworking Rikiya’s portrayal required particular care.

The studio admitted that meeting the quality standards fans expect while keeping to schedule proved a significant challenge. Early gameplay clips and comparisons with the original have already surfaced online.

Source: iXBT.games