Yakuza Kiwami 3 Brings New Combat and Deeper Story
Mid-week, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio surprised fans with the announcement of Yakuza Kiwami 3, a full-fledged remake of Yakuza 3. This isn't just a visual overhaul; the game promises a wealth of new content. At Tokyo Game Show 2024, the developers showed off a new combat trailer and revealed more exciting details about the upcoming title.
Introducing the Ryukyu Combat Style
One of Kiwami 3's most significant additions is the Ryukyu combat style, designed to embody the spirit of Okinawa itself. Developers drew inspiration from the rich history of traditional Okinawan martial arts and weapon techniques. As seen in the trailer, Kiryu won't solely rely on his fists with this style; he'll wield various weapons, including a knife with a shield, nunchaku, and even an oar.
Enhanced Content and the Morning Glory Orphanage
Ryosuke Horii, Producer and Director at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, stated that the remake will offer plenty of fresh experiences, even for veterans who've played the original multiple times. The team has prepared new side stories, mini-games, and much more. Most secondary storylines have been reworked or rewritten, with entirely new segments replacing weaker moments from the original. The developers specifically highlighted the Morning Glory Orphanage, which now features a wider array of activities and touching scenes involving Kiryu and the children under his care.
Unveiling "Dark Ties": A Full-Scale Spin-off
Another major reveal is "Dark Ties," a full-scale spin-off centered around the main antagonist of Yakuza 3, Mine. This spin-off is fully integrated into Kiwami 3 and does not require a separate purchase. Its duration is comparable to Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name. The studio decided to explore Mine's backstory due to his immense popularity among series fans. His combat style is based on boxing, reflecting his calm demeanor, while explosive finishing moves hint at the instinctive rage hidden beneath his composed exterior. Mine will also have access to his own side activities, and yes, he can even sing Baka Mitai.
“There are two reasons for creating a spin-off about Mine — first, he’s cool, and second, fans really like him. We only start to truly appreciate a character’s popularity 3-4 years after their appearance. It’s been 16 years since Yakuza 3 was released, and thanks to merch and various conventions, we still see how much players love Mine.”
– Masayoshi Yokoyama, Head of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Accessible to Newcomers and a Return to Darker Themes
Yakuza Kiwami 3 is also designed to be welcoming to new players. The developers have included brief summaries of the plots from Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2 to quickly bring unprepared players up to speed.
Both Yakuza Kiwami 3 and "Dark Ties" were conceived as a return to the darker atmosphere characteristic of earlier entries in the series. This shift is particularly noticeable when compared to the crazier and more experimental Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii.
Addressing Character Recasts and Modernization
However, the announcement wasn't without its controversies. Many players, especially Japanese fans, expressed disappointment over the recasting and significant visual changes to several key characters, including Rikiya. Fans were particularly upset by the loss of Rikiya's characteristic Okinawan accent.
“As a character, Rikiya hasn’t changed at all. We simply re-recorded his movements to match the new actor’s performance, and most importantly, we significantly increased the number of interactions with Rikiya compared to the original. We deeply explored his inner experiences, including his inferiority complex. I believe he has become an even more remarkable character whom fans can fully accept as 'Rikiya 2025'.”
– Ryosuke Horii
Horii explained that the actor changes were necessary to "bring fresh energy to the story and modernize the characters' image." He emphasized that while Rikiya's portrayal has changed, his core personality remains intact, and his interactions have been greatly expanded, offering a deeper look into his inner struggles.
Release Date and Platforms
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties are set to launch on February 11 of next year. The game will be available on PC (Steam), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and Nintendo Switch 2. It will feature Russian text localization and English dubbing.
This comprehensive remake promises to be a treat for long-time fans and an excellent entry point for newcomers, offering a refreshed classic with a wealth of new content and a deeper dive into beloved characters.
Post a Comment