There's a new Yakuza game on the horizon, and GameCentral had the opportunity to try it out in a hands-on session. They got to play the remake of Yakuza 3 and its spin-off, where main character Kiryu encounters a sewing machine in an unexpected fight. While next month boasts a slew of highly anticipated titles like Nioh 3, Resident Evil Requiem, Mewgenics, and Reanimal, one game that seems to have slipped under the radar is Yakuza Kiwami 3. As a remake of Yakuza 3, which is often seen as one of the weaker entries in the series, it may not initially sound all that exciting. However, after getting some hands-on time with it, GameCentral can confirm that it's shaping up to be a lot more interesting than expected.
Upon first playing the game, GameCentral was struck by the changes made to the combat for Kiryu, as well as the addition of a brand new campaign called Dark Ties. This new campaign is led by the antagonist from Yakuza 3, Yoshitaka Mine. Although their first preview only gave them a brief glimpse at some of the mechanical and visual changes, a second playthrough has given them a better idea of the game's overall scope.
For those who have yet to experience the original Yakuza 3, you're missing out on a crucial part of Kiryu's story. While the gameplay may feel a bit dated compared to the previous two games, the narrative is an integral part of Kiryu's journey. It takes him from the bustling city of Kamurucho to the sunny beaches of Okinawa, where he runs an orphanage called Morning Glory.
The combat in the original Yakuza 3 was often seen as the weakest aspect, but the game's setting and cast of young orphans, including Kiryu's adopted daughter Haruka, made it a memorable experience. Since then, the series has explored other idyllic locations like Hawaii, so Okinawa may not seem as novel as it did back in 2010. However, Yakuza Kiwami 3 makes up for this lack of freshness with its polished gameplay and plethora of distractions.
The first half of GameCentral's hands-on session focused on the expanded features of Yakuza Kiwami 3, as well as the new and returning minigames and side quests. During an opening video before their hands-on session, the game's producer Hiroyuki Sakamoto mentioned that the first few hours of the remake are quite different from the original. After getting a chance to try out some of the new activities, GameCentral is inclined to believe him.
In the original Yakuza 3, the Morning Glory orphanage only had a few optional side quests. However, in the remake, it has become a hub for various side activities. Players can now bond with the orphans by completing requests and participating in minigames. Many of these activities are familiar to fans of the series, such as cooking from Like A Dragon: Ishin, homework quizzes similar to the exams in Yakuza: Like A Dragon, and gardening from Ishin, where players can grow crops for ingredients while protecting them from animals.
While many of these activities may be recycled from past games, they fit perfectly within the context of the orphanage. GameCentral's favorite new addition was a minigame where Kiryu tries his hand at using a sewing machine. It's a silly and over-the-top activity, but it perfectly captures the campy nature of the Yakuza series.
Completing these requests with a high score contributes to Kiryu's "Daddy Rank," a nod to the fact that the developers know their audience well. Another new side activity is called Bad Boy Dragon, where Kiryu, dressed in a purple trench coat and shirtless, helps an all-girl gang take on a group of biker thugs known as the Tokyo Night Terrors. This activity is similar to the crew battles seen in Pirate Yakuza, where players recruit members to their team and engage in battles against large groups of enemies. With the addition of new combat moves and weapons for Kiryu, such as nunchuks and a wooden oar, it's a fun diversion within the context of the game.
In the second half of the hands-on session, GameCentral was able to roam around Okinawa freely and take on side quests and other activities. The Reapers, a group of bosses from the original game, make a return in Yakuza Kiwami 3 as standalone boss fights where players can earn cash. There are also extensive combat tutorial challenges with unique requirements, such as performing perfect guards without quick dodging.
For fans of the Game Gear, there are playable versions of Pac-Man, Columns, and Sonic & Tails, along with some obscure titles such as Emergency Call Ambulance and Magical Truck Adventure in the arcade. Although there were no major surprises during the hands-on session, Yakuza Kiwami 3 appears to be a comprehensive overhaul of Kiryu's most outdated and underrated adventure. The developers have even announced that a playable demo will be released soon, giving players a chance to try it out before its official release.
While the addition of the Dark Ties campaign may draw in long-time fans of the series, GameCentral is not entirely sold on it. The length of the campaign is still unknown, but based on their hands-on session, it seems to follow a similar structure to the smaller-scale spin-off, Like A Dragon Gaiden. Players must complete "good deeds" around Kamurocho to improve their reputation, which includes completing story missions, brawls, and various challenges scattered around the city. While this structure may feel familiar to fans of the series, it also gives off the impression that the campaign may feel like an abridged version of the full game.
There is one new aspect that GameCentral was shown during the hands-on session - Survival Hell. This is a roguelite dungeon crawler-style mode where players race through stages, fighting enemies and collecting upgrades to take on a boss at the end. This mode has various obstacles to overcome, such as hired mercenaries and laser and mine obstacles, as well as special weapons like flamethrowers and bows. While GameCentral only had time to try out the easier dungeons, they couldn't see anything particularly addictive about it, especially since Mine's combat style is not as enjoyable as Kiryu's.
Despite their concerns about Dark Ties, GameCentral is looking forward to the release of Yakuza Kiwami 3. It seems to be a comprehensive remake that will strengthen the original game with everything the developers have learned over the past 16 years. Whether or not the alterations will be enough to elevate Yakuza 3 to the level of the series' best entries remains to be seen. Yakuza Kiwami 3 will be available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC on February 12, 2026, with a price of £54.99. Fans can also stay updated on all the latest gaming news and reviews by signing up for the GameCentral newsletter and following them on Twitter. They can also leave a comment below or email their thoughts and submissions to the team.
