The long-awaited return to the sun-soaked streets of Okinawa has finally arrived, but the reception for Yakuza Kiwami 3 is far stormier than the island's weather. Launching on February 11 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and the new Nintendo Switch 2, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's latest remake currently sits at a Metacritic score of 75—a notable dip compared to the critical acclaim of Infinite Wealth. While the Yakuza Kiwami 3 review landscape is mixed, one element is garnering near-universal praise: the gritty new Dark Ties DLC review scores suggest the expansion is doing the heavy lifting for this package.

Dark Ties DLC: The Savior of the Package

If there is a consensus among critics, it is that the Dark Ties expansion is a mandatory play for franchise veterans. Starring Yoshitaka Mine, one of the series' most complex antagonists, the DLC serves as a prequel that fleshes out his tragic ascent within the Tojo Clan. Outlets like GameSpot and Push Square have praised the narrative depth, calling it "the definitive way to experience Mine's story."

The expansion isn't just a narrative win; it brings a fresh combat flavor. Mine's boxing-centric fighting style and the new "Dark Awakening" ability offer a fast-paced, aggressive alternative to Kiryu's defensive rework. For many reviewers, this standalone experience—reminiscent of the Majima Saga in Kiwami 2—justifies the price of admission alone, saving the overall package from mediocrity.

Kiryu Kazuma's Okinawa Adventure: Beautiful but Uneven

Returning to the Kiryu Kazuma Okinawa storyline, which sees the Dragon of Dojima running the Morning Glory Orphanage, has always been a point of contention for fans. Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has doubled down on the "Dad of Dojima" vibes, expanding the orphanage segments with new cutscenes and interactions. For some critics, these heartwarming moments are the soul of the game, rendered beautifully in the Dragon Engine.

However, the visual upgrade hasn't been seamless. Yakuza 3 remake scores have been dragged down by reports of inconsistent textures and character models that look dated next to 2024's Infinite Wealth. IGN's 7/10 review noted that while the water effects and bustling streets of Ryukyu look stunning, some NPC animations feel stiff, betraying the game's 2009 origins despite the fresh coat of paint. The transition to the Nintendo Switch 2 has also been cited as a mixed bag, with impressive portability but noticeable frame rate dips in busy areas.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 vs Original: Cut Content Controversy

Perhaps the biggest source of friction in the Yakuza Kiwami 3 vs original debate is the studio's decision to alter legacy content. Hardcore purists are lamenting the removal of the classic Cabaret Club minigame, which has been replaced by a new "Bad Boy Dragon" biker management sim. While the new minigame is fun, the omission feeds into the narrative that this remake takes "one step forward, two steps back."

Furthermore, casting changes have sparked heated online discourse. The recasting of key characters like Goh Hamazaki has not gone over well with a vocal segment of the fanbase, adding to the "mixed" sentiment reflected in the Yakuza Kiwami 3 review scores. Critics argue that these changes, combined with a simplified combat system that favors flashiness over the original's technical depth, make the remake feel less definitive than its predecessors.

Verdict: Where Does It Rank Among the Best Yakuza Games 2026?

So, where does this leave the game in the pantheon of the best Yakuza games 2026? It occupies a strange middle ground. For newcomers, it is undoubtedly the most accessible way to experience the crucial third chapter of Kiryu's saga. The quality-of-life improvements and the stellar Dark Ties expansion make it a worthwhile purchase.

However, for longtime fans hoping for a definitive replacement for the original Yakuza 3, the result is complicated. It is a polished, enjoyable brawler that stumbles under the weight of its own legacy. If you are here for the story and the tragedy of Yoshitaka Mine, Kiwami 3 is essential. If you were looking for a perfect 1:1 recreation, you might find yourself dusting off your PS3 copy instead.