Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio will release "Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties" on February 12, 2026, bundling an extreme remake of "Yakuza 3" with a brand-new spin-off story across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. This dual release aims to redefine the 2009 PlayStation 3 classic with updated visuals, enhanced gameplay, and expanded narrative elements, alongside a never-before-seen prequel focusing on antagonist Yoshitaka Mine.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]} ### Reimagining a Classic Yakuza Story "Yakuza Kiwami 3" is a complete rebuild of the original "Yakuza 3" from the ground up, utilizing the modern Dragon Engine.^[5][7] This remake brings the bustling streets of Okinawa and Tokyo to life with stunning detail and reimagined combat, promising brutal brawling action.^[8] Developers focused on evolving every aspect of the beloved game, which follows ex-yakuza Kazuma Kiryu as he manages the Morning Glory Orphanage in Okinawa with his adopted daughter Haruka.^[8][5] The game's opening, originally a slow slice-of-life narrative, has been significantly fleshed out with new story elements and minigames centered around the orphanage and its children.^[5] Producer and director Ryosuke Horii stated that the team debated how much to change from the original, ultimately deciding there was "no point in just recreating the same thing."^[9] He described "Kiwami 3" as a "fresh and innovative experience that feels like a brand new title," with the opening being "completely different" from the 2009 version.^[9] Chief producer Hiroyuki Sakamoto added that players will notice the game's evolution immediately.^[9] Added cutscenes also deliver more depth and emotion to the story, detailing the thoughts and actions of characters like Kiryu's friend Rikiya Shimabukuro and adversaries such as Mine, Kanda, and Hamazaki.^[8][7] ### Introducing Dark Ties Bundled with the remake is "Dark Ties," a separate, all-new game starring Yoshitaka Mine, Kiryu's formidable adversary from "Yakuza 3."^{[1][2][3][4][8][7]} This spin-off explores Mine's journey, documenting his path from a startup entrepreneur to a hardened yakuza leader, depicting events that precede "Yakuza 3."^[3][7] "Dark Ties" offers a narrative centered on the "gritty reality of human relationships in the criminal underworld" and features a "refined but cool" combat style focused on boxing.^[7] Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio director and executive producer Masayoshi Yokoyama highlighted the concept behind the combined release as "a legend is reborn and a new legacy begins."^[8][7] He expressed confidence in the quality of "Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties," noting its character-focused approach, particularly in "Dark Ties."^[10] ### Enhanced Gameplay and Features The extensive remake includes a variety of new and enhanced gameplay elements. Players can engage in new minigames such as planting vegetables in the orphanage garden, harvesting them, and participating in a cooking minigame.^[5] The game also introduces a new social platform called "LaLaLa Loveland" and offers cell phone customization.^[11] In a first for the series, "Yakuza Kiwami 3" incorporates playable retro Game Gear titles directly within the game.^[11] These include classic Sega titles like "Sonic Chaos," "Streets of Rage," "Sonic Drift," "Puyo Puyo," "Woody Pop," "G-LOC," "The G.G. Shinobi," "Fantasy Zone Gear," and "Columns."^[11] Additionally, Game Gear versions of Bandai Namco titles such as "Pac-Man," "Mappy," and "Galaga '91" will be playable.^[11] Arcade beat 'em ups "Emergency Call Ambulance" and "SlashOut" are also included.^[11] The game features re-recorded voice lines and more substories.^[11][7] A playable demo for "Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties" has also been announced, with further details on its release date to follow.^[4][12][6] ### The Kiwami Legacy Continues "Yakuza Kiwami 3" follows "Yakuza Kiwami" (2016) and "Yakuza Kiwami 2" (2017), which were remakes of the first two games in the "Yakuza" series.^{[13][14][15][16][17]} These previous "Kiwami" titles were praised for improving their originals with enhanced graphics, updated combat, and additional story elements.^[9] "Kiwami 3" aims to continue this trend, with developers stating it is "by far the most daring ‘reimagining’" in the series. Th^[5]e game's release on February 12, 2026, marks a significant moment for the franchise, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. "Ya^[7][10]kuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties" will be available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam, making it accessible to a wide audience. ME^{[3][4][12][5][11][6]}TA_TITLE: Yakuza Kiwami 3, Dark Ties Launch February 12, 2026

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