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The Kiwami Series Continues to Modernise Yakuza’s Legacy
The Kiwami line has become a key pillar for SEGA and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, particularly for players who find the earliest Yakuza entries difficult to revisit today. Rather than serving as simple visual touch-ups, the remakes consistently rebuild core systems, expand side content, and refine character arcs, recontextualising the originals for modern audiences.
That same level of expectation now surrounds Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties. With its release approaching, SEGA has confirmed that players can get an early taste with playable demos across PC and console.
A Full Dragon Engine Remake for Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties
This will be a complete remake of the original Yakuza 3, rebuilt from the ground up using the Dragon Engine. This brings the game in line with modern entries, introducing smoother combat flow, improved physics, updated character models, and more dynamic environmental interaction.
Beyond technical upgrades, Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties also include new story elements and expanded activities designed to deepen character relationships and pacing. While the core narrative remains intact, the remake aims to strengthen moments that previously felt restrained by the limitations of its original hardware.
For longtime fans, it’s a chance to revisit a pivotal chapter of Kazuma Kiryu’s story in a form that better reflects the series’ current identity.
Dark Ties Adds a New Chapter Focused on Yoshitaka Mine
Dark Ties introduces an entirely new story chapter centred on Yoshitaka Mine, a character whose role in the original left a lasting impression on fans. Rather than retelling existing events, Dark Ties expands on Mine’s motivations and personal journey, framing him as more than a supporting antagonist.
Set primarily in Kamurocho, this new chapter allows players to experience Mine’s unique combat style, which contrasts sharply with Kiryu’s balanced, reactive approach. His gameplay emphasises aggression and momentum, offering a distinct rhythm that reinforces his personality within the narrative.
Demo Content and What Players Can Expect
In the Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties demo, players will explore a portion of Kiryu’s life in Ryukyu, Okinawa, while testing the updated Dragon of Dojima Kiwami fighting style alongside the weapon-focused Ryukyu combat system.
There is also a shorter, more focused preview, dropping players into Kamurocho to sample Mine’s combat mechanics and narrative tone. Together, the demos are designed to showcase the contrast between the two experiences while highlighting how they complement one another.
SEGA has clarified that progress from either demo will not carry over into the full game.
Demo Availability and Full Release Date
The PC demo is already available on Steam. Console players on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2 will gain access on January 22.
With playable demos arriving weeks ahead of release, SEGA is offering players a clear look at how this remake and its new story content aim to further refine one of the Yakuza series’ most important chapters.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is scheduled to launch on February 12 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.
