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Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Promises New Substories, Minigames, and More
SEGA has shared a fresh wave of details for Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, spotlighting the breadth of substories, minigames, and side activities that will flesh out both Kazuma Kiryu’s Okinawa chapter and Yoshitaka Mine’s parallel storyline when the two-in-one release arrives on February 12 later this year.
Following earlier reveals that outlined Morning Glory, Bad Boy Dragon, and Hell’s Arena, this latest update shifts focus to the smaller moments that traditionally define the series, reinforcing how Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties balance dramatic crime storytelling with everyday absurdity.
Substories Continue to Define the Experience
Substories once again form the backbone of Yakuza Kiwami 3’s worldbuilding, mixing emotional beats with unmistakable series humour. Players will encounter scenarios ranging from Kiryu stepping in as a last-minute host at Stardust under the alias “Kazzy-chan” to domestic chaos at Morning Glory, where even routine life with the orphans can spiral into something bizarre.
These moments reaffirm the game’s commitment to showing Kiryu not just as a legendary yakuza but as a reluctant caretaker navigating a quieter life that never stays quiet for long.
New Social Systems Add Mechanical Depth
A notable addition is LaLaLa Loveland, a fictional social platform accessible via Kiryu’s flip phone. Introduced by LaLaLa Mobile CEO Lala Aizawa, the system allows players to form LaLaLa Friends through the Red Thread of Fate Transmission mechanic.
Beyond narrative flavour, the system ties directly into exploration and progression. Loveboxes scattered throughout the city reward items and upgrades, while phone customisation options such as straps, antennas, and lock screens provide tangible gameplay benefits rather than purely cosmetic ones.
Karaoke, Arcades, and Series Staples Return
Karaoke returns with new tracks alongside familiar favourites, including Okinawa-themed performances that reflect Kiryu’s life at Morning Glory. Characters such as Haruka, Majima, and Akko-san are once again able to join, while Dark Ties gives Yoshitaka Mine his own spotlight moments, including a dramatic take on Baka Mitai.
Arcade offerings remain dense, with bowling, Print Club, UFO Catchers, and classic SEGA machines all present. Notably, Kiwami 3 also introduces playable Game Gear titles, marking a rare addition even by series standards.
Dark Ties Builds a Distinct Tone Through Side Content
While Yakuza Kiwami 3 revisits Kiryu’s journey, Dark Ties continues to shape Yoshitaka Mine’s identity through Good Deed Quests. These missions see Mine addressing serial crimes, local unrest, and threats to the Nishikiyama Family, leaning into moral ambiguity rather than outright heroics.
The result is a sharper tonal contrast between the two campaigns, with Dark Ties presenting a colder, more calculating perspective that complements Kiryu’s more grounded approach.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties launches on February 12 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam. With its expanded substories, layered social systems, and dense lineup of minigames, fans will have more reasons to jump back in even after so long.
