Game Review: "Yakuza 3 Remastered" – Kazuma Kiryu as a Father, Caretaker, and… Still the Toughest Guy in Japan

 

SEGA made me a liar and this time, I don’t even mind. Until recently, it seemed like Yakuza 3 Remastered had been stuck in publishing limbo, with the series focusing solely on its newer entries. Then, out of nowhere, the game landed on PlayStation 4, giving players access to another crucial chapter in the saga of the Dragon of Dojima. Moreover, it was a clear signal that SEGA is committed to making Kazuma Kiryu’s story playable on a single console from his beginnings to the finale in The Song of Life.

However, Yakuza 3 Remastered is not a Kiwami-style remake. It’s a classic remaster: higher resolution (1080p), stable 60 frames per second, and improved localization. While this may sound modest, in practice we get a game that is simultaneously one of the most important story-wise in the series and one of the most problematic gameplay-wise when judged by modern standards.

Kiryu, the Family Man

Yakuza 3 starts with a bang, but very quickly… slows down. After the events of the second game, Kazuma Kiryu definitively leaves the yakuza life behind. He leaves Tokyo, departs Kamurocho, and moves to Okinawa, where he opens the Morning Glory Orphanage. Together with Haruka, he cares for a group of children, trying to live a peaceful, honest life something he has never had before.

This part of the game is absolutely key to Kiryu’s character development. For the first time, he is not just a legendary fighter, former Tojo Clan chairman, or symbol of honor. He is a father. A caretaker. Someone who must comfort, guide, resolve conflicts and even don a wrestler’s mask to make the kids laugh.

And while there are genuinely touching, funny, and very “human” moments, it must be said outright: this is the slowest part of the game. The narrative pacing drops significantly, and the game frequently forces us to handle orphanage tasks when we just want to get back to the main story. For some, it will be a valuable slice-of-life; for others a barrier that’s hard to get past.

Okinawa vs. Kamurocho

The peace doesn’t last long. When a conflict arises over the land the orphanage sits on a property the local yakuza want to seize for a resort and military base Kiryu is once again pulled back into the criminal underworld. The situation grows even more complex when it becomes clear that the matter is connected to the Tojo Clan in Tokyo, and Daigo Dojima is shot.

And just like that, Yakuza 3 returns to familiar territory: political intrigue, betrayals, alliances, and escalating drama. The story is shorter and more streamlined than in other entries, with fewer characters and side plots, but that doesn’t make it weaker. On the contrary it’s one of the more personal tales in the series, with several truly memorable moments (the Red Brick Hotel sequence is absolute gold).

The new location, Ryukyu in Okinawa, is a refreshing contrast to Kamurocho. It’s calmer, more “open,” emphasizing Kiryu’s attempt to escape his old life. It isn’t packed with Tokyo-style attractions, but it works wonderfully narratively.

A Remaster That Doesn’t Pretend to Be a Remake

Let’s be clear: Yakuza 3 Remastered is the ugliest game in the modern era of the series. Character models are blocky, animations stiff, and facial expressions lag behind what Zero or Kiwami 2 set as the standard. After a few hours, you can get used to it, but the first impression can be jarring.

On the other hand, a stable 60 FPS makes a huge difference, and the re-localization restoring content cut from the original Western release (including hostesses and substories) is a nod to the fans. Audio and voice acting remain solid Japanese dubbing gives authenticity, even if some may miss the English voices from the very old PS2 version.

Combat, QTEs, and Aging Mechanics

The combat system in Yakuza 3 is based on a single style and, on paper, resembles what we know from other entries. In practice, however, it feels noticeably clunkier. There’s no sprint, animations are slower, and encounters with random enemies can quickly become monotonous. Bosses can be frustrating without weapons, and balance occasionally falters.

Add to that an overwhelming number of QTEs in combat, chases, and side activities. In 2009, it may have been impressive; today, it mostly tires you out. Chase sequences are among the weakest parts of the game, and some minigames (like hostess club management) are simply unpleasant compared to their later iterations.

Side Content That Saves the Pace

Fortunately, Yakuza 3 does what the series always does best: side activities. Substories are weird, funny, and often more entertaining than the main plot. Murder at Café Alps is a clear precursor to ideas later expanded in Judgment.

The biggest hit, however, is Kiryu’s blog. Tasks from Mack, which involve photographing absurd situations around the city, are not only hilarious but also reward new Heat Actions. It’s a perfect example of how Yakuza blends humor with gameplay.

Premium Adventure mode, unlocked after finishing the story, only reinforces one thing: there’s always something more to discover in this series.

Verdict

Yakuza 3 Remastered is a game full of contradictions. On one hand, it’s one of Kiryu’s most important stories, full of emotion, fantastic characters, and moments that define the series. On the other, it’s painfully aged, with clunky gameplay, a slow middle act, and archaic design choices.

Still, if you’re a fan of the series, it’s a must-play. If not you might want to start elsewhere.

Score: 8/10

Pros:

+Very strong, personal story

+Well-written characters

+Okinawa as a fresh, interesting location

+Kiryu’s blog and select substories

+Massive amount of side content

Cons:

-Very slow pacing during orphanage arc

-Outdated mechanics and clunky combat

-Overabundance of QTEs and chase sequences

-Minor but annoying design issues (map, save points, inventory)

-Weakest visuals in the modern era of the series

My Gameplay: