Yakuza 3 Remastered

About Yakuza 3 Remastered

Yakuza 3 Remastered is a 2018 action RPG set in Okinawa, following Kazuma Kiryu as he runs an orphanage while tangled in yakuza politics. Developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios for PlayStation 4, PC, and Xbox One, it’s a remaster of the 2009 original with enhanced visuals, a stable 60 fps, and restored missions. The game blends beat ’em up combat, narrative-driven quests, and social sim elements like managing kids at the Asagao orphanage. Its story weaves family loyalty with criminal underworld drama, offering a mix of street brawls and tense political intrigue. A must for fans of the series or deep, character-focused RPGs.

Gameplay

The core loop alternates between brawling, questing, and managing Asagao. Combat is fast-paced and brutal, with Kiryu’s signature style involving counters, combos, and environmental takedowns. Side missions, like finding lost dogs or solving local conflicts, expand the world, while the orphanage lets you bond with kids through mini-games. Story missions involve infiltrating yakuza strongholds, interrogating foes, and navigating moral choices. The UI is cluttered but functional, with real-time combat demanding quick reflexes. Sessions often run 3-6 hours, balancing action with downtime at the orphanage. The game’s pacing leans toward narrative, with fights breaking up slower dialogue-heavy stretches.

What Players Think

Metacritic gives it 77/100, IGDB 69.3/100 (67 ratings). Average playtime is 35 hours, with 26% of players unlocking achievements. Community moods highlight "loyal but dated" and "classic still shines," though some note "graphics look modern but gameplay feels old." The rarest achievement, "World's Greatest Dad," is unlocked by 3.2%, tied to a side mission with the orphanage kids. Reviews praise the story depth and emotional beats but criticize the UI and lack of modern features. Completion rate is 12%, with 50 achievements split between main quests, side content, and minigames.

PlayPile's Take

Yakuza 3 Remastered is a solid entry for series fans but not a must-play for newcomers. The updated visuals and restored content help, but the combat and UI feel outdated compared to later entries. With 50 achievements (average 26% unlock) and a price tag around $30-40, it’s worth the cost for diehards craving pre-Kiryu’s retirement era. Skip if you prefer modern open-world systems or smoother combat. Best enjoyed with patience for its slow-burn story and dated mechanics.

Storyline

The Yakuza wars are spreading over to the tropical paradise of Okinawa. After leaving his last base in Kamimuro Chou, Kiryuu Kazuma went to Okinawa and opened an orphanage named Asagao with Haruka. Together with the children, they have taken in, the two slowly let go of the violent lives they have led prior to their arrival. However, the happy days are short-lived for the Yakuza are tightly connected with the Japanese government. A shady deal that involves the land on which Asagao is built spurs Kiryuu and Haruka back to their old hometown and fights with oppositional Yakuza groups. Fights and political intrigue come hand in hand, become the rising dragon and protect the sanctuary you have built.