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The Yakuza series has experienced a resurgence in popularity thanks to the success of Yakuza 0, Yakuza Kiwami, and Yakuza Kiwami 2. This renewed interest led to RGG Studio and director Toshihiro Nagoshi remastering Yakuza 3, 4, and 5, allowing new fans to continue Kiryu Kazuma’s story. While some questioned the decision to remaster rather than fully remake these titles, especially given the success of the Kiwami games, the likely reason was to conserve resources for new projects, such as Yakuza: Like a Dragon, which was announced alongside the remasters in 2018. This review delves into Yakuza 3 Remastered, originally released in 2009.

Yakuza 3 RemasteredKiryu Kazuma finds solace running the Morning Glory Orphanage in Okinawa

A Touching Tale of Fatherhood and Yakuza Life

Following the events of Yakuza Kiwami 2, Kiryu Kazuma seeks peace in Okinawa, running the Morning Glory Orphanage with Haruka. However, tranquility is short-lived as he’s drawn back into the turbulent world of the Tojo Clan and political intrigue. The arrival of two CIA agents, one bearing an uncanny resemblance to Kiryu’s deceased father figure, Shintaro Kazama, sets off a chain of events that forces Kiryu to confront his past. The game’s initial chapters focus on Kiryu’s life at the orphanage, establishing the story’s core themes of family and responsibility. While the pacing is slower than previous entries, this foundation is crucial to the emotional impact of later events. As the narrative progresses, the story picks up momentum, delving into the Japanese underworld with layers of mystery and unexpected character developments. The well-developed antagonist, whose motives are both understandable and conflicting with Kiryu’s, contributes to a compelling climax.

Yakuza 3 RemasteredKiryu enjoys the peaceful days at the orphanage

Exploring Kamurocho and Okinawa

Yakuza 3 Remastered features two primary locations: the familiar bustling streets of Kamurocho, based on Tokyo’s red-light district Kabukicho, and the serene Ryukyu district of Okinawa. While the game world is relatively small compared to other open-world titles, it compensates with density and a wealth of activities. In Kamurocho, players can explore various restaurants, SEGA arcades, bars, casinos, and engage in numerous side stories. Okinawa offers a contrasting experience, showcasing a different side of Japanese culture through local cuisine, markets, traditional clothing, and Okinawan Kobudō martial arts. While smaller than Kamurocho, Ryukyu provides unique activities like fishing, billiards, and golf.

Yakuza 3 RemasteredThe intricate story features unexpected twists and turns

Mastering Kiryu’s Combat Prowess

Initially, combat in Yakuza 3 Remastered appears straightforward, relying on light and heavy attacks, grapples, and HEAT actions. However, Kiryu’s combat repertoire expands significantly as the game progresses. New skills are acquired through leveling up and training with mentors, allowing for longer, more varied, and effective combos. While HEAT actions are initially limited, they become more readily available, offering strategic choices between immediate use or saving them for crucial moments. The game effectively conveys the impact of blows through visual and audio cues. Kiryu’s attacks are accompanied by flashes of light, while enemies react realistically to being hit. The sound design further enhances the experience with visceral impact sounds, making each encounter engaging.

Yakuza 3 RemasteredExplore the vibrant streets of Kamurocho and the tranquil beauty of Okinawa

Challenges and Pacing Issues

Yakuza 3 Remastered has garnered the nickname “Blockuza 3” due to the increased frequency of enemy blocking. While this can be frustrating, the game provides countermeasures through grapples, quicksteps, guard-breaking attacks, HEAT actions, counters, and weapons. The increased blocking encourages players to explore the full range of combat techniques. Furthermore, the blocking frequency is most pronounced on Hard difficulty. Playing on Easy or Normal offers a more balanced experience closer to Yakuza 0.

The game’s non-linear narrative structure, beginning with a pivotal moment and then flashing back two years, creates initial intrigue but can also lead to a sense of pacing issues in the early chapters. Players eager to understand the opening scene might rush through dialogue and miss crucial character development.

Conclusion

Yakuza 3 Remastered offers a compelling story, engaging combat, and a rich world to explore. While the pacing can be uneven and the increased blocking presents a challenge, the game ultimately rewards players who invest time in mastering its systems. The exploration of Kiryu’s role as a father figure and his struggles against a complex antagonist make for a memorable experience within the Yakuza saga.

Yakuza 3 RemasteredExperience the diverse culture and activities of Okinawa

Yakuza 3 RemasteredKiryu’s combat skills evolve throughout the game

Yakuza 3 RemasteredMaster a variety of combat techniques to overcome challenging opponents

Yakuza 3 RemasteredUtilize powerful HEAT actions strategically

Yakuza 3 RemasteredVisceral combat is enhanced by detailed visuals and sound design

Yakuza 3 RemasteredOvercome the challenge of “Blockuza 3” with diverse combat strategies

Yakuza 3 RemasteredThe game’s difficulty can be adjusted to suit different playstyles