By Daddy awesome
If you have ever experienced the original Yakuza 3 on the PS3, you might remember its famously sluggish beginning.
The title immerses players in Okinawa for several hours, with the veteran lead character Kazuma Kiryu having stepped away from the Yakuza life to manage his Morning Glory orphanage. (Interestingly, this was renamed Sunshine Orphanage in the localized versions for perhaps evident reasons.)
This shift provides a charming change of pace for the series, but it feels somewhat insubstantial, which may explain SEGA’s choice to revisit and enrich the initial chapters.
In the forthcoming remake Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, a plethora of minigames will be available for you to explore, each contributing to various sub-plots.
For instance, Kiryu will begin as a terrible cook, capable only of preparing the simplest of dishes: Japanese curry. However, as you advance and enhance your skills as a temporary guardian, you’ll uncover more intricate recipes, which form part of a culinary minigame.
The main character will also need to acquire other household skills, such as sewing and assisting with schoolwork.
You’ll then have the opportunity to exchange any prizes you collect at the Okinawa Market, where you can make a reasonable profit.
This all appears to be a clever expansion on the well-established Yakuza framework, and the additional content doesn’t stop there.
In the new Dark Ties storyline, you’ll be leading a PR initiative for disgraced former inmate Kanda in a mode cleverly titled Damage Control.
Here, you will undertake various tasks and missions to elevate the Yakuza’s status from ‘Actually Trash’ to ‘Actually God’. Throughout your journey, you will unlock Drink Links that will strengthen your connection with the character.
Thus, it appears there is plenty to delve into alongside the cherished narrative of the original Yakuza 3.
The remake is set for release on 12th February, meaning you won’t have to wait too long to experience it.
[source youtube.com, via gematsu.com]
As the Editor of Push Square, Sammy possesses over 15 years of experience analyzing the realm of PlayStation, from PS3 through PS5 and everything in between. He’s knowledgeable about PS Studios and industry affairs, as well as sports simulations and games. In his spare time, he enjoys RPGs and considers himself a bit of a gacha whale.