Yakuza 3 Remastered is an updated version of Yakuza 3, developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and published by Sega. Released as part of The Yakuza Remastered Collection in 2019, the remaster features improved graphics, a higher frame rate, and restored content that was cut from the original Western release. The game follows protagonist Kazuma Kiryu as he manages an orphanage in Okinawa while being drawn back into conflicts with the yakuza.
While the experience is part of a larger franchise, Yakuza 3's dated systems, rough combat, and story that loses site of the goal is hard a game to love. It's required playing for fans of the series, and not an awful experience, but hardly what fans will expect after the previous three titles in the franchise.
Yakuza 3 may be the most basic-feeling of the Yakuza games available on PS4, with awkward battle transitions and lighter sidequests, but that still isn’t a bad thing, as the core gameplay is still the same solid action as before.
Yakuza 3 Remastered may not have received the Kiwami treatment, but still features one of the strongest and emotional narratives in the series. Some may not enjoy the focus to be on Kiryu's "softer" side by taking care of the kids at the orphanage. The mini-games are still great at cleansing the palette, with golfing and karaoke as the highlights, but...
Even with some elements from the original release that could have used a little sanding down, Yakuza 3 Remastered is still an worthwhile entry in the series to for longtime fans to experience again. It may not be my favorite sequel, but it’s still a competent and enjoyable one.
For newer fans this is the way to continue the Dragon of Dojima's story and for older fans this is the ultimate version of Yakuza 3 with all the removed content added and a better translation.
