Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties on PS5: Full Review

There are games that entertain, and then there are games that make you feel every single punch, every karaoke note, and every quiet conversation over ramen. Yakuza Kiwami 3, paired with the Dark Ties narrative expansion, is firmly in that second category. If you have been waiting to see Kazuma Kiryu return in a form worthy of the PS5, your wait ends here.

What Is Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Why Does Dark Ties Matter

Yakuza Kiwami 3 is a full remake of the original Yakuza 3, rebuilt from the ground up for modern hardware. It restores every cut substory and piece of content that was removed from the Western release of the original game. Dark Ties is a companion story that runs parallel to the main events, giving players a deeper look at characters and conflicts that were only hinted at before.

Together, these two experiences form one of the most complete entries in the entire Yakuza series. Whether you are a longtime fan or someone jumping in fresh, the combination works remarkably well.

PS5 Upgrades That Actually Change How You Play

The PS5 version is not just a resolution bump. The DualSense controller adds haptic feedback that makes combat feel grounded, with each punch and block registering in your hands differently. Load times that used to pull you out of the experience are now almost nonexistent. The 60fps performance mode keeps the action clean during the combat sequences that define the Yakuza formula.

Environmental detail in Kamurocho and Okinawa has been significantly improved, making the cities feel lived-in rather than constructed. Walking through the streets at night with the neon reflections on wet pavement is genuinely beautiful.

Story and Character Depth That Sets It Apart

Yakuza 3’s story is arguably the most emotionally grounded in the series. Kiryu running an orphanage in Okinawa while being pulled back into the world he tried to leave gives the narrative a weight that pure action games rarely achieve. Dark Ties amplifies this by exploring the people around him, showing what loyalty and betrayal look like from multiple sides.

If you invest in the substories, which range from genuinely funny to surprisingly moving, you will clock well over 60 hours without touching the side content that Dark Ties adds.

Combat System: Familiar But Refined

The Heat Action system returns with expanded options. Style switching gives players more flexibility mid-fight, and the new enemy AI makes even standard encounters require some thought. Boss fights in particular are paced well and rewarding to learn.

For returning players, the combat will feel familiar but more responsive. For newcomers, there is enough tutorial scaffolding to get comfortable before the difficulty increases in later chapters.

Is Yakuza Kiwami 3 Worth Your Money in 2025

Yes, without reservation. The amount of content, the quality of the storytelling, and the PS5 enhancements make this one of the best value purchases available right now. Dark Ties adds another 15 to 20 hours on top of an already substantial main game.

Collectors will want the physical edition. EmartGames stocks both standard and collector versions and can advise on availability based on what you want to prioritize.

Ready to Add This to Your Collection

Yakuza Kiwami 3 with Dark Ties is the kind of PS5 release that reminds you why you bought the console. It is big, bold, emotional, and packed with content that respects your time.

EmartGames has been serving gamers across India for over 10 years with genuine products, competitive prices, and real gaming expertise. We stock PlayStation titles across all categories, from day-one launches to hard-to-find collector’s editions. If you want the right advice alongside your purchase, not just a transaction, EmartGames is where serious gamers shop. Visit us in Thane or order from anywhere across India and get your copy delivered fast.