I'll be blunt so please bear with me here- at first, I HATED Yakuza 3. As a new fan of the RGG series, jumping into Yakuza 3 was a REAL shock to the system. After playing through Yakuza 0, Kiwami, and Kiwami 2, I had gotten used to the more modern remasters; polished graphics, smooth gameplay, refined combat, and immersive minigames. So when I fired up Yakuza 3, I felt like I had stepped back in time... 8 years back to be exact. The jump from the remastered brilliance of the previous games to the much older and less polished look of Yakuza 3 was jarring to say the least. I couldn’t believe how much of a downgrade everything felt.

The graphics were rough, the combat clunky, and the controls felt stiff compared to the fluidity of the more modern games. Even the minigames, which I usually enjoy, felt lacking in comparison. I couldn't play them at all aside for the fishing. And honestly? At first, I hated it. It felt like I was forcing myself through a relic of the past, and I kept wondering if it was worth it. I wasn’t sure if I could power through, but I’m so glad I did because once the story started to unfold... everything changed.

What Yakuza 3 lacks in modern polish, it more than makes up for with its heart. The story had me hooked and I ended up growing to love the game because of it. In a way, it felt like the game forced me to love it. As rough as the gameplay is, the depth and emotional weight of the narrative grabbed me in a way I wasn’t expecting.

This game focuses on Kiryu in a new way. We get to see him in a more mature light, stepping away from the chaos of Kamurocho (though not entirely) and trying to build a life of peace. Watching Kiryu grow into this more reflective version of himself, someone who finally sees the value in leaning on others and embracing relationships, was honestly beautiful. The emotional weight of his journey felt so real, and for the second time in the series, I found myself crying my eyes out. The game touches on themes of family, loyalty, and personal growth in ways that feel so... genuine. I could feel Kiryu’s emotions, his struggles, his hopes, and his quiet strength- and that’s what makes the game unforgettable.

Beyond Kiryu, the cast of characters in Yakuza 3 is what truly elevates this game. Rikiya and Mikio are two of the most lovable characters I’ve come across in the series, and brought so much heart and charm to it. Rikiya, especially, is such a shining presence... a tough but warm-hearted guy who looks up to Kiryu like a brother-- sorry, ANIKI. His bond with Kiryu is incredibly touching, and I found myself rooting for him every step of the way. These characters TRULY make Okinawa feel like more than just a setting; it’s a living, breathing place full of people you grow to care about. And then there’s the Morning Glory Orphanage. The kids at the orphanage, each with their own little personalities, are impossible not to love. Watching Kiryu take on this father figure role is heartwarming, and the way the game emphasizes the importance of family, both blood-related and chosen, is one of its greatest strengths. Every interaction with these kids feels meaningful, and it's reminding you why Kiryu is such a compelling and multi-dimensional character. He's a fighter, sure, but he's also a man with a heart full of love and responsibility.

Even returning characters like Date, Majima, and Daigo have their moments. Date’s loyalty and friendship with Kiryu remain as steadfast as ever. He’s a character I ALWAYS love seeing, and his role in this game feels like a natural continuation of the bond he’s built with Kiryu over the years. Majima, with his wild unpredictability, shows a different side here too- but I won't go into detail as to not spoil the game for you. And Daigo, well... without spoiling anything, let’s just say his presence is important and adds more layers to the story.

The game also does an AMAZING job of making you care about the smaller stories. The sub-stories, while sometimes quirky and offbeat, feel super grounded in the world of Yakuza 3. You find yourself invested not just in the main plot, but in the lives of the people around you- helping a hopeless couple (yet again), resolving disputes between friends, or taking random pictures for Kiryu's silly internet blog. Yes, that is a thing.

Now, I have to be super honest- the gameplay itself never really grew on me. The combat remains clunky throughout the game, and the controls feel stiff, especially coming off of the later games. The lack of polish in those areas makes it hard to recommend Yakuza 3 purely for the gameplay, but I would recommend it without hesitation for the story alone. The narrative is what truly carries this game, and if you can look past the dated mechanics, you’ll find a story full of heart, growth, and incredible character moments.

Would I recommend it?... Absolutely. If you started the series, you absolutely have to play it. Even though I struggled with the gameplay, the story is unforgettable, and the characters will stay with me for a long time. Will I come back to it? Probably not, but I heard that many people did, and that's great for them. So, in conclusion... Yakuza 3 is a flawed gem, but if you give it the time, it will show you a side of Kiryu- and the world around him- that is incredibly touching and real. It’s not perfect... but it’s beautiful.

Pros:
- Rikiya & orphans
- Substories (mostly)
- New locale (Okinawa)
- Music

Mixed:
- Story (1/3rd of it is good)
- Minigames

Cons:
- Aged gameplay
- Bossfights (Not hard but just tedious and boring)
- Story is derivative of Yakuza 1
- Heat actions are underpowered (most of the time it is better to not even use them and spam 3 light attacks + 2 heavy)

Overall, it's a game that starts off mostly promising but quickly shows it's age and short development cycle. Personally, I kinda enjoyed it but I don't recommend it. 6/10.

Great game