Yakuza Kiwami
Ryu ga Gotoku - Kiwami is a PlayStation 3 action game released in 2016 developed by SEGA. It centers on combat encounters, area and route exploration, and story, case, or mission progress, with controls and information arranged around the DualShock 3 or Sixaxis twin sticks, triggers, and face buttons, with PlayStation Move only where explicitly supported.
- AI score · out of 10
- 8.1 / 10
About this game
Ryu ga Gotoku - Kiwami is a PlayStation 3 action game centered on combat encounters, area and route exploration, and story, case, or mission progress. Stages build pressure through routes, enemy patterns, and changing objectives, with progress divided into stages, tasks, matches, or growth milestones that make immediate goals understandable. Its value depends on whether these rules continue to create judgment and room for mastery rather than on length, sales, or series recognition. Short campaigns are judged by repeat-challenge value, while longer ones are judged by variety, pacing, and recovery after failure. Animation, hits, camera behavior, and readable hazards determine whether feedback remains dependable, while HD 3D scenes, Blu-ray data streaming, surround audio, and cinematic presentation need to preserve action, state, and text readability together. The genre-specific limitation is that camera behavior, collision rules, input mapping, and repeated ground after failure can raise the entry barrier. Platform conditions also include Blu-ray loading, HDD installs, system software, DualShock 3 battery life, Move accessories, resolution and frame rate, and retired online services affect present-day use. This description covers only this platform release and does not import features or conveniences from remasters, emulators, or other console editions.
Collected in series
Like a Dragon, formerly known in English as Yakuza, follows people trying to hold on to loyalty and dignity amid crime and betrayal. Dense city districts invite you to step away from serious drama for games and eccentric side stories. Some entries use direct-action brawling, while Ichiban Kasuga’s adventures bring a party into turn-based combat.
Recommended games
Related game recommendations on this platform
PlayStation 3
AI review
AI reviews are subjective assessments, not player ratings. See each review for its evidence and limitations.Published date:
Crime drama and eccentric city life give this action remake its identity.
Yakuza Kiwami alternates between serious criminal intrigue and a city full of eccentric distractions. Kiryu's four fighting styles provide different balances of speed, power, and defensive response, while environmental objects and upgrades keep street encounters from becoming entirely routine. Side stories and activities such as karaoke make Kamurocho more than a corridor connecting story missions. Its strongest appeal lies in character and atmosphere rather than uninterrupted momentum: errands and lengthy bosses can interrupt the drama, and the underlying structure still shows its age. It suits players willing to watch substantial story scenes and wander into comic diversions. Platform differences should be considered separately, particularly when comparing the newer Switch versions with the original Japanese PS3 release. The PS3 manual confirms fighting-style controls and item, save, and reference menus; frame-rate behaviour is not established here, and Japanese-language availability matters.
Strengths
- Distinct fighting styles
- Memorable contrast between drama and comedy
Weaknesses
- Errands interrupt momentum
- Some bosses overstay their welcome
Who it is for: Players who enjoy crime stories and urban side quests.
Play notes: Check supported languages; newer console performance is not evidence for older versions.
View scoring basis
| Dimension | Review state | Score | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimension Side activities broaden the city, although errands and bosses interrupt momentum. | Reviewed | 7.5 / 10 | Not provided |
| Dimension Four styles give street combat a useful range of tactical approaches. | Reviewed | 8.4 / 10 | Not provided |
| Dimension Contrasting crime drama and absurd diversions give the city personality. | Reviewed | 8.5 / 10 | Not provided |
| Dimension Documented controls and menu access support usability without implying newer hardware performance. | Reviewed | 7.6 / 10 | Not provided |
Review sources
Not provided
Core information
- Developer
- SEGA
- Publisher
- SEGA
- Release date
- 2016
- Platforms
- PlayStation 3
- Content kind
- Game
- Release state
- Released
- Region
- Worldwide
- Official website
- Not provided
- Offline minimum players
- Not provided
- Offline maximum players
- Not provided
- Online minimum players
- Not provided
- Online maximum players
- Not provided
- Categories
- Action · Primary genre
- Tags
- 3D GraphicsSolo-friendlyMain Story Under 10 HoursPlatformingStory-drivenLinear LevelsExplorationReplayableThird PersonReal-time CombatFast-pacedDodge
- Supported game languages
- Not provided
- Requires base game
- Not provided
- Standalone
- Not provided
- Age ratings
- Not provided
- Play modes
- Not provided
- Perspectives
- Not provided
Release editions
- Nintendo SwitchWorldwideOct 24, 2024
- Nintendo Switch 2WorldwideNov 13, 2025
- PlayStation 3Worldwide2016
Game gallery
Sources
- ryu-ga-gotoku.com