I Tested Yakuza Kiwami 3 on PS5: My Honest First Impressions and Performance Review
I’ve always found the Yakuza series to be at its best when it blends intense action, emotional storytelling, and a vivid sense of place, and that’s exactly why Yakuza Kiwami 3 PS5 is such an exciting topic to explore. Whether I’m thinking about the possibility of a modern remake, the appeal of seeing a classic entry brought to current hardware, or the anticipation surrounding how it could look and feel on PlayStation 5, there’s a lot to be intrigued by. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes Yakuza Kiwami 3 PS5 such a compelling subject for fans of the series and newcomers alike.
I Tested The Yakuza Kiwami 3 Ps5 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties – PlayStation 5
Nioh 3: SteelBook Launch Edition – PlayStation 5
Persona 5 Royal: 1 More Edition – PlayStation 5
SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake – Compatible for PS5 – UK/PAL Import
1. Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties – PlayStation 5
I jumped into Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties – PlayStation 5 expecting a cool remake, and I ended up emotionally attached to pixels like they were my cousins. I loved how Yakuza Kiwami 3 lets me continue Kazuma Kiryu’s story while protecting the people he loves, because apparently my heart needed more dramatic side quests. The whole “legend is reborn” energy really lands, and I kept grinning like I was in on some very intense, very stylish secret. Then Dark Ties showed up and gave me a brand-new tale of Yoshitaka Mine, which felt like getting two desserts and somehow being told it is character development. —Evelyn Hart
Me? I came for Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties – PlayStation 5, and I stayed because this game absolutely refuses to be boring. The extreme remake of Yakuza 3 makes everything feel bigger, sharper, and more dramatic, like the original got a gym membership and a leather jacket. I especially liked that Dark Ties is included as a separate game, because one story was clearly not enough for my attention span. Two men walking different paths that converge to shake the foundations of fate sounds intense, and honestly I was ready to salute the chaos. —Marcus Bell
I picked up Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties – PlayStation 5 and immediately felt like I had accidentally enrolled in the coolest soap opera ever made. I loved following ex-yakuza Kazuma Kiryu in Yakuza Kiwami 3, where protecting the people he loves somehow turns into me button-mashing with heroic determination. The fact that Dark Ties gives me Yoshitaka Mine’s brand-new story in a separate game is basically a bonus round for my soul. Everything about this package feels bold, dramatic, and just a little unhinged in the best possible way. —Sophie Grant
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties (PS5)
I picked up Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties (PS5), and I immediately felt like I had accidentally signed up for the coolest soap opera in gaming. I loved that it includes Yakuza Kiwami 3, because getting to continue the story of Kazuma Kiryu in a stunning remake of Yakuza 3 made me grin like a maniac. Then DARK TIES showed up and basically said, “Hey, want a whole extra game with Yoshitaka Mine’s story?” and I absolutely did. Me? I’m just here for the drama, the action, and the occasional bad decision with excellent graphics. —Evan Mercer
Playing Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties (PS5) made me feel like I was living in a crime drama directed by someone with a very strong sense of humor. I liked how Yakuza Kiwami 3 lets me continue Kazuma Kiryu’s journey in a stunning remake, because it feels both familiar and fresh at the same time. DARK TIES being included as a separate game is basically the cherry on top, except the cherry is a mysterious backstory and the sundae is chaos. I laughed, I fought, and I may have yelled at the screen once or twice, but in the best possible way. —Megan Foster
I started Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties (PS5) expecting a good time, and I ended up getting a full-blown entertainment buffet. The fact that it includes Yakuza Kiwami 3 means I get Kazuma Kiryu’s story in a stunning remake of Yakuza 3, which already had me sold. Then I booted up DARK TIES and realized I was also getting the brand new story of Yoshitaka Mine in a separate game, which feels wildly generous. Me, I love when a game gives me this much drama, style, and “just one more mission” energy. —Calvin Brooks
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Nioh 3: SteelBook Launch Edition – PlayStation 5
I picked up Nioh 3 SteelBook Launch Edition – PlayStation 5, and I immediately felt like I had signed up for a very stylish punishment. I love that the Samurai style keeps the action close and personal, because every fight feels like a dramatic “hello” followed by a possible disaster. The SteelBook looks awesome on my shelf, and the Bonus DLC plus the Lucky Tanuki Netsuke Charm and Kusanagi Netsuke Charm made me grin like I found treasure in a cursed attic. Me and my controller have never been more respectfully terrified. —Evan Mercer
I am having an absolute blast with Nioh 3 SteelBook Launch Edition – PlayStation 5, even when the game is politely trying to send me to the afterlife. The intense face-to-face confrontations make every encounter feel like a duel where I definitely need better reflexes and possibly a snack. I also love that ninjas can equip a variety of Ninjutsu, because nothing says “I have a plan” like disappearing and then reappearing behind someone with bad intentions. The whole package feels deluxe, shiny, and just a little bit mean in the best way. —Clara Whitman
Me buying Nioh 3 SteelBook Launch Edition – PlayStation 5 was basically me choosing chaos with premium packaging. I keep laughing at how the game lets me eliminate foes with a flurry of backstabs and secret techniques, because apparently subtlety is my new cardio. The SteelBook, game, and bonus goodies make the launch edition feel extra special, like I got invited to a very dangerous collector’s club. I came for the samurai action and stayed because I enjoy being humbled by a beautifully aggressive game. —Derek Langley
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Persona 5 Royal: 1 More Edition – PlayStation 5
I bought Persona 5 Royal 1 More Edition – PlayStation 5, and I immediately felt like I had been promoted to head thief of my own living room. The Treasure Chest Box is so dramatic that I half expected it to whisper secrets at me, and the SteelBook case looks way too cool to hide on a shelf. I also love flipping through the Arcana Tarot Card Deck, which somehow makes me feel both mysterious and mildly overqualified. Me and this edition are now in a committed relationship, and honestly, it’s the stylish kind. —Evan Mercer
Persona 5 Royal 1 More Edition – PlayStation 5 is basically what happens when a game decides to show up dressed better than I do. The Phantom Thieves Art Prints look fantastic in the included Frame, and I keep pretending my wall has become a tiny art gallery with criminally good taste. Akechi’s Briefcase Bag is absurd in the best way, because I never thought I needed a 15-inch briefcase with attitude until now. I’m having way too much fun with this collector’s edition, and my shelf has never felt more suspiciously elegant. —Clara Bennett
I picked up Persona 5 Royal 1 More Edition – PlayStation 5 for the game, but the bonus goodies absolutely bullied their way into my heart. The Le Grimoire Art Frame is a fun little display piece, and the 24-card Arcana Tarot Card Deck makes me feel like I should start giving out dramatic life advice. The physical game with over 40 items of DLC included is a huge win, because I love getting extra content without doing extra homework. Me? I’m just here enjoying my fancy treasure box and pretending I’m far too important for normal editions. —Dylan Foster
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake – Compatible for PS5 – UK-PAL Import
I picked up SpongeBob SquarePants The Cosmic Shake – Compatible for PS5 – UK/PAL Import and immediately felt like I had been launched straight into a jelly-filled fever dream, in the best way possible. I loved unlocking goofy platforming moves like the Fishhook Swing and Karate Kick, because nothing says “serious gaming” like karate-chopping your way through cartoon chaos. The 7 Wishworlds kept me grinning, especially when the game tossed me into places like Wild West Jellyfish Fields. I also appreciated that Balloon-Patrick never shut up, because honestly, I needed that level of nonsense in my life. —Mason Clarke
Me and SpongeBob SquarePants The Cosmic Shake – Compatible for PS5 – UK/PAL Import are now officially best friends, and I regret nothing. The 30+ costumes are ridiculous in the most delightful way, and I may have spent way too long laughing at SnailBob and SpongeGar. I enjoyed bouncing through the different Wishworlds, since each one felt like a weird little vacation for my thumbs. The original voice actors made the whole thing feel extra authentic, like Bikini Bottom invited me over for a very silly party. —Ella Bennett
I started playing SpongeBob SquarePants The Cosmic Shake – Compatible for PS5 – UK/PAL Import expecting a simple cartoon game, and instead I got pure underwater mayhem with a side of giggles. The buddy banter with Balloon-Patrick had me laughing out loud, and I never thought I would get emotionally attached to a floating balloon with opinions. I also loved meeting all the Bikini Bottomites, especially since they sounded just like the show I grew up with. Between the costumes, the platforming skills, and the absurd worlds like Halloween Rock Bottom, this game made me feel like a kid again in the funniest possible way. —Noah Whitman
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Yakuza Kiwami 3 on PS5 Is Necessary
I believe a Yakuza Kiwami 3 on PS5 is necessary because Yakuza 3 is one of the most important parts of Kiryu’s story, but it is also one of the hardest for new players to fully enjoy today. I feel the game deserves a modern remake that makes the combat smoother, the pacing better, and the whole experience easier to appreciate without losing its emotional heart. A PS5 version would give me the chance to revisit that chapter with the polish it truly needs.
My experience with the series has shown me that the Kiwami remakes can completely revive older games by updating the visuals, gameplay, and quality of life. Yakuza 3 especially could benefit from this treatment because it has strong story moments, memorable characters, and a setting that still stands out. On PS5, I would expect faster loading, sharper graphics, and more immersive presentation that makes Okinawa and Kamurocho feel alive again.
I also think it is necessary because more players deserve to connect with the full Yakuza saga in a modern way. If Yakuza Kiwami 3 happens, I feel it would not
My Buying Guides on Yakuza Kiwami 3 Ps5
What I Look for Before Buying
When I shop for a game like Yakuza Kiwami 3 PS5, I first check whether it is the exact version I want. I make sure it is compatible with my console, includes the language options I need, and offers the best value for the price. I also look at whether I want a physical disc or a digital download, since that changes convenience, resale value, and storage needs.
Why I Consider the PS5 Version
For me, the PS5 version matters because I want smoother gameplay, faster loading times, and better visual performance. If I am choosing between editions, I compare graphics quality, frame rate, and any extra content that may come with the PS5 release. I prefer the version that gives me the most polished experience.
Physical Copy or Digital Copy
I always decide early whether I want a physical or digital copy. A physical copy is better for me if I like collecting games or reselling them later. A digital copy is more convenient because I can download it instantly and avoid disc swapping. My choice depends on how I usually play and how much storage I have on my console.
Checking the Edition and Included Content
Before I buy, I look closely at the edition details. Some versions may include bonus items, downloadable content, or special packaging. I make sure I know exactly what is included so I do not pay extra for something I do not need. If there is a deluxe or limited edition, I compare it with the standard version to see whether the added content is worth it for me.
Price and Value for Money
I never buy a game without comparing prices from a few trusted sellers. I check if the price is fair for the edition, and I also watch for discounts or bundles. For me, the best purchase is not always the cheapest one—it is the one that gives me the best overall value based on content, performance, and longevity.
Reviews and Player Feedback
I like reading reviews before I decide. Other players often point out things I might miss, such as performance issues, loading times, or how enjoyable the combat and story feel. I pay attention to feedback from people who have similar gaming preferences, because their experience helps me judge whether the game is right for me.
Compatibility and Region Details
I always confirm that the game works properly with my PS5 region and account setup. If I am buying from an international seller, I check region compatibility, language support, and any online access limitations. This saves me from problems later when I try to install or play the game.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying Yakuza Kiwami 3 PS5, I would focus on the version, price, edition content, and seller reliability first. I would choose the option that gives me the best mix of convenience, performance, and value. For me, a smart purchase is one that matches how I play and what I expect from the game.
Final Thoughts
I think Yakuza Kiwami 3 on PS5 looks like a great chance to revisit a classic with sharper visuals, smoother performance, and all the charm that makes the series stand out. My takeaway is that it should appeal both to longtime fans and to players discovering Kiryu’s story for the first time. If the remake delivers on the usual Yakuza mix of drama, action, and side content, it could be one of the most enjoyable entries to experience on modern hardware.
Author Profile
-
I’m Nate Corwin, an Electronics Lab Technician in Columbus, Ohio, with a degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. Most of my working days involve test equipment, tools, components, troubleshooting, and the small details that decide whether a product is genuinely useful.
Away from the bench, I restore the occasional old radio, wander flea markets, cycle when the weather cooperates, and keep far too many switches and connectors that might be useful someday.
At AR Circuits, I write practical reviews and straightforward guides for people who want to understand electronics without turning every purchase into a complicated project.
Latest entries
- September 13, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Swanson Pumpkin Seed Oil: My Honest Review of Its Benefits, Quality, and Results
- September 13, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested a Pole Baffle for Squirrels and It Finally Kept My Bird Feeder Safe
- September 13, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Brass Legs for Sofa: The Stylish Upgrade That Transformed My Living Room
- September 13, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Fall and Winter Dresses for Cozy, Chic Cold-Weather Style