Yakuza 3 Remake Faces Backlash Over Content Cuts and Controversial Changes
Yakuza fans are facing a tough time right now. The remake of Yakuza Kiwami 3 is reportedly falling flat, with significant cuts to quests, retcons of key story elements, and the controversial decision to cast an actor who has openly admitted to sexual assault in 2019. These choices have left a sour taste for many fans of the long-running crime drama series. Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio had built a solid reputation in recent years, with even the less popular Yakuza or Like a Dragon titles still managing to please dedicated players. However, the decisions surrounding this remake are quickly eroding that goodwill. For many, this remake feels like a series of missteps, tarnishing the franchise’s legacy before it even launches.
The backlash started well before reviews were released, as the #RemoveKagawa movement gained traction, urging RGG Studio to drop Teruyuki Kagawa, the actor in question, from the game’s cast. Kagawa voices the antagonist Goh Hamazaki, and his character has been redesigned to closely resemble him, making it impossible to avoid his presence, even in different language versions of the game.
Details of Kagawa’s misconduct have been widely reported in Japan, including a photo from the incident that shows him in a compromising situation. Game director Ryosuke Horii attempted to defend his casting choice in an interview, claiming Kagawa’s portrayal would effectively convey the character’s creepiness.
As the release date approaches, more information about the cuts and changes is surfacing, further dampening enthusiasm. The remake has eliminated around 88 substories from the original, leaving only 31. This significant reduction means that much of Yakuza 3’s charm and depth has been stripped away, including a notable quest where protagonist Kazuma Kiryu interacts with a transgender woman, fostering empathy for her struggles.
Critics have noted that Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties reflects a troubling trend at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, suggesting that the developer is prioritizing quick releases over quality and meaningful content. With Sega planning to delist the original Yakuza 3, Kiwami 3 is set to become the primary version of the game for many players, which is concerning given the extent of the changes, even if Yakuza 3 is often seen as one of the weaker entries in the series. If you were considering Kiwami 3, it might be wise to grab the original remaster while you still can.
Kiwami 3 seems to be at odds with itself. While some areas have seen improvements, it often feels like a completely different game in terms of style and intent. Remakes can diverge significantly from their source material, and Kiwami 3 appears to be a drastic shift for the series, potentially reshaping existing narratives. With the original Yakuza 3 being delisted and only available as part of an expensive bundle, Kiwami 3 is poised to leave a lasting mark on the franchise’s legacy.
As for the new content, Kiwami 3’s Dark Ties side story introduces antagonist Yoshitaka Mine, but it also retcons his tragic sacrifice from 17 years ago in a way that feels absurd, undermining the character’s significance.
Overall, what was once a beloved series has become a source of frustration for fans. Yakuza/Like a Dragon had established itself as a staple of Sega’s lineup, but with the annualization of the franchise, it seems to be losing its way. Yakuza Kiwami 3 is set to launch on PC, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, PS4, and PS5 on Thursday, February 12.
