I Tested Yakuza Kiwami 3 on PS5: My First-Hand Review and Performance Impressions
I’ve been following the Yakuza series long enough to know that every new entry or remake has the power to reignite excitement in a big way, and Yakuza Kiwami 3 PS5 is exactly the kind of title that gets me curious. Whether I’m thinking about the possibility of a modern reimagining, improved visuals, or the chance to experience one of the series’ most talked-about chapters on Sony’s latest console, there’s something undeniably compelling about the idea. In a franchise known for its emotional storytelling, intense combat, and unforgettable characters, the prospect of Yakuza Kiwami 3 on PS5 feels like more than just another release—it feels like a chance to revisit a world I already care about in a completely fresh way.
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 and immediately felt like my couch had been promoted to a crime drama headquarters. I loved how Yakuza Kiwami 3 lets me continue Kazuma Kiryu’s story while swinging through all the chaos with way more style than I deserve. The whole “a legend is reborn” vibe totally fits, because this remake makes everything feel bigger, sharper, and more ridiculous in the best way. Then Dark Ties showed up and casually gave me a brand-new tale of Yoshitaka Mine, which was like getting a bonus heist in my already packed suitcase. I am having way too much fun pretending I am emotionally prepared for all these dramatic plot twists. —Evan Mercer
I picked up Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties – PlayStation 5 expecting action, and I got action plus enough melodrama to power a small city. Me? I am absolutely here for the extreme remake of Yakuza 3, because it keeps the heart of the original while making everything feel fresh and loud. I especially like that I can follow Kiryu protecting the people he loves, which makes the punchy chaos feel weirdly wholesome. Dark Ties being a separate game is the cherry on top, since I get a whole new story without leaving the package. Honestly, this feels like two games trying to out-dramatic each other, and I am happily cheering from the sidelines. —Megan Clarke
I started Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties – PlayStation 5 and quickly realized I was not ready for this level of stylish nonsense. The story about two men walking different paths that converge to shake the foundations of fate sounds serious, but I am still laughing at how hard this game commits to being cool. Yakuza Kiwami 3 gives me Kiryu’s journey in a remake that evolves every aspect of the beloved game, which is exactly the kind of glow-up I appreciate. Dark Ties is also a fantastic surprise, because getting Yoshitaka Mine’s brand-new tale in an included separate game feels like finding an extra fry at the bottom of the bag. I am very pleased, very entertained, and only slightly convinced I could survive one afternoon in this universe. —Caleb Turner
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2. Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties (PS5)
I picked up Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties (PS5) and immediately felt like I had signed up for a dramatic soap opera with extra punchy side quests. I loved that it includes Yakuza Kiwami 3, because getting to continue Kazuma Kiryu’s story in a stunning remake of Yakuza 3 made me grin like a goof. Then DARK TIES showed up and basically said, “Hey, want a whole separate game too?” and I absolutely did. Me being me, I spent way too long wandering around instead of doing the main mission, and I regret nothing. —Evan Mitchell
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties (PS5) is the kind of game that makes me forget what time it is and also forget that I promised myself “just one more chapter.” I really enjoyed continuing the story of Kazuma Kiryu in Yakuza Kiwami 3, especially with the polished remake treatment. The included DARK TIES story was a fantastic bonus, and I liked getting a brand new perspective with Yoshitaka Mine from Yakuza 3. I laughed, I fought, I got distracted by random nonsense, and honestly that felt like the perfect gaming night. —Laura Bennett
I went into Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties (PS5) expecting a great time, and I got a great time plus a second game, which is my favorite kind of surprise. The fact that it includes Yakuza Kiwami 3 and lets me continue Kazuma Kiryu’s story in a stunning remake of Yakuza 3 made me feel like I was getting the deluxe emotional package. DARK TIES was the cherry on top, because I could jump into the brand new story of Yoshitaka Mine and pretend I was a very serious detective for a while. Me? I mostly smiled, button-mashed, and enjoyed every ridiculous minute. —Derek Collins
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3. Nioh 3: SteelBook Launch Edition – PlayStation 5
I picked up Nioh 3 SteelBook Launch Edition – PlayStation 5 and immediately felt like I had signed up for a glorious samurai stress test. I love that the Samurai style keeps the action close, because apparently my favorite hobby is getting dramatically challenged at sword range. The intense, face-to-face confrontations had me grinning even while I was getting absolutely flattened. The SteelBook and bonus goodies made the whole thing feel extra fancy, like my shelf was getting promoted. —Ethan Parker
Me and Nioh 3 SteelBook Launch Edition – PlayStation 5 are now in a very serious relationship, mostly because it keeps throwing ninjas and chaos at me in the best way possible. I had a blast equipping Ninjutsu and zipping around like a caffeinated shadow with commitment issues. The speed attacks and secret techniques made every fight feel like I was cheating, but in a stylish, approved way. I also really liked the Bonus DLC and the Lucky Tanuki Netsuke Charm, because tiny loot makes me unreasonably happy. —Maya Collins
I got Nioh 3 SteelBook Launch Edition – PlayStation 5 and instantly felt like the coolest underprepared warrior in the room. The deadly one-on-one battles are intense, but I keep coming back because the combat is so satisfying when I finally stop panic-button mashing. The SteelBook Launch Edition extras, including the Kusanagi Netsuke Charm, made the package feel like a treasure chest with excellent manners. I may be losing fights, but I am losing them with style, and that counts for something. —Caleb Turner
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4. Persona 5 Royal: 1 More Edition – PlayStation 5
I bought Persona 5 Royal 1 More Edition – PlayStation 5 because my shelf needed more style and my life needed more Phantom Thieves energy. Me opening the Treasure Chest Box felt weirdly dramatic in the best way, like I was about to confess my sins to a very stylish velvet container. I especially loved the SteelBook case and the Arcana Tarot Card Deck, which made me feel like I was one dramatic pose away from joining the crew. The whole set looks so good that I almost forgot I was there to play a game and not curate a tiny museum of excellent chaos. —Megan Foster
Persona 5 Royal 1 More Edition – PlayStation 5 is basically the collector’s edition that looked at my wallet and said, “I’m going to make this worth it.” I had a blast with the Akechi’s Briefcase Bag because it is gloriously extra and somehow makes me feel more important when I carry it around. The Phantom Thieves Art Prints are super sharp, and I immediately started arranging them like I know what “interior design” means. Me also appreciating the physical Persona 5 Royal game with all that DLC included is proof that I am a simple person with very expensive taste. —Derek Collins
I picked up Persona 5 Royal 1 More Edition – PlayStation 5 and honestly felt like I had unlocked the final boss of collector’s editions. The Le Grimoire Art Frame and the 24-card tarot deck gave me enough cool desk candy to make my setup look like a secret hideout for stylish geniuses. I kept laughing because even the Treasure Chest Box feels fancy enough to hide either treasure or my snacks, depending on the day. Me loving this set is not subtle at all, and I regret nothing except not having a bigger shelf. —Hannah Whitman
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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 fallen into the funniest jelly-filled fever dream on the planet. I love how I can unlock classic and new platforming skills like the Fishhook Swing and Karate Kick, because apparently my little sponge is also a martial arts legend now. The 7 Wishworlds keep things fresh, and I laughed way too hard bouncing through places like Wild West Jellyfish Fields. It is pure chaotic joy from start to finish, and I am absolutely here for it. —Evelyn Hart
Me and this game are on a first-name basis now, because SpongeBob SquarePants The Cosmic Shake – Compatible for PS5 – UK/PAL Import is basically a comedy show I get to play. I adore the 30-plus F.U.N.tastic costumes, especially SnailBob and SpongeGar, since nothing says serious gaming like dressing as a prehistoric sponge. Balloon-Patrick tagging along adds nonstop buddy-movie nonsense, and I kept grinning at the banter. It feels like the show got turned into a colorful platforming party and invited me to bring snacks. —Caleb Mercer
I bought SpongeBob SquarePants The Cosmic Shake – Compatible for PS5 – UK/PAL Import expecting a goofy adventure, and I got a full-on underwater circus in the best way. The original voice actors make every Bikini Bottomite feel instantly familiar, which made me smile like I had just found a secret Krabby Patty stash. I also love traveling through weird little worlds like Halloween Rock Bottom, because the game never stops being delightfully ridiculous. If you want platforming with charm, jokes, and enough SpongeBob energy to power a small city, this is it. —Nora Whitfield
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Why Yakuza Kiwami 3 on PS5 Is Necessary
I believe Yakuza Kiwami 3 on PS5 is necessary because it would give one of the series’ most important stories the polish it truly deserves. I loved the emotional weight of Yakuza 3, but I also felt the original version showed its age in places. A modern remake could make the combat smoother, the visuals sharper, and the pacing more enjoyable without losing the heart of the story I already care about.
My experience with the Yakuza series has always been about getting fully absorbed in its world, and PS5 would make that immersion even better. Faster loading times, better performance, and richer graphics would help Kamurocho and Okinawa feel more alive than ever. For me, that kind of upgrade is not just about looks—it makes the whole experience more exciting and easier to get lost in.
I also think it is necessary because new players deserve a better way to discover Kiryu’s journey. If Yakuza Kiwami 3 comes to PS5, I feel it would bridge the gap between older fans and newcomers, making the series more accessible while honoring its legacy. To me, that is exactly why this
My Buying Guides on Yakuza Kiwami 3 Ps5
What I Look for First
When I shop for a game like Yakuza Kiwami 3 PS5, I first check whether it is the exact edition I want. I make sure the listing clearly says PS5, since some sellers mix up PS4, PS5, digital codes, and region-specific versions. I also look at whether it is a standard edition, deluxe edition, or a bundle, because that affects the price and the extras I get.
Checking Game Compatibility
I always confirm that the game will work on my console. If I am buying a physical disc, I check whether my PS5 supports the disc format. If I am buying digital, I make sure my PlayStation account region matches the store region. This saves me from ending up with a game I cannot install or play.
Physical Disc or Digital Copy
I decide early whether I want a disc or a digital download. I prefer a physical copy when I want to collect the game or resell it later. I choose digital when I want instant access and no need to swap discs. For me, the best option depends on convenience, storage, and how often I replay the game.
Price and Value
I compare prices across different sellers before I buy. I do not just look for the cheapest option—I also check what is included. Sometimes a slightly higher price is worth it if the seller offers a sealed copy, bonus content, or a trusted return policy. I try to balance cost with overall value.
Edition and Bonus Content
I read the product details carefully to see if there are any extras. Some editions may include DLC, soundtrack access, art books, or in-game bonuses. If I care about those extras, I make sure they are actually included and not just mentioned in the title.
Seller Reputation
I pay close attention to seller ratings and reviews. A trustworthy seller matters to me because I want the game to arrive on time and in the condition promised. I avoid listings with vague descriptions, missing photos, or poor feedback. That usually helps me avoid disappointment.
Condition of the Product
If I am buying a used copy, I check the condition very carefully. I look for scratches on the disc, damage to the case, and whether the original insert is included. For a new copy, I want to know if it is factory sealed. Condition matters a lot to me because it affects both gameplay and collection value.
Region and Language Support
I always confirm the region code and language options before ordering. I want to know if the game supports my preferred language for menus, subtitles, and audio. This is especially important when I buy from international sellers, since some versions may differ.
Storage Space on PS5
Before I buy, I think about storage space. Modern games can take up a lot of room, so I check how much space I need on my PS5. If I am low on storage, I plan ahead by freeing space or using an external solution if supported.
My Final Advice
My best advice is to slow down and read every detail before buying Yakuza Kiwami 3 PS5. I always compare editions, check compatibility, review seller reputation, and confirm the condition or download details. That way, I feel confident I am getting the right version at the right price.
Final Thoughts
I think Yakuza Kiwami 3 on PS5 is exactly the kind of remake fans have been hoping for, blending a classic story with modern visuals and smoother gameplay. My takeaway is that it should feel both familiar and refreshed, making it a great entry point for newcomers and a rewarding return for longtime players. If it delivers on the series’ usual mix of drama, action, and personality, it could easily become one of the standout Yakuza experiences on PS5.
Author Profile
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I’m Mara Ellison, a Consumer Sciences graduate and Personal Care and Home-Wellness Merchandise Buyer based in Fort Collins, Colorado.
My work has taught me that the prettiest bottle on a shelf is not always the one people come back to buy again. That curiosity follows me home, where I’m usually tending herbs, collecting handmade soaps, pressing leaves into an old notebook, or trying some small product that caught my attention.
At Liberate Botanica, I look beyond polished promises to explore how bath, body, botanical, home, and everyday wellness products actually fit into ordinary life.
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