Yakuza Kiwami 3's reworked controversy explained

Although it really has its fans, Yakuza 3 is often considered to be the black sheep on Yakuza franchise. The game was the first main line in the series released on Playstation 3, and although it was quite ambitious for its time, it suffered the kind of some growing pain. Yakuza 3 The notorious was given the nickname on Blockuza 3 among the fans because most enemies in the game constantly continued to block the players' attacks, which made combat meetings feel more like a job than a fun activity. Yakuza 3 was also criticized for its relatively slow history, with many who are particularly critical of RGG Studio's decision to make the handling of an orphanage a compulsory part of the game.

Many fans have been begging the RGG studio to make a new recording of Yakuza 3In the hope that the company would fix the problems in the original game, and now they finally get their wish. During the RGG Summit event that took place this week, RGG studio announced Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark BandAn off-mark-up remake of Yakuza 3, Which includes a brand new side game with the game's antagonist, Yoshitaka Mine. While the reception to Yakuza Kiwami 3Reveal has largely been positive, some fans are disappointed with some of the changes that the RGG studio has made in the characters of the game.

Some of Yakuza 3's characters get a complete redesign for Kiwami 3, and the fans are not satisfied

In conjunction with the game's announcement, the RGG studio revealed the Japanese voice crew to Yakuza Kiwami 3. The company confirmed that although most of the original voice actors from Yakuza 3 Would repeat their roles in the game, some of them would be reworked. Three off Yakuza 3Especially supportive characters, Shigeru Nakahara, Rikiya Shimabukuro and Goh Hamazaki, will be expressed by completely different actors in Remake. Normally, this is not enough to upset the fans, but in addition to getting new votes, the characters on the characters also change drastically.

In the original Yakuza 3The character designs for Nakahara, Rikiya and Hamazaki were all completely original. In other words, they were not modeled by some individuals, as some of Yakuza The characters of the series were. IN Kiwami 3But all three characters will use the similarities with their respective voice actors. Nakahara will be played by Ryo Ishibashi, Rikiya will be played by Tokyo vice Star Sho Kasamatsu and Hamazaki will be played by Teruyuki Kagawa.

Comparison of Yakuza 3's old vase with Yakuza Kiwami 3's new vase

Rikiya's new design has carried the criticism from fans

Because of the changes that RGG Studio has made on these characters none of them really see as they did in the original Yakuza 3. As a result, this has upset many fans, especially in Rikiya. Many fans believe that Rikiya's new face and character design is a massive downgrade compared to his first incarnation. The original Rikiya had a punch hairstyle and a stupid but lovable face, which made him look rather unique compared Yakuza 3Other characters. However, the new Rikiya looks like a run-of-the-mal Yakuza Goon, according to some fans, and Sho Kasamatsu's performance that the character has received some criticism.

Many fans are also disappointed that Kiryus Red Hawaii shirt does not return in Yakuza Kiwami 3

In addition to these rework, the changes made by the RGG studio in Kazuma Kiryus outfit have also been somewhat controversial. Kiryu Bar Famous a Red Hawaiian shirt Yakuza 3And in Yakuza Kiwami 3He wears a green instead. Since the color of Kiryus's new outfit does not exactly fit with his traditional red and white clothing, some fans think that the change is unnecessary, especially considering that the red sweater in the original game was intended to be a reference to the classic Yakuza movie 1993 Sonatine. In spite of these complaints, most fans seem to be happy about Yakuza Kiwami 3.

Published

February 11, 2026

ESRB

Rating in anticipation