Every Yakuza Game Ranked From Worst To Best

Yakuza 3 is a divisive entry nowadays as most players start with the Kiwami games as their first two. But at the time when these remakes weren't available, this third main entry was a huge leap forward.

For one, Kamurocho is fully explorable with a controllable camera and numerous quality-of-life improvements like combat transitions feeling smoother. Kiryu also receives new moves while the hilarious Revelations system gifted players with new over the top Heat Actions and finishers. Finally, the Karaoke minigame was introduced, and would become a series staple.

The story also features one of the more heartwarming tales in the crime saga, as Kiryu moves to Okinawa to raise numerous orphans. There are also memorable new characters like the underrated villain Yoshitaka Mine, and the ill-fated Rikiya. Though there are weak plot points like Kazama's twin brother and writing out Kaoru Sayama, Yakuza 3 brought a change of pace that was less frantic compared to the previous two.

Today, the game is often criticized for its clunky combat and other elements that have aged poorly, but to appreciate Yakuza 3, we must look at where the franchise was when it released. Without it, Yakuza wouldn't have truly blossomed in the PS3 era.