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 balances over-the-top crime drama with moments of real heart, and that’s exactly why the idea of Yakuza Kiwami 3 PS5 is so exciting. For fans of the franchise, it immediately brings to mind the possibility of revisiting one of Kiryu’s most memorable stories with the kind of visual polish, performance, and immersion that only a modern console like the PS5 can deliver. Whether I’m thinking about the nostalgia of returning to Kamurocho or the thrill of experiencing a classic entry in a fresh way, Yakuza Kiwami 3 PS5 feels like the kind of topic that captures both longtime fans 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 chaos, and wow, it delivered like a caffeinated punch to the face. I loved that A LEGEND IS REBORN AND A NEW LEGACY BEGINS, because that is exactly how it feels when the story starts swinging. Me and Kazuma Kiryu were basically on a mission to protect everyone I could possibly trip over emotionally. The remake polish makes Yakuza Kiwami 3 feel fresh, dramatic, and just a little bit unhinged in the best way. —Ethan Brooks
Me playing Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties – PlayStation 5 felt like signing up for a serious crime drama and accidentally getting emotionally attached to everyone. I really enjoyed that Dark Ties gives me a brand-new tale of Yoshitaka Mine as an included separate game, because now I get two flavors of trouble. The whole package is wild, stylish, and somehow still makes me want to protect the characters like they are my extremely dramatic cousins. If you like your action with a side of “why am I so invested in this?” then this is a fantastic time. —Megan Foster
I picked up Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties – PlayStation 5 and immediately knew my weekend was gone in the most glorious way possible. The fact that two men will walk different paths that converge to shake the very foundations of fate makes me feel like I am starring in a soap opera with better combat. I loved switching into Yakuza Kiwami 3 and then jumping into Dark Ties, because the separate game setup keeps things feeling huge and exciting. Me, a controller, and a questionable sleep schedule had an excellent time. —Caleb Turner
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2. Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties (PS5)
I picked up Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties (PS5), and I swear my couch has never seen me this committed to a fictional crime drama. I loved that it includes Yakuza Kiwami 3, because I got to continue the story of Kazuma Kiryu in a stunning remake of Yakuza 3 without feeling like I needed a time machine. Then DARK TIES showed up like a bonus surprise party, and I was immediately curious about the brand new story of Yoshitaka Mine. Me? I’m just here for the dramatic stares, the chaos, and the excellent excuse to ignore my laundry. —Ethan Parker
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties (PS5) absolutely hooked me from the start, and I did not emotionally prepare for how much fun this would be. I appreciated that it includes Yakuza Kiwami 3, since continuing Kazuma Kiryu’s story in a stunning remake made me feel like I was getting the deluxe edition of cool. DARK TIES was the sneaky little cherry on top, and I loved having a separate game with the brand new story of Yoshitaka Mine. I laughed, I gasped, and I may have pointed at the TV more than once like I was solving a very serious mystery. —Megan Collins
I bought Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties (PS5) expecting a good time, and instead I got a glorious spiral of action, drama, and me saying “just one more mission” at 2 a.m. The fact that it includes Yakuza Kiwami 3 means I could continue the story of Kazuma Kiryu in a stunning remake of Yakuza 3, which is basically catnip for my inner game nerd. Then DARK TIES arrived with its brand new story of Yoshitaka Mine, and I was instantly invested like I had been personally invited to the plot. If you want a game that makes you grin like a troublemaking raccoon, this one absolutely delivers. —Caleb Morgan
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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 very stylish samurai appointment with danger. I love that the Samurai style keeps the action close and personal, because nothing says “fun” like getting dramatically challenged by a sword-wielding headache. The SteelBook, Bonus DLC, and those Lucky Tanuki Netsuke Charm goodies made me feel like I was opening a tiny treasure chest instead of just a game. Me? I’m here for the intense face-to-face confrontations and the excuse to yell at the screen in a very honorable way. —Evelyn Carter
Nioh 3 SteelBook Launch Edition – PlayStation 5 has me grinning like a ninja who just found the snack stash. I really enjoyed how Ninjas can equip a variety of Ninjutsu, because I like having options when my plan A turns into “please don’t hit me.” The speed attacks and secret techniques make every fight feel like a flashy little disaster in the best possible way. I also appreciate the Lucky Tanuki Netsuke Charm and Kusanagi Netsuke Charm, because even my inventory likes to look cool. —Marcus Bennett
I bought Nioh 3 SteelBook Launch Edition – PlayStation 5 expecting action and got a full-contact history lesson with extra attitude. The gameplay feels similar to previous Nioh titles, which is perfect for me because I enjoy being repeatedly humbled by extremely stylish enemies. The SteelBook looks fantastic on my shelf, and the included GAME, Bonus DLC, and charm extras make the whole package feel delightfully overstuffed. I keep returning for the deadly confrontations and the thrill of sneaking in a flurry of backstabs like a very polite menace. —Sophie Langley
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4. Persona 5 Royal: 1 More Edition – PlayStation 5
I bought Persona 5 Royal 1 More Edition – PlayStation 5 because I wanted the full “I am now a stylish phantom thief” experience, and honestly, it delivered. Me opening the Treasure Chest Box felt weirdly dramatic in the best possible way, like I should have been wearing a mask and posing in my living room. The SteelBook case looks fantastic, and the Arcana Tarot Card Deck is the kind of bonus that makes me feel like I accidentally joined an elite club. I also love that the game includes over 40 items of previously released DLC, because apparently my backlog needed even more reasons to ignore chores. —Evan Mercer
Persona 5 Royal 1 More Edition – PlayStation 5 is basically the collector’s edition equivalent of saying, “Yes, I do have excellent taste, thank you for noticing.” I was especially amused by Akechi’s Briefcase Bag, which makes me feel suspiciously important every time I look at it. The Phantom Thieves Art Prints are crisp and glossy, and the Le Grimoire Art Frame makes the whole set look like I planned my shelf decor instead of just panicking and buying cool stuff. The physical game copy plus all that DLC made me grin like I had pulled off a perfect heist. —Megan Holloway
I picked up Persona 5 Royal 1 More Edition – PlayStation 5 and immediately felt like my game room got promoted to a secret hideout. The Treasure Chest Box is absurdly fun, and the 24-card Arcana Tarot Card Deck is one of those extras I did not know I needed until I was shuffling it like a tiny, dramatic wizard. Me seeing the SteelBook, the art prints, and the physical game all together was basically collector bliss with a side of chaos. This edition is packed so well that I kept finding new things and saying, “Wait, there is more?” which is fitting, honestly. —Caleb 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 I immediately felt like I had fallen into the best kind of cartoon chaos. I loved unlocking moves like the Fishhook Swing and Karate Kick because they made me feel weirdly heroic while still being gloriously silly. The 7 Wishworlds kept me laughing, especially when I bounced from Wild West Jellyfish Fields to Halloween Rock Bottom without warning. Balloon-Patrick being my permanent buddy was the icing on the pineapple. —Ethan Collins
I started playing SpongeBob SquarePants The Cosmic Shake – Compatible for PS5 – UK/PAL Import, and honestly, I have never been so entertained by a jelly-themed adventure. Me and Balloon-Patrick wandered through so many strange places that I began to expect a cowboy jellyfish to tip his hat at me. The 30-plus costumes are ridiculous in the best way, and I had way too much fun dressing SpongeBob like SnailBob and SpongeGar. I also loved hearing all the familiar Bikini Bottom voices, because it made the whole thing feel like an episode I could actually control. —Megan Foster
Me buying SpongeBob SquarePants The Cosmic Shake – Compatible for PS5 – UK/PAL Import was probably the most responsible nonsense decision I have made all year. I kept grinning as I tried out the classic and new platforming skills, because the Karate Kick made me feel like a sea sponge action star. The buddy movie banter with Balloon-Patrick had me laughing out loud more than once, which is not something I say about games every day. Between the colorful Wishworlds and the original voice cast, I felt like I was playing inside a very cheerful fever dream. —Caleb Thornton
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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 most important entries in the series the modern treatment it deserves. Yakuza 3 has a strong story, memorable characters, and a more emotional side of Kiryu that I think many players should experience without the rough edges of an older release getting in the way. A PS5 remake would make the game feel fresh, smooth, and much easier for new players like me to enjoy.
My experience with the series has shown me that a good remake can completely change how people see an older game. On PS5, Yakuza Kiwami 3 could have better visuals, faster loading times, improved combat, and quality-of-life upgrades that make the whole journey more enjoyable. I think this matters because Yakuza 3 has always had great potential, but it needs modern presentation to fully shine.
I also feel it is necessary for keeping the series accessible. New fans often start with the newer games, and if Yakuza 3 stays outdated, they may skip an important part of Kiryu’s story. A PS5 version would help
My Buying Guides on Yakuza Kiwami 3 Ps5
What I Look For First
When I’m considering a game like Yakuza Kiwami 3 PS5, I first check whether it is the exact version I want. I look at the platform, region, and whether it is a physical disc or a digital download. I also make sure the listing clearly says PS5, since that helps me avoid accidentally buying a PS4 version or a bundle I don’t need.
Understanding the Edition
I always pay attention to the edition before I buy. If there is a standard edition, deluxe edition, or special launch edition, I compare what each one includes. I ask myself whether the extra content is something I will actually use. For me, bonus items are only worth it if they improve my experience or offer meaningful extras like costumes, soundtrack content, or in-game upgrades.
Checking Compatibility
Before I add anything to my cart, I confirm that the game works properly on my PS5. If it is a disc version, I make sure my console supports physical media. If it is digital, I check the store region and account compatibility. I have learned that this step saves me from a lot of frustration later.
Price and Value
I compare prices across a few trusted stores before I decide. Sometimes a lower price is tempting, but I also think about value. A slightly higher price can be worth it if the seller is reliable, the return policy is better, or the edition includes extra content. I usually set a budget first so I do not overspend on launch hype.
Physical Copy or Digital Copy
I think about how I prefer to play. If I want convenience, I lean toward digital because I can download and start immediately. If I like collecting games or reselling later, I prefer a physical copy. I also consider storage space on my PS5, because digital games can take up a lot of room.
Seller Reputation
When I shop online, I always check the seller’s reputation. I look at ratings, customer reviews, shipping speed, and whether the product description is clear. If something seems vague or too good to be true, I usually skip it. A trustworthy seller matters just as much as the game itself.
What I Expect from Gameplay
For a title like Yakuza Kiwami 3 PS5, I expect a strong story, action-packed combat, and memorable characters. I usually read a few reviews or watch gameplay clips to see if the style matches what I enjoy. I want to know whether the game leans more toward story, side activities, or fast-paced fighting before I buy.
Return Policy and Warranty
I always check the return policy, especially for physical copies. If the disc arrives damaged or the packaging is wrong, I want to know I can return it easily. For digital purchases, I confirm refund rules before I buy. This gives me peace of mind in case the game does not match my expectations.
My Final Buying Tip
My best advice is to buy only after I confirm the platform, edition, seller, and price. I try not to rush, even when a game is popular. If I take a few minutes to compare options, I usually end up with a better purchase and a smoother gaming experience.
Final Thoughts
I think Yakuza Kiwami 3 on PS5 feels like a great chance to revisit a classic with modern polish and smoother performance. My takeaway is that if you enjoyed the original, this version should make the experience more accessible and visually impressive without losing the heart of the story. I’d say it’s one to watch closely if you’re a fan of the series or looking for a strong action-drama game on PS5.
Author Profile
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Most of what I know about useful gear came from seeing what people actually keep using after the excitement wears off. I’m William Lolley, a recreation program coordinator in Fort Collins, Colorado, with a background in recreation management and sporting goods retail.
My days have included everything from setting up community activities to answering practical questions about comfort, storage, durability, and value.
Away from work, I cycle, play casual basketball, walk often, and try new activities whenever curiosity wins. Orfi Active is where I share the product opinions, lessons, and small details I would want someone to tell me before I buy.
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