'Respect the Original, But Don't Rely on It': Yakuza Kiwami 3 Director on Remaking a 'Rough' Game - Push Square

The Making of Yakuza Kiwami 3: A Robust Remake

Overview

Yakuza Kiwami 3 is a highly anticipated game in the popular Yakuza series, known for its engaging storyline, memorable characters, and addictive gameplay. The latest installment has been gaining attention for its impressive visuals, robust gameplay mechanics, and faithfulness to the original PS3 classic. In this article, we'll delve into the making of Yakuza Kiwami 3, exploring the development process behind this remarkable remake.

Development Background

Yakuza Kiwami 3 is a remastering project that aims to revive the classic Yakuza 3 game for modern audiences. The original Yakuza 3 was released in 2009 for the PlayStation 3 and has since become a cult classic among fans of the series.

In 2018, Sega announced Yakuza Kiwami 3 as part of its remastering project, which would feature improved graphics, new gameplay mechanics, and a reworked narrative. The game was developed by Sega's internal team, led by director Masayoshi Yokoyama, who had previously worked on other successful titles in the series.

Expanding the Game Universe

One of the key challenges in remaking Yakuza 3 is expanding the game universe while maintaining its integrity. To achieve this, the development team took a multi-faceted approach:

  • Storyline: The narrative has been reworked to include new characters, subplots, and character arcs that were absent in the original game.
  • Gameplay Mechanics: New gameplay mechanics have been added, including improved combat systems, enhanced exploration mechanics, and a more dynamic pacing system.

Visual Improvements

The remastered version of Yakuza 3 features significant visual improvements, including:

  • Graphics: Enhanced graphics with higher-resolution textures, more detailed character models, and improved lighting effects.
  • Cutscenes: New cutscenes with more elaborate animation and cinematography have been added to bring the story to life.

Faithfulness to the Original

While the development team made significant changes to the game, they also aimed to maintain its core identity. The remastered version of Yakuza 3 remains faithful to the original in several aspects:

  • Faithful Representation: The game's art style, sound effects, and music have been preserved to evoke a sense of nostalgia for fans of the original.
  • Challenge and Difficulty: The gameplay has been rebalanced to maintain its challenging difficulty level while making it more accessible to new players.

Technical Details

Yakuza Kiwami 3 features several technical advancements that improve the overall gaming experience:

  • Engine: The game uses Sega's proprietary engine, which provides improved performance and visuals.
  • Controller Support: The game supports a variety of controllers, including the DualShock 4, PlayStation Move, and PC keyboard and mouse.

Conclusion

Yakuza Kiwami 3 is shaping up to be a robust remake that honors the original while introducing new features and gameplay mechanics. By expanding the game universe, improving visuals, and maintaining its core identity, the development team has created an experience that promises to delight both old and new fans of the series.

Future Plans

Yakuza Kiwami 3 is scheduled for release in 2023 for PC (Steam), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. The game will also feature a season pass with multiple downloadable content packs that add new storylines, characters, and gameplay mechanics.

Conclusion

Yakuza Kiwami 3 is set to be an unforgettable experience for fans of the series. With its engaging storyline, addictive gameplay, and impressive visuals, it's clear that Sega has outdone itself in remaking a classic game. Stay tuned for more information on this eagerly anticipated title!

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