If you are looking for a classic beat-'em-up that perfectly balances intense action with goofy side activities, Yakuza 3 Remastered is a must-play. After originally launching on older consoles, it finally made its way to modern platforms and easily stands out among story-rich PC Games. This remastered version polishes up the classic visuals to 1080p and a smooth 60 frames per second, bringing back all the awesome content that was actually cut from the original Western release. It is the perfect entry if you have just finished the Kiwami remakes and want to continue the legendary journey of Kazuma Kiryu without having to dust off your old hardware.
Storyline
The story picks up with Kazuma Kiryu finally trying to leave his violent yakuza past behind him. He moves down to the sunny, tropical beaches of Okinawa to peacefully run the Morning Glory Orphanage alongside his adopted daughter, Haruka. It is a surprisingly wholesome shift from the gritty streets of Tokyo, as you actually spend time helping the kids with their everyday problems. But of course, peace never lasts long for the Dragon of Dojima. A shady political land deal and a deadly power struggle within the Tojo Clan threaten his new home, forcing Kiryu to travel back to the sleepless city of Kamurocho to crack some skulls and protect his family.
Gaming experience
Playing this game is an absolute blast, even if it feels a little more old-school compared to the newer entries. The combat is a classic arcade-style brawler where you punch, kick, and smash random street objects over your enemies' heads. Because bad guys tend to block quite a bit in this entry, you have to play smart by using quick dodges and grabs to break their defense. When you aren't fighting thugs, the open world is packed with completely ridiculous mini-games, from managing a hostess club to playing golf, darts, and singing karaoke. It perfectly captures that bizarre mix of serious crime drama and downright hilarious side quests that the series is famous for.
