RGG Studio just dropped a first look at Yoshitaka Mine’s combat system for Dark Ties, the all-new companion story bundled with Yakuza Kiwami 3. The antagonist-turned-protagonist brings a wildly different fighting style compared to Kiryu, mixing technical shoot boxing, aerial attacks, and a powerful Dark Awakening mode triggered through chained heart gauges instead of traditional heat meters. The footage shows Mine absolutely demolishing street thugs with flashy combos that look more like a fighting game character than typical Yakuza brawling.
Mine’s Unique Fighting Style Breakdown
Mine’s combat revolves around shoot boxing, a hybrid martial art combining boxing punches with kickboxing techniques. He chains together rapid boxing combos with wrestling throws and devastating aerial attacks that let him jump between enemies. The gameplay trailer shows Mine planting a foot on one thug’s chest, launching off to tackle another mid-air, then springboarding into flying kick attacks that hit multiple targets. It’s acrobatic and aggressive, completely different from Kiryu’s grounded street fighting approaches.
The aerial system adds verticality rarely seen in Yakuza combat. Mine can scope out enemy positions and plan which opponents to use as launch points for his aerial assault. This creates strategic decision-making beyond just button mashing, rewarding players who position themselves to maximize damage across groups. IGN’s hands-on preview described how satisfying it feels to chain aerial attacks together, comparing it to a fighting game rather than traditional brawler mechanics.
The Dark Awakening Mechanic
Instead of the standard Heat Gauge that fills for special moves, Mine uses three chained hearts displayed below his health bar. Landing attacks fills these hearts, and once at least one is full, Mine can activate Dark Awakening mode. This transformation unlocks an entirely different moveset with extremely powerful attacks that shred through enemies. The mode taps into the rage and darkness beneath Mine’s calm businessman exterior, fitting perfectly with his character arc.
Multiple chained hearts can activate simultaneously, stacking the potency of Dark Awakening attacks. Players who master Mine’s combo system to fill all three hearts before triggering the mode unlock devastating damage output. GameSpot’s preview noted the silliness of calling it Dark Awakening given Mine’s reputation as the series’ most emo character, but admitted the system makes his gameplay feel meaningfully distinct from other protagonists.
The Lost Judgment Connection Controversy
Reddit users immediately noticed Mine’s moveset borrows heavily from Takayuki Yagami’s fighting style in the Judgment spin-off series. The aerial attacks, boxing combos, and overall flow mirror Yagami’s signature techniques almost exactly. One top comment stated this reuse is the final nail in the coffin for a Lost Judgment sequel, suggesting RGG Studio is recycling Yagami’s combat system because they won’t be making more Judgment games.
The theory holds weight. Judgment 2 launched in 2021, and no announcements for a third entry have emerged despite strong fan demand. Johnny & Associates, the talent agency representing Takuya Kimura who plays Yagami, reportedly caused complications with international releases and PC ports due to strict image rights restrictions. If RGG Studio gave up on the Judgment series, repurposing Yagami’s excellent combat for Mine makes business sense rather than letting years of development work go unused.
Dark Ties Story Overview
Dark Ties covers Mine’s transformation from disgraced tech startup founder to powerful yakuza boss who serves as Kiryu’s antagonist in Yakuza 3. The story begins with Mine reflecting on the loneliness that drove him to pursue wealth and influence. After witnessing yakuza members willing to die for their boss Daigo Dojima, Mine decides to find that same loyalty by entering the criminal underworld himself.
Producer Ryosuke Horii described Dark Ties as the darkest story RGG Studio has ever told. Unlike Kiryu who fights for justice and helps people in need, Mine operates from selfish motivations driven by his existential crisis about connection and purpose. That moral ambiguity creates a protagonist vastly different from the heroic characters players typically control in the Like a Dragon universe. The narrative explores themes of isolation, what people will sacrifice for belonging, and how darkness can consume those desperately seeking meaning.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 Combat Updates
While Mine’s gameplay grabbed headlines, Yakuza Kiwami 3 also completely revamps Kiryu’s combat for the remake. He retains his classic Dragon of Dojima brawling style mixing punches, kicks, throws, and environmental weapons like street signs and bicycles. The Heat Gauge returns for brutal finishing moves like smashing chairs over opponents’ heads. Everything runs on the Dragon Engine with modern visuals and responsive controls that bring Yakuza 3’s 2009 combat up to 2026 standards.
The real addition is Kiryu’s brand new Ryukyu fighting style rooted in Okinawan culture. This style lets Kiryu combo through eight different traditional weapons including tonfa, weighted chains, and a boat oar. IGN’s preview highlighted the boat oar as a personal favorite, noting how satisfying it feels to switch between weapons mid-combo. The Ryukyu style gives Kiryu versatility beyond his standard brawling, making the Okinawa sections of the story mechanically distinct from Tokyo sequences.
The Two-in-One Package
Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties launching together as a single package represents massive value. Players get a full remake of the 2009 PlayStation 3 game rebuilt from the ground up in the Dragon Engine, plus an entirely new companion story featuring the antagonist’s origin. Dark Ties isn’t DLC or an expansion. It’s a separate action-packed experience with its own gameplay systems, story arc, and progression that runs parallel to Kiryu’s journey.
RGG Studio emphasized the concept a legend is reborn and a new legacy begins during the announcement. Yakuza Kiwami 3 brings the legend of Kiryu’s Okinawa era into the modern gaming landscape, while Dark Ties establishes Mine’s legacy as a complex villain deserving of protagonist treatment. Chief producer Hiroyuki Sakamoto noted that both Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2 directly link to this title, positioning it as essential for understanding the complete narrative arc.
Additional Content and Features
Beyond combat updates, Yakuza Kiwami 3 expands the original with more personal moments with supporting characters, daily orphanage management gameplay taking care of kids, and a new team battle mode where players build biker gangs to fight for turf. These additions flesh out the slice-of-life elements that balance Yakuza’s intense crime drama with lighthearted distractions.
The remake also includes all the classic Yakuza minigames players expect. Karaoke returns, and preview sessions showed Mine singing solo performances with perfect rhythm timing despite his stoic personality. The contrast between Mine’s serious businessman persona and his passionate karaoke delivery provides the humor Yakuza fans love. Numerous other side activities will fill out the Okinawa and Kamurocho environments.
Release Details and Platforms
Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties launches February 12, 2026 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and S, PC via Steam, and Nintendo Switch 2. The simultaneous multiplatform release ensures maximum audience reach, with Switch 2 marking the series’ debut on Nintendo hardware in modern form. Pre-orders are available now on all platforms, with various editions offering different bonuses and early access perks.
The February timing places it perfectly in the early 2026 release window when few major titles compete for attention. RGG Studio previously found success launching games during quieter periods, letting Yakuza and Like a Dragon entries dominate gaming conversations without competing against massive AAA blockbusters. The 20th anniversary celebration of the franchise also provides built-in marketing momentum heading into launch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dark Ties in Yakuza Kiwami 3?
Dark Ties is a brand-new companion game starring Yoshitaka Mine, the antagonist from Yakuza 3. It covers Mine’s transformation from disgraced businessman to yakuza boss and is included as a separate experience alongside the full Yakuza 3 remake.
How is Mine’s combat different from Kiryu’s?
Mine uses shoot boxing combos, aerial attacks, and wrestling moves instead of Kiryu’s street brawling. His Dark Awakening mode replaces the standard Heat Gauge with three chained hearts that unlock powerful buffed attacks when activated.
When does Yakuza Kiwami 3 release?
Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties launch February 12, 2026 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and S, PC via Steam, and Nintendo Switch 2.
Is Dark Ties DLC or a separate game?
Dark Ties is a separate action-packed game included with Yakuza Kiwami 3 as a two-in-one package. It has its own story, gameplay systems, and progression distinct from the main remake.
Does Mine’s fighting style copy Yagami from Lost Judgment?
Yes, players have noticed Mine’s moveset heavily borrows from Takayuki Yagami’s combat style in the Judgment series, including aerial attacks and boxing combos. Some fans interpret this as evidence RGG Studio won’t make another Lost Judgment game.
What new features does Yakuza Kiwami 3 add?
The remake adds Kiryu’s new Ryukyu fighting style with eight traditional Okinawan weapons, expanded character moments, orphanage management gameplay, a team battle mode with biker gangs, and modern Dragon Engine visuals.
Will Yakuza Kiwami 3 be on Nintendo Switch 2?
Yes, Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties will launch day one on Nintendo Switch 2 on February 12, 2026 alongside PlayStation, Xbox, and PC versions.
Conclusion
Mine’s combat reveal positions Dark Ties as more than a throwaway companion story. The unique fighting mechanics, Dark Awakening system, and aerial combo potential give Mine gameplay identity separate from Kiryu’s experience. Whether the moveset borrowing from Lost Judgment signals that series’ cancellation remains speculation, but the end result is a protagonist with flashy, technical combat that should feel fresh for longtime Yakuza fans. Combined with Yakuza Kiwami 3’s complete remake treatment, the two-in-one package launching February 2026 represents one of the most substantial Like a Dragon releases in years.