SEGA has officially released cast interview videos for “Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties,” a two-game package that includes the Yakuza Kiwami 3 remake and the new Dark Ties story. This announcement comes right on its release day, February 12, 2026, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam.
As a gamer who regularly follows the development of the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series, I found SEGA's approach this time to be quite “journalist-friendly”: they didn't just release a trailer, but also provided interesting perspectives from the people who brought the game's characters to life, from the recording process to what they consider to be the most outstanding things about the game. So, what did the cast have to say about the game?
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Cast Interview Video Already Live on YouTube
SEGA calls this video a space to hear the cast comment on the recording process and game highlights. The video features notable names representing the central characters in the game's two major experiences, namely:
- Takaya Kuroda as Kazuma Kiryu
- Shido Nakamura as Yoshitaka Mine
- Sho Kasamatsu as Rikiya Shimabukuro
- Satoshi Tokushige as Daigo Dojima
- Hiroyuki Miyasako as Tsuyoshi Kanda
What do the cast have to say about the game?
From the format and official description, the focus of this video is on two things: the recording process and the main attraction of the game. To me, this is an interesting discussion, especially for those of you who want to know the “behind-the-scenes value” instead of just the usual action set pieces we see in trailers. Broadly speaking, you can get information about:
- how the actors brought the emotions of the characters to life during the recording,
- what they consider to be the most powerful moments/elements of the game,
- and how this “two-game” package is positioned as an evolution of the Yakuza experience.
Pre-Order Bonus Trailer: Ichiban Kasuga Could Be a Gang Member
Outside of the video cast interview, SEGA also brought up the topic of a rather striking pre-order bonus where you can use Ichiban Kasuga as a gang member in Bad Boy Dragon, a new mode that offers team vs team combat.
If you're the type of player who likes to explore additional modes (especially those that lead to competitive formats/team composition pits), this is a bonus that you need to get at least as an added value outside of the main story. However, to get this bonus, you need to fulfill the following conditions:
- Physical version: bundled bonus for limited time (limited time).
- Digital version: You must pre-order before 10:59 PM, February 11, 2026 (UTC+8) to get a bonus.
About Yakuza Kiwami 3: Kiryu Returns to Action in Tokyo and Okinawa
The “Kiwami 3” part of the package is positioned as a remake of Yakuza 3, with Kiryu returning to fight to protect those he cares about. SEGA emphasizes several elements that are selling points:
- an intense fight,
- representations of Tokyo and Okinawa that are made prominent,
- additional cutscenes,
- as well as a minigame called “endlessly fun” as part of the evolution of the series.
If you've played the old version of Yakuza 3, the “added cutscenes” point is usually what makes people curious, whether there is a strengthening of character motivation, a fireplace of story pacing, or an affirmation of relationships between characters. Well, you can get the answer through this game.
About Dark Ties: Yoshitaka Mine Is the Center of a New Story
Interestingly, Dark Ties is not simply an “add-on mode”, but is billed as a new adventure with a heavy focus on an antagonistic character named Yoshitaka Mine, aka Kiryu's nemesis, and his journey of transformation from startup entrepreneur to situationally hardened yakuza.
This approach is like giving the character “reportage” instead of just appearing as an antagonist, Mine is given a stage to show what he pursues, what he sacrifices, and how the environment shapes him.
For those of you who enjoy the Yakuza series for the story (not just the fighting), Dark Ties has the potential to be the main reason to buy this pack, not just a bonus.
As a closing reminder that Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties released on February 12, 2026 For: PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam. During this release, SEGA has provided many bonuses and attractive game package options complete with DLC. To find out more detailed information about the game package and DLC, please check the following article: Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Release Today Complete with DLC and FREE Demo!
