WARNING: Major Story Spoilers for Yakuza Kiwami 3, Dark Ties, and the Original Yakuza 3
WARNING: This article contains significant spoilers for Yakuza Kiwami 3, Dark Ties, and the original Yakuza 3. Proceed with caution!
Reimagining the Past: The Appeal of Alternate Game Histories
It’s natural to ponder how games might have unfolded under different creative choices. The allure lies not necessarily in preferring the alternate reality but in imagining what could have been. However, most game studios rarely deviate significantly from the original narrative when remaking beloved titles. This restraint is often less about philosophy and more about practicality: remakes need to sell. Players cherish these games for what they were, and drastic changes to core elements are seen as risky. For example, Bethesda’s approach to the Oblivion remaster involved modernizing visuals and trimming minor annoyances while preserving the core experience. It’s akin to restoring a treasured artifact—cleaning it without altering its essence.
Yakuza 3’s Bold Narrative Shift
RGG Studio, however, has taken a different approach with their remake of 2009’s Yakuza 3 in Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties. They've reimagined the ending, and rather than feeling annoyed, I find myself intrigued. If you’ve ignored the spoiler warning earlier, this is your final chance to turn back.
The Original Ending: A Villain’s Tragic Demise
In the original Yakuza 3, arch-villain Yoshitaka Mine meets his end by falling from the top of Touto University Hospital. His fall—implied to end in brutal finality on Tokyo’s pavement—serves as punishment for betraying Tojo Clan chairman Daigo Dojima. While this outcome suits his character, I found it somewhat underwhelming. Mine’s calculating pragmatism made him one of Kazuma Kiryu’s most compelling foes, but his brief role in a game crowded with villains left him as yet another opponent for Kiryu to overcome.
A Second Chance: Mine’s Survival in Kiwami 3
In the updated version, Mine’s fall is no longer fatal. He survives by landing in a bush, setting the stage for new developments. His first act upon surviving is to intervene in a pivotal moment: stopping antagonist Goh Hamazaki from stabbing Kiryu. In the original game, this revenge-driven act briefly jeopardized Kiryu’s life in the epilogue. However, Kiwami 3 rewrites the scene with Mine stepping in to confront Hamazaki.
“What makes him so different from the rest of us?” Hamazaki asks. Mine replies, “Take a closer look. Do you really think he’s happy with this outcome?” He elaborates, calling Kiryu’s life “nothing but a living hell.” Mine believes Kiryu thrives on violence, suggesting it’s only a matter of time before he succumbs to temptation once more.
Exploring the Depths of Kiryu’s Heroism
Mine’s dialogue highlights the tragic and morally complex aspects of Kiryu’s journey. Despite his repeated attempts to leave the yakuza life behind, Kiryu remains caught in a cycle of violence and sacrifice. This lens adds nuance to Kiryu’s eventual retreat into anonymity after Yakuza 6, making it feel even more poignant.
The Implications of Mine’s Survival
Mine’s survival introduces intriguing possibilities for future narratives. His relationship with Tojo Clan chairman Daigo Dojima, a mix of admiration and resentment, was central to Yakuza 3. While his continued existence might complicate this dynamic, it also opens doors for further exploration in later games.
In the post-credits of Kiwami 3, Mine invites Hamazaki to “walk with me down the wrong path” and meet a shadowy figure known as The Fixer, an underworld manipulator. This setup hints at Mine’s potential future role, possibly even a spinoff centered around his character.
A New Direction: The Potential of a Mine-Focused Spinoff
A spinoff starring Mine could be a refreshing departure for the series, which traditionally centers on protagonists with moral integrity. Unlike Kiryu, who worked undercover for a secret agency in his spinoff, Mine seems poised to fully embrace his darker tendencies. However, such a project must navigate sensitive topics carefully, avoiding controversial elements like the problematic portrayal of Hamazaki in Dark Ties.
Dark Ties itself, while a prelude to Mine’s story, suffers from a rushed narrative and its attempt to rehabilitate a character with a history of violence. For a Mine-focused spinoff to succeed, RGG Studio must handle the murky depths of the criminal underworld with the same finesse they’ve shown in tackling complex themes in the Judgment series.
Rewriting History: A Risk Worth Taking?
RGG Studio’s decision to revisit and alter the established history of Yakuza 3 is a bold move. Whether this new narrative path leads to a worthwhile conclusion remains to be seen. If they succeed, the series could explore uncharted territory with greater depth and complexity. If not, this rewrite may be remembered as a missed opportunity to leave well enough alone.