Yakuza Kiwami 3 on Steam Deck: stable performance and the Dark Ties controversy dividing fans

Analysis of Yakuza Kiwami 3 on Steam Deck: stable performance, well-presented graphics on the handheld screen, and the controversy surrounding the Dark Ties expansion.

Performance and Optimization on Steam Deck

It is no secret that Yakuza Kiwami 3 generated debates among fans, including SEGA's removal of the Yakuza 3 remake and comparisons regarding potential graphical downgrades. There was also controversy involving a voice actor linked to allegations outside the game. This review focuses on the experience of playing on the Steam Deck, evaluating handheld performance.

Although the game is marked as verified on the Steam Deck, this status can be misleading: constant SteamOS updates can cause crashes in some cases. However, the title runs stably and without recurring text or framerate issues, according to the analysis of the portable hardware.

The RGG team seems to have made a significant effort to adapt the remaster for the Deck, which facilitates a more fluid experience on the smaller screen.

• 720p resolution to improve performance
• Settings kept in the mid-range to balance quality and battery life
• Battery life between 90 minutes and 2 hours at intermediate TDP on launch units

Graphics and Visual Presentation

When analyzing the graphics, I did not find dramatic drops or incomplete work. Although there are comparisons suggesting the current visuals are not as polished as those of the first remaster, rumors of blurred backgrounds and low-poly NPCs might be noticeable on larger screens. In practice, on a smaller screen, this set of details is less noticeable, especially if you are using the handheld for background entertainment.

Gameplay, Minigames, and Story Content

As in other Yakuza games, there is an extensive variety of minigames. In the plot, Kiryu acts in the Morning Glory Orphanage, taking care of the children, helping with exams, preparing meals, and even adopting a puppy.

Reports indicate that the remaster may incorporate elements from later games, including a cooking game from a previous entry in the series. This update brings the work closer to more recent titles but may distort the original narrative line for some players. Even so, the minigames remain accessible for those with hardware sufficient to explore them.

Combat System and Fighting Styles

The combat, typical of the franchise, offers two playable styles: the Dragon of Dojima and the Ryukyu, the latter focused on using sword and shield weapons.

The Ryukyu style is interesting for expanding defense, allowing for more efficient blocks during confrontations. In sessions with groups that adopt an intense defensive stance, the fight can become challenging, although it is not a constant occurrence.

Dark Ties: Controversy and Context

Dark Ties is a standalone expansion that follows Yoshitaka Mine during his transition from a corporate citizen to a Yakuza. The narrative is described as quite dark, which has caused dissatisfaction among part of the audience.

In this content, Mine not only seeks to join the Yakuza but also involves elements of image management that cause discomfort among fans. Furthermore, the connection to the controversy involving the voice actor is remembered as an exhausting aspect of the experience, leading some readers to prefer focusing only on the main story.

Verdict

For those coming to the series, the partnership with Dark Ties can be ignored to advance the franchise's main storyline. For those with strong memories of previous games, it might be wiser to keep those memories intact and approach only the main content, without the controversial expansion.

Open Conversation

Have you played Yakuza Kiwami 3 on the Steam Deck? Share your experience with performance, graphics, or the Dark Ties expansion in the comments. Which aspect did you find most decisive for your experience?

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