Yakuza 3 is a action-adventure video game that follows the story of Kazuma Kiryu, an ex-member of the Yakuza, and his attempts to end his criminal past. It is the fourth installment in the Yakuza series and was released in Japan in 2009. Fans of Yakuza 3 praised it for its tight combat and gripping story, making it a fan favorite, even over a decade after its release. If you’re a fan of Yakuza 3 and are looking for some new games to play, you’ve come to the right place. Here is a list of 10 games like Yakuza 3 that fans of the classic will definitely enjoy.
1. Mafia II
Mafia II is an open world action-adventure game developed by 2K Czech and released in 2010. It follows the story of Vito Scaletta, an Italian-American mobster who is trying to survive and make it big in the criminal underworld. Although the story of Yakuza 3 follows a former Yakuza member, the story of Mafia II is much darker and more intense, making it a worthy alternative to Yakuza 3. Both games feature tight combat mechanics and engaging stories, making them perfect for fans of the Yakuza series looking for something new and intense.
2. Sleeping Dogs
Sleeping Dogs is an open world action-adventure game developed by United Front Games and released in 2012. It follows the story of Wei Shen, an undercover cop trying to take down the Triad from within. While the game does not focus on the Yakuza, it does offer a similar experience with its intense action and gripping story. Also like Yakuza 3, Sleeping Dogs’ combat system is tightly woven with an expansive story to keep players hooked for hours on end.
3. Grand Theft Auto V
Grand Theft Auto V is an open world action-adventure game developed by Rockstar North and released in 2013. It follows the story of three playable characters, each with their own unique story and background. While the game does not focus on the Yakuza, it does offer a similar experience with its expansive open world, intense combat, and gripping story. Grand Theft Auto V is the perfect game for anyone looking for a larger-than-life experience similar to Yakuza 3.
4. Saint’s Row IV
Saints Row IV is an open world action-adventure game developed by Volition and released in 2013. It follows the story of the Third Street Saints, a gang that has gone from the streets to the White House. While the game does not focus on the Yakuza, it does offer a similar experience with its intense action and engaging story. With its larger-than-life characters and hilarious missions, Saints Row IV is the perfect game for anyone looking for a lighthearted alternative to Yakuza 3.
5. Watch Dogs
Watch Dogs is an open world action-adventure game developed by Ubisoft Montreal and released in 2014. It follows the story of Aiden Pearce, a hacker who is trying to take down a powerful and corrupt criminal organization. While the game does not focus on the Yakuza, it does offer a similar experience with its intense action and thrilling story. With its unique hacking mechanics and immersive world, Watch Dogs is the perfect game for anyone looking for a game like Yakuza 3 with a unique twist.
6. Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition
Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition is an open world action-adventure game developed by United Front Games and released in 2014. It follows the same story as the original Sleeping Dogs, but with improved visuals and additional content. Fans of Yakuza 3 who enjoyed Sleeping Dogs will find this version of the game especially appealing, as it expands upon the original experience with more content and improved visuals.
7. Saints Row: Gat Out of Hell
Saints Row: Gat Out of Hell is an open world action-adventure game developed by Volition and released in 2015. It follows the story of Johnny Gat and Kinzie Kensington as they battle their way through Hell to save the President of the United States. Like Yakuza 3, Saints Row: Gat Out of Hell focuses on intense action, and over-the-top story. With its quirky characters, outrageous scenarios, and unique weapon customization, Saints Row: Gat Out of Hell is the perfect game for anyone looking for a game like Yakuza 3 with an outrageous twist.
8. Mad Max
Mad Max is an open world action-adventure game developed by Avalanche Studios and released in 2015. It follows the story of Max Rockatansky, a “road warrior” trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. While the game does not focus on the Yakuza, it does offer a similar experience with its intense action and engaging story. With its larger-than-life characters and addicting car combat, Mad Max is the perfect game for anyone looking for a game like Yakuza 3 with a post-apocalyptic twist.
9. Just Cause 3
Just Cause 3 is an open world action-adventure game developed by Avalanche Studios and released in 2015. It follows the story of Rico Rodriguez, an agent of chaos trying to overthrow a violent dictator. While the game does not focus on the Yakuza, it does offer a similar experience with its intense action and explosive story. With its expansive open world, unique grappling mechanics, and insane stunts, Just Cause 3 is the perfect game for anyone looking for a game like Yakuza 3 with an over-the-top twist.
10. Crackdown 3
Crackdown 3 is an open world action-adventure game developed by Sumo Digital and released in 2019. It follows the story of a group of super-powered agents called the Agency, trying to take down a powerful criminal organization. While the game does not focus on the Yakuza, it does offer a similar experience with its intense action and explosive story. With its destructible environments and co-op play, Crackdown 3 is the perfect game for anyone looking for a game like Yakuza 3 with an explosive twist.
For fans of Yakuza 3, this list of 10 games like it should provide hours of entertainment and excitement. Whether you’re looking for a darker, more intense experience like Mafia II, or a game with an over-the-top twist like Crackdown 3, these games should provide the perfect alternative to Yakuza 3. So if you’re looking for a new game to satisfy your Yakuza craving, you now have 10 great choices to choose from!