Get ready to set sail, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is just around the corner. Developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and SEGA, this amazing game will arrive on February 20, 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox X|S Series and PC. Mark the date on your calendar! ️ Immerse yourself in an epic action RPG where action, adventure and humor blend together in an explosion of fun.
What’s it all about? Goro Majima, the legendary “Mad Dog of Shimano”, wakes up on an island paradise without even remembering his own name. Accompanied by Noah, a young local boy, he sets out on an adventure to recover his lost memories and discover the secrets hidden in this tropical paradise. But beware, things get complicated! A dangerous sect called Bryce is up to something dark, and Majima will be caught up in a conspiracy that could change the destiny of Hawaii.
Are you ready to join the crew?
Explore exotic islands, face powerful enemies in spectacular combat, recruit unexpected allies and unravel the mysteries that await you in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii – the adventure awaits!
Don’t miss this full review! I’ll tell you everything you need to know about this great game: the story, the characters, the gameplay and much more. Get ready to navigate the world of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii!
Story and setting: Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii offers an unforgettable journey through Hawaii and the Pacific seas.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii takes us six months after the events of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Goro Majima, the legendary “Mad Dog of Shimano”, finds himself on Rich Island, where, after losing his memory, he is rescued by Noah and his pet tiger. Majima’s amnesia is the starting point of an adventure that will lead him to become the king of pirates. Aboard his ship, the Goromaru, Majima and his crew will sail the seas of the Pacific, exploring Hawaii and the pirate island of Madlantis, in search of lost memories and new challenges.
Majima, for the first time as the protagonist, shows us his most human and vulnerable side. His journey is both physical and emotional, as he must rebuild his identity and his past while facing unexpected dangers and challenges. The crew that accompanies him is a reflection of the diversity and complexity of the Yakuza saga, with characters that have their own personal stories and dramas. The narrative, as is customary in Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio games, is rich in detail, emotional and full of unexpected twists. The conspiracy of the Bryce sect, which we already met in Infinite Wealth, adds to the personal plots of the characters and Majima’s quest to recover his memory, creating an absorbing and satisfying narrative experience.
The exotic setting of Hawaii and the Pacific Islands contrasts with the action and drama unfolding in the story. The settings are vibrant and detailed, and the soundtrack perfectly accompanies every moment, from relaxed exploration to intense combat. The narrative of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is more similar to that of Yakuza Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, as the gameplay focuses on action and combat against NPCs, but without leaving aside the depth and emotionality that characterize the Yakuza saga.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii offers an exciting and well-written story, with memorable characters, an exotic setting and a narrative that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Majima’s amnesia is an interesting narrative device that allows you to explore his character from a new perspective, and the Bryce cult conspiracy adds intrigue and excitement to the plot. If you’re a fan of the Yakuza saga, you can’t miss this game. And if you are new to the franchise, this is an excellent opportunity to discover why Yakuza is one of the most beloved sagas by gamers.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii gameplay: An immersive experience combining combat, exploration and customization
Combat in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is divided into two main areas: melee and naval combat. In the former, Majima has two fighting styles: Mad Dog and Sea Wolf.
The Mad Dog style recovers Majima’s classic essence, with his characteristic agility intact despite his 50 years. For the first time in the franchise, aerial combos can be performed, bringing dynamism and fluidity to the fights. In addition, Majima has the special ability to summon doppelgängers, clones that will help him in massive fights or against bosses.
On the other hand, the Sea Wolf style introduces an impressive arsenal: two swords, a pistol and a hook. The swords not only serve to attack and block, but can also be used as boomerangs to attack from a distance. The pistol and hook allow for long and devastating combos.
A key element in both styles is the madness bar. When filled, Majima enters a special state where, in addition to summoning doppelgängers, in Sea Wolf mode he can use Dark Instruments. These include a saxophone, an electric guitar, a violin and an ocarina, with which he summons mystical animals to assist him in combat. From sharks that attack enemies to a jellyfish that heals the protagonist, these elements add a strategic and spectacular layer to combat.
Naval combat, on the other hand, is deeper than it appears. Majima pilots his ship, the Goromaru, equipped with side cannons, machine guns on the stern and the ability to ram to cause massive damage. In addition, he can leave the helm to fire a missile launcher, put out fires on deck with a fire extinguisher, or use repair kits to recover damage.
Pirate Colosseum in Madlantis takes naval combat to another level, with battles against formidable captains and their crews. In these fights, the action moves to the decks of enemy ships, allowing for a seamless switch between naval and melee combat, creating a varied and exciting experience.
Exploration and side activities in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
Exploration is divided into sea and land. At sea, players navigate by collecting resources and gasoline to upgrade the Goromaru. On land, both in Hawaii and Madlantis, there are endless activities available. From the classic mini-games of the saga, such as karaoke, billiards, darts and arcade, to new mechanics such as food deliveries by bicycle, reminiscent of the classic Crazy Taxi.
A big point of improvement in exploration is the use of the hook, allowing access to rooftops and high places, where treasures and secrets are hidden. The friendships application also returns, where you can add characters (and even animals) by performing quests or giving them objects.
Bounty hunting contracts can be accepted, facing enemies with different levels of difficulty. In addition, the beloved Dragon Kart returns, allowing you to compete in races through the streets of Hawaii. Another new feature is the possibility of creating a zoo on Rich Island, rescuing animals from all over the world. For gambling lovers, Madlantis has casinos where they can bet large sums of money.
Character progression
Majima evolves through a system of skills that are unlocked by spending money and pirate experience points. This allows you to improve combos, skills and special attacks.
Customization is also extensive. You can change Majima’s clothes, hairstyle and even his patch. The Goromaru can also be modified, from the sails and the ship’s body, to its weaponry, allowing you to choose between traditional cannons, flamethrowers or even laser cannons.
In short, the gameplay of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii stands out for its variety and depth. The combat is spectacular, the exploration is rich in detail and the secondary activities ensure countless hours of fun, consolidating the game as one of the most complete and ambitious installments of the franchise.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii: A visual and sound spectacle
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii stands out for its outstanding technical aspect. Graphically, the game looks spectacular on PlayStation 5, with a stable 60 fps rate that is maintained even in the most demanding situations, such as when the screen is filled with enemies or there are many elements on screen. Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and SEGA have once again demonstrated their ability to create visually stunning games that take full advantage of the consoles’ power. The environments are full of detail, the characters are well modeled and the animations are fluid and natural.
The soundtrack is another of the game’s strong points. The soundtrack is epic and emotional, with themes that perfectly accompany every moment of the adventure. The music that you can play from Majima’s cell phone is a great detail, since it allows you to customize the sound experience and choose the songs you like the most. The sound effects are of high quality, from the blows and swords to the gunshots and the sounds of the sea. The sound ambience is very immersive, and transports you to the game’s scenarios, whether they are the streets of Hawaii or the Pacific seas.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a game that stands out for its outstanding technical section. The graphics are spectacular, the soundtrack is epic and emotional, and the sound effects are of high quality. If you are looking for a game that will surprise you visually and sonically, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is an excellent option.
Overall conclusion: Ready to set sail for adventure in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii?
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a game that will undoubtedly leave a mark on fans of the Yakuza saga and those who venture into this universe for the first time. The story of Goro Majima, plagued by amnesia, conspiracies and the search for identity, grabs us from the first moment and invites us to sail with him and his crew on a journey full of emotions and dangers.
The narrative, faithful to the style of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, is rich in detail, emotional and full of unexpected twists. The characters, both main and secondary, are well constructed and have their own stories and motivations, making them feel close and memorable. The exotic setting of Hawaii and the Pacific Islands, coupled with an outstanding technical section, immerses us fully into this world of modern pirates.
The gameplay, while it can feel repetitive after many hours, offers dynamic and fun combat, rewarding exploration and a variety of side activities that complement the main experience. Character progression is satisfying and allows us to customize our play style as we progress through the adventure.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a game that, despite some minor drawbacks such as content recycling and repetition in combat, offers an unforgettable gaming experience. The story, characters, setting and gameplay combine to create a title that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
If you’re a fan of the Yakuza saga, you can’t miss this game. And if you’re new to the franchise, this is an excellent opportunity to discover why Yakuza is one of the most beloved sagas by gamers.
My final verdict? 9, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a game I highly recommend. It’s an exciting, fun and heart-filled adventure that will leave you wanting more, so hoist your sails, are you ready? and set sail for this new adventure at the hand of Goro Majima!