An exciting sequel across the seven seas
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is an action game developed by RGG Studios and SEGA, renowned for delivering over-the-top action sequences, humorous substories, and epic thriller drama. With pop culture references, guest stars such as Samoa Joe, and a killer soundtrack, this RPG is jampacked.
Inspired by games such as Streets of Rage, Like a Dragon: Yakuza in Hawaii is set months after the events of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. This time, players step back into the shoes of Goro Majima, the Mad Dog of Shimano, as he embarks on a pirate journey while grappling with amnesia.
Pirate-themed adventures
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii begins with Majima waking up on an island with no memory of getting there. He sets his sights on the seven seas with his rescuer and a band of wacky pirates whom he calls his crew. Equipped with two unique fighting styles—Pirate and Mad Dog—he must conquer his enemies while finding answers about what happened to him.
The game improves on the formula of its previous games, giving players more freedom to experiment and combine fighting styles that can help them turn the tides against their foes. Moreover, it greatly expands its arsenal of mini-games, with game modes such as Crazy Eats, Go Kart Racing, and even more songs added to Karaoke. DLC packs that reintroduce familiar faces and stir up nostalgia are also available.
While the game greatly expands and improves its already tried-and-tested formula, it still has a few downsides. For one, the combat system can be difficult to learn for players who are more used to the previous turn-based combat system. Not only that, but players might also miss out on the DLCs that are only exclusive as a bundle and not as a separate pack.
Challenging but rewarding
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii delivers an exciting experience with its improved combat mechanics, creative mini-games, and numerous callbacks to past entries in the series. The combination of pirate-themed action and fan-favorite elements creates a fresh yet familiar atmosphere. Although the steep learning curve for combat and questionable DLC choices might deter some players, the game remains a thrilling adventure worth exploring.
