Ryu Ga Gotoku is back at it with their latest endeavor, “Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii,” which seems to be shaping up to be one of the most intriguing and ambitious entries in their long-standing franchise. This game promises to bring a fresh twist to the Hawaiian setting previously explored in “Like a Dragon,” allowing players to once again step into the shoes of the unforgettable Goro Majima as the main character.
In this new chapter, Majima finds himself washed ashore in Hawaii, suffering from severe amnesia. Fans can look forward to experiencing a more vulnerable side of him while still enjoying his trademark uninhibited spirit. This game beautifully blends the classic and modern gameplay elements of the series and the combat appears to strike a unique balance between beat-em-up action and traditional RPG dynamics.
With the game set for February 21, excitement is building around its focus on piracy and ship-based adventures, all while retaining the beloved land exploration and combat that has defined the series. While the setting reimagines Hawaii’s Infinite Wealth landscape in a brilliant new light, much of the current buzz is centered on the fact that Majima takes the lead as the protagonist.
Although Majima has been pivotal in the series, he’s seldom been the main character, most notably starring in Yakuza 0’s gripping narrative. His unpredictable and eccentric nature is brought to life through his combat styles, and Pirate Yakuza gets this excitement right into players’ hands like never before.
Ryu Ga Gotoku has introduced some enticing fighting styles for Majima in Pirate Yakuza, most notably his Mad Dog style which features the intriguing Madness Gauge. Filling this gauge during combat allows players to summon Majima apparitions to fight by their side, a beloved feature experienced in past encounters with Majima in the series.
Moreover, the game continues this fantastical theme with the Sea Dog style, where players can call upon dark deities such as sharks, apes, birds, and jellyfish during battles. These mechanics align with the RPG influences of Like a Dragon’s recent turn-based era starring Ichiban Kasuga, which embraces the franchise’s playful, unrestrained side. Meanwhile, titles like “The Man Who Erased His Name” stick to Yakuza’s gritty roots with Kazuma Kiryu and intense beat-em-up combat.
Pirate Yakuza seems poised to celebrate both of these distinct identities, combining RPG elements without locking them into turn-based gameplay. Majima’s memory loss serves as an engaging narrative device for him to transition into the franchise’s modern themes and mechanics, offering him a chance to shine once more while still remaining true to the dynamic combat that propelled Like a Dragon to global acclaim.
The game is all set to come out on various platforms, including PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, on February 20, 2025, leveraging the power of the Dragon Engine to deliver an exhilarating experience for mature audiences. Whether you’re after thrilling battles, captivating storylines, or the return of fan-favorite characters, “Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii” promises to be an adventure worth diving into.
