Like a Dragon Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Review

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The Sega’s “Like a Dragon” series has been a consistent force in the gaming industry ever since its debut on the PS2 in 2005. Over the years, it has produced nine main installments, several remakes, and numerous spin-offs. The spin-off games within this franchise exhibit significant differences, with some taking place in alternate time periods while others are directly connected to the main series and its overall storyline. The game “Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii” belongs to the latter category, as amnesiac character Goro Majima finds himself commanding a pirate crew in the Hawaiian seas following the events of “Infinite Wealth”. This game marks Majima’s first leading role since “Yakuza 0”, and his eccentric, larger-than-life persona suits the swashbuckling nature of this adventure perfectly.

As a gamer, I’d say that “Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii” is a follow-up to “Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name.” Just like its predecessor, it switches out turn-based gameplay for the thrill of classic beat ’em up combat. Similar to before, it’s crafting a shorter narrative while making extensive use of assets from the most recent main series game. In “Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii,” you’ll notice some side content and locations that have been carried over from “Infinite Wealth.” While it’s common for franchises like this to reuse familiar settings and activities, it feels a bit less pirate-y in the new game.

Spending a tad too much gameplay in “Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii” occurs in Hawaii itself, which is strikingly similar to the open world of “Infinite Wealth.” I would have appreciated it if the game had concentrated more on the fresh and intriguing locations such as Madlantis, the pirate hideout, or the various smaller islands that players traverse during their journey.

Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Ship Battles Are Simple, But Fun

In the game “Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii“, players truly excel when they can fully embrace the pirating life. Although it may not be the most intricate pirate game available, its simplicity is a strength. As players take command of their ship, they are granted the freedom to sail through various regions, seeking treasure, confronting legendary pirates, and enjoying naval combat. Unlike other pirate games that can make navigating ships and engaging enemy vessels laborious, “Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii” offers an effortless control of ships, resulting in more enjoyable battles. Players are able to fire their machinegun at oncoming enemies straight ahead, strategically aim cannon shots, and use the boost to dodge incoming fire.

As the tale unfolds, additional possibilities will arise on the ship in Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. Players can enhance their vessel, making it quicker and stronger, and they may also replace regular cannons with special ones boasting distinct effects. Some characters within the story will join Majima’s crew automatically, but players have the freedom to recruit numerous non-player characters (NPCs) they encounter in the game world, provided they meet the necessary conditions. Assembling a crew is one of the most gratifying new activities in Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, as teammates can provide an edge not only during ship battles but also in the ensuing wild pirate brawls.

Adventurers will encounter numerous sea battles as they traverse the oceans in ‘Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii’. However, they’ll also come across plenty of floating treasure and islands ripe for exploration. In essence, these islands function like the ‘dungeons’ from previous ‘Yakuza’ series games, where players engage in combat against waves of enemies, destroy obstacles that hinder progress, and eventually confront a boss at the end. The rewards for venturing to these islands are significant, with cash and other valuables up for grabs, which is crucial because money is needed for purchasing healing items, improving the ship, and enhancing Majima himself.

In the game titled “Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii“, Majima offers players two distinct fighting methods to select. His traditional Mad Dog style showcases his signature shadow clone skill, making him a tough adversary from past titles. On the other hand, the Sea Dog style introduces swords and exclusive weaponry for Majima as the story progresses. As time goes on, Majima gains access to a pistol and a grappling hook, adding a unique twist to combat sequences in “Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii“, setting it apart from previous installments. However, at its heart, the game maintains the classic beat ’em up gameplay that has made the franchise so enduringly popular over the years.

Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii’s Story is Entertaining, But Shy of Expectations

In a simpler and more engaging manner, While many veteran Yakuza fans will find Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii entertaining, some might be disappointed with its storyline. The tale offers thrilling moments, especially the relationship between Majima and his young crewmate Noah, which mirrors the emotional depth the series is known for. However, by the end of the game, it seems these emotional highs lack impact, falling short compared to previous spin-offs like Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name. Unfortunately, the new characters don’t make a lasting impression, and the villains aren’t developed enough to fully engage with their defeat.

As a devoted fan, I managed to conquer the primary narrative of “Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii” within approximately 10 hours. However, I indulged myself in some additional side activities during my journey, which added to the total time spent. My best guess is that it would take around 20 to 25 hours to uncover every achievement and trophy this game has to offer.

A significant factor contributing to this might be the limited duration of the game, “Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii,” which typically takes 8-10 hours to finish. Although it offers a quick adventure, a portion of that time is dedicated to tutorials and familiarizing players with supplementary activities within the game. This structure seems to impact the flow of the main storyline, causing it to fall short compared to other major games in the “Yakuza” series, as it struggles to build the necessary momentum.

As a devoted fan, I must say that while it may not resonate as deeply as some other franchise installments, “Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii” offers an engaging pirate escapade that’s hard to resist. I can’t help but wish for Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio to expand this concept in a future game on a grander scale. The potential for a “Yakuza-like” game fully immersed in the pirating lifestyle, as demonstrated by “Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii,” is immense!

Oni: Pirates & Yakuza in Paradise” sets sail on your screens starting February 21, available across PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X. For this review, Game Rant was gifted a PS5 code.

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2025-02-18 18:09