What To Expect From Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii in 2025

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The upcoming game titled “Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii” is the latest installment in the well-known Yakuza series. This time around, it focuses on the character Goro Majima, who has often been either an adversary or an associate of Kazuma Kiryu. In this new tale, Majima steps into the limelight for a swashbuckling adventure in Hawaii, where he will command his very own pirate crew. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii represents a fresh take on the series with its maritime theme while also preserving classic elements like intense, dynamic combat and the return to the Hawaii backdrop first seen in “Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth“.

Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii Will Blend Old And New

In February 2025, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is set to debut, available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. This game can be pre-ordered now. The story unfolds six months after the ending of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, with Goro Majima mysteriously arriving in Hawaii suffering from amnesia. He then assembles his own pirate crew to tackle both pirates and former yakuza members. The specifics regarding how and why Majima lost his memory are yet to be disclosed, but he appears genuinely unaware of his yakuza history.

Unlike “Like a Dragon” and its sequel “Infinite Wealth,” which were turn-based RPGs, the upcoming game “Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii” will revert to the brawler combat style seen in previous “Yakuza” titles. Majima will have the ability to switch between the Mad Dog style, similar to “Yakuza 0,” and a new pirate-themed Sea Dog style. Each style offers unique Heat Actions, with Mad Dog emphasizing speed, defense, and hand-to-hand combat, while Sea Dog allows Majima to fight with two swords, pistols, and even a grappling hook during battles. Furthermore, the game will include pirate-versus-pirate sea battles in addition to land-based combat.

The Game Will Be Rich With Side Content

Similar to past Yakuza games, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii won’t only offer an engaging main storyline but also a wealth of additional content. Confirmed returning and new activities include the adrenaline-pumping Crazy Delivery, initially introduced in Infinite Wealth, Sicko Snap, a photography game from Infinite Wealth, the return of Dragon Kart racing, originally seen in Like a Dragon, and quizzes at the Vocational School, which will likely let Majima boost his stats. Given its return to the Hawaii setting of Infinite Wealth, it’s plausible that the Aloha Links social app from that game could make a comeback as well.

In the upcoming addition to the series, fans can anticipate the return of popular activities like gambling, batting practice, karaoke, and playing retro games in arcades. Developer RGG Games has confirmed that several classic titles will be included in Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii: The Ocean Hunter, Poseidon Wars 3D, Space Harrier 3D, and Star Jacker. Interestingly, The Ocean Hunter, a deep-sea shooter game that targets sharks and other marine predators, had not been adapted for consoles until its appearance in Pirate Yakuza.

Beyond showcasing its side content, the game titled “Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii” will introduce fresh side activities for players to enjoy. They can engage in fierce crew vs. crew and captain vs. captain battles within the pirate hideout of Madlantis, where the Goro Pirates challenge formidable crews from every corner of the seven seas. New to this game is “Masaru’s Love Journey,” where Majima aids a young man named Masaru in finding a date. Furthermore, players will have the opportunity to personalize Majima’s look, both during and outside of combat, by selecting from more than 200 items, including new pirate attire, his iconic Mad Dog jackets, and the “Goromi” hostess disguise.

Multiple Special Editions Are Available

Besides the standard version, you can also buy multiple special editions of “Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii”. Each of these offers unique in-game perks such as additional outfits for Majima and new characters that players can enlist to their pirate gang. Here are the three special versions announced so far:

1. The Pirate Pack Edition, which includes extra weapons and accessories.
2. The Yakuza Yarai Edition, offering exclusive story content and additional missions.
3. The Paradise Island Collector’s Edition, boasting a collectible statue of one of the characters, an artbook, and other exclusive items.

Individuals who secure their game pre-orders before February 20, 2025, will gain access to some nostalgic extras. In this Yakuza spin-off, Like a Dragon’s Ichiban Kasuga and his trusty pet crayfish Nancy are added as playable characters, with the former joining your main crew and the latter becoming part of the Backup Crew. Moreover, two Ichiban-themed outfits for Majima will be made available; one inspired by Like a Dragon and another based on Infinite Wealth.

The Digital Deluxe Edition features the following:

  • The Legendary Pirate Pack, containing Kazuma Kiryu, Ono Michio, Nugget the Chicken, and several other classic characters as recruitable crew members
  • The Legendary Outfit Pack, containing ten different outfits inspired by iconic looks from throughout the series
  • The Ship Customization Pack, featuring new looks for Majima’s ship, the Goromaru
  • The Extra Karaoke & CD Pack, which includes the memorable Majima Construction theme both as a karaoke option and a track players can listen to in the overworld

The Special Collector’s Version comes with a tangible game disc, all the additional content from the Premium Edition downloadable pack, plus special physical accessories. These bonuses may differ between the American and Japanese versions of the game, offering items like Majima’s eye patch, a Goro Pirates flag, or an acrylic figure showcasing Majima in his full pirate attire.

Will Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii Have Additional DLC?

Currently, for Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, only the bonus crew member, karaoke, outfit, and ship customization packs have been unveiled, coming with the Digital Deluxe edition. There’s a chance that further DLC could be released down the line, potentially offering additional story content, new pirate crews to fight, or even a New Game+ mode.

For the last several Yakuza games, RGG has chosen to reveal all DLC content at once, like New Game+ for Infinite Wealth, which can be bought right away from the start. Should they stick with this strategy, it’s not entirely out of the question but rather unlikely that additional DLC for Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, due in 2025, will be released later on.

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2025-01-08 01:54