The Yakuza series is known for its unique blend of the bizarre and the brilliant, offering fans everything from serious storylines with a humorous twist to an array of historical spin-offs and side stories. There’s truly a flavor for everyone here. Whether you’re eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the long-standing Like a Dragon saga or searching for something a bit off the beaten path, our recent hands-on experience with Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii indicates that this spin-off could steal away countless hours of your time in an enthralling new setting.
Ever since the release of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag in 2013, I’ve been yearning for another pirate adventure that could capture the same excitement. While several contenders have come along since then, none truly ignited my passion for piracy until I got to play Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. At first, you might think pirates and Yakuza make an odd pair, like mixing oil and water. However, when you dive into the game’s world, with its eccentric protagonist and a presentation that doesn’t always take itself too seriously, it surprisingly creates a compelling and enjoyable pirate escapade.
In this game, players step into the shoes of the series’ long-time fan favorite, Goro Majima, who finds himself on a Hawaiian island with amnesia. From my hours spent playing, it’s clear that the series’ signature weirdness reaches new heights here. Besides brawling with gangs of pirates and occasionally hunting bounties alongside my small tiger sidekick, I was busy assembling a motley crew of misfits, engaging in a variety of entertaining and oddly addictive minigames. From a home run derby to karaoke sessions, and from navigating the Pacific aboard a pirate ship with ship-to-ship combat to braving treacherous weather, there is an abundance of activities to enjoy.
During my preview, much of my time was spent exploring Madlantis, a pirate hideout teeming with criminals and some truly eccentric characters—standout even by Yakuza standards. Here, you can dive into claw machines, relive classic SEGA arcade hits like Virtua Fighter, and test your mettle in the Pirates’ Coliseum, which offers battles between pirate ships and a variety of combat-focused minigames.
When it comes to combat, the main gameplay shifts away from the JRPG turn-based format seen in the previous Like a Dragon titles, opting instead for a more classic beat-’em-up style. Majima’s fighting repertoire includes two distinct styles: Mad Dog and Sea Dog. Both revolve around a mix of heavy and light attacks along with evasive maneuvers, yet they feel unique enough to encourage switching between them to maintain the upper hand in battles. In Mad Dog mode, Majima sports his usual attire and unleashes quick, powerful combos. Meanwhile, Sea Dog mode sees him in pirate gear, wielding pirate-themed weaponry like dual cutlasses, a pistol, and a grappling hook. Though Mad Dog style was enjoyable, I found myself gravitating toward Sea Dog due to its vast arsenal of weapons and abilities. No matter the style, I relished taking on and beating down rival pirates.
Combat wasn’t without its challenges, though. Getting the hang of blocking and dodging took some practice, and foes varied from laughably easy to surprisingly tough, which led to more “game over” screens than I’d expected in a Yakuza game. Nevertheless, once I got the hang of switching styles and utilizing every available tactic and ability, the challenge became deeply satisfying.
Naval combat presents a fresh and exciting addition to the Like a Dragon series. While some games complicate ship battles excessively, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii embraces simplicity in its sea skirmishes. My vessel came equipped with several offensive options: short-range flamethrowers on the port side, powerful long-range cannons on the starboard, and forward-facing machine guns, all of which I utilized most during ship fights. There was also the choice to leave the helm and use Majima’s rocket launcher—not as damaging, but undeniably fun for taking potshots at enemy ships. Regardless of the method, maneuvering the ship and sinking opponents was a blast.
Based on everything I’ve experienced so far, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii not only promises to uphold the esteemed reputation of the Like a Dragon series but also has the potential to rank among the finest pirate games since Black Flag. With engaging and inventive combat, approachable naval warfare, and an intriguing, wild world, it’s time to grab your Hawaiian shirt and get ready for an epic adventure.
