Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii [PC] | REVIEW

Man, every time I think the Like a Dragon series CAN’T get any crazier, it goes and makes fan-favourite character Goro Majima a god-damn amnesiac pirate looking for treasure. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii takes the series back to its roots as a full-fledged brawler, all whilst introducing naval combat and pirate-themed mechanics that add plenty of thrills to help make the game another resounding success for the team at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio.

Check out some screenshots down below:

The game follows on from Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, with Majima washing up on a tropical island with no memory of how he got there or who he is. What follows is a gripping journey of self-rediscovery as he gradually regains his combat prowess, amasses a fearsome pirate crew, and takes to the seas in search of answers. I mean, it’s what any rational Yakuza would do, right? The narrative wastes no time pulling players into its world of warring pirate factions that span the Hawaiian archipelago, and while Majima may not remember his past, it doesn’t take long for his signature insanity and unhinged charisma to make a mark on those around him.

It is the characters and their interactions with one another that really help the narrative of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii shine. The supporting cast, from ragtag misfits to ruthless pirate captains, all bring their own charm and humour, bouncing off Majima’s unpredictable nature in hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt ways. Whether he’s delivering ridiculous one-liners or engaging in surprisingly deep life advice, Majima is as compelling as ever, whilst having Samoa Joe starring as the villain feels perfect. The energy the pair share is wild and will keep players captivated right until the very end.

The combat of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii offers a return to the fast-paced, combo-heavy action that fans of earlier entries in the series will appreciate. Majima has two main combat styles: Mad Dog, his signature breakneck swordplay and acrobatics, and Sea Dog, a brand-new pirate-inspired fighting style utilizing dual cutlasses and a flintlock pistol. Swapping between styles on the fly is not only ridiculously satisfying thanks to the quality of the combat mechanics, but also essential for keeping enemy defences broken and maximizing damage output.

“If you’re looking for an absurd yet compelling action-packed RPG where you can brawl, plunder, and even sing a bit of karaoke, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is the game for you.”

The game expands on Majima’s mobility with a jumping mechanic, allowing players to execute aerial combos, dodge incoming attacks, and even perform devastating airborne dropkicks, whilst the Sea Dog style also introduces a grappling hook, letting Majima pull enemies in for brutal close-quarters combat. It encourages strategic thinking, with each enemy type having weaknesses that can often require a mix of both styles to exploit and overcome. And, of course, Heat actions return in stylish fashion, delivering jaw-dropping finishers that make the impact of Majima’s devastating attacks all the more spectacular.

In addition to the land-based action, ship battles are also a huge part of the experience. What, you didn’t think you’d be a pirate and not have a ship, right? Players command Majima’s vessel, the Goromaru, in frantic naval combat, firing cannons, dodging incoming barrages, and even ramming enemy ships for devastating damage. Upgrades allow the ship to wield absurd yet exhilarating weaponry like laser cannons, reinforcing the game’s signature over-the-top style where just about any zany thing is possible. Boarding sequences add another layer to combat, where Majima and his crew storm enemy ships in chaotic melees, further blending traditional Yakuza brawling with high-seas adventuring. It’s absolutely brilliant, with the naval showdowns of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii easily stealing the show. Who needs Skull and Bones when you’ve got Majima as a pirate, right?

Rather than being fully open-world, Pirate Yakuza features multiple islands to explore, each packed with battles, treasures, and waypoints to uncover. Players can land at various locations to scavenge for loot, fight enemies, or take on dungeons with their crew, ensuring they’re each worth venturing through. The game rewards exploration, as finding hidden treasures not only boosts your pirate ranking but also unlocks unique gear that can help increase your stats. It adds a steady sense of progress to the game, and whilst some players might want to focus on the core objectives, taking your time to explore the seas always feels worthwhile.

Check out some screenshots down below:

The side activities in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii are as wild and varied as ever. Karaoke returns, of course, while fishing, gambling, and various seafaring and land-based mini-games provide a welcome break from combat. Managing and upgrading the Goromaru is an experience in itself, as players recruit crewmates, enhance ship capabilities, and gather rare materials to create the ultimate pirate vessel. Some crew members join willingly, while others require Majima to defeat them in battle or complete side quests to earn their loyalty, again adding to that sense of progress.

Substories return in full force too, offering some of the most entertaining and bizarre moments in the game. Majima finds himself involved in everything from helping test a VR headset to interact with a tiger, fighting a polar bear, or simply racing in go-karts against rivals, with these quirky side stories adding charm and depth to the world, and ensuring there’s always something amusing to discover.

While Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii delivers an incredible experience overall, it isn’t without its flaws. The opening hours can admittedly be a bit of a slow burn, with many core mechanics locked behind early story chapters that take a long while to get going. Even as a long-time fan of the series, the wait for things to REALLY kick off could feel a little tedious. Naval combat, while exciting, has a few camera issues that can make aiming and manoeuvring difficult too – especially when dealing with multiple enemies at once. The default camera positioning can be slightly awkward, making it tricky to line up shots, whilst the zoomed-in perspective isn’t always helpful. It isn’t a game-breaking issue by any stretch of the imagination, but can make certain encounters more frustrating than they need to be.

Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Publisher: SEGA
Platform(s): PC (Reviewed), PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S. Xbox One
Website: https://www.sega.com/like-a-dragon-yakuza/like-a-dragon-pirate-yakuza-in-hawaii