Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is an action-adventure game that was released on February 21, 2025. This game is developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and SEGA as its publisher. This game is a spin-off of the Like a Dragon series, set six months after the events in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. No longer featuring Kazuma Kiryu or Ichiban Kasuga as the protagonist. This game places Goro Majima the Mad Dog of the Tojo Clan as the main star.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Goro Majima, Crazy Pirate in a Tropical Paradise
Since first appearing in Yakuza 0, Goro Majima has stolen the hearts of many fans with his eccentric personality and brutal actions. In Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, Majima is stranded on Rich Island, one of the remote islands in Hawaii, after a mysterious shipwreck. Without his memory and armed only with a tattoo and a dagger, he becomes a pirate captain and leads an adventure to find a legendary treasure on a criminal island called Madlantis.
The story in this game depicts Majima’s transformation from an amnesiac man to a charismatic ship captain who sailed the ocean, fights pirates, and uncovers the mysteries of the tropical underwater world.
Gameplay, a Combination of Classic Exploration and Action
Despite carrying the pirate theme, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii still maintains the typical Like a Dragon formula: open exploration, absurd side missions, and an intense combat system.
This game allows players to explore the city of Honolulu with a unique vehicle called the Street Surfer, and access various islands such as Rich Island, Madlantis, and Nele Island. Each island has unique characteristics, ranging from fishing villages to illegal entertainment districts and secret sect headquarters.
Not only exploring, players can also access hidden dungeons, hunt for treasure, and recruit new pirate crews. The Auto-cruise feature and Fast Travel system make it easy to navigate the vast world divided into separate areas, making exploration more efficient.
Combat, Back to Classic Brawler Action
Different from the turn-based RPG system in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, this game returns to the action (brawler) combat system like the Kazuma Kiryu era. Goro Majima has two main fighting styles. Namely the fast and brutal Mad Dog Style, and the Sea Dog Style which relies on pirate weapons such as twin swords, pistols, and hooks.
One of the new innovations is the jump feature, which allows players to extend air combos and avoid attacks more effectively. Majima can also use the Doppelganger ability when the Madness Meter is filled, creating clones of himself that help beat enemies simultaneously.
The battle also involves the ship’s crew and even a tiger named Goro, Noah’s pet, the child who saved Majima at the beginning of the game.
Pirate Ship, Navigation and Sea Battle
The pirate element is even more complete with the presence of a sea ship feature that you can use to move islands, fight, and search for treasure. The ship’s battle mechanics feel arcade and uncomplicated, allowing you to fire cannons, perform special attacks, and even invade enemy ships.
The ocean map is divided into several areas with large islands and lighthouses as fast travel points. Although not as big as games like Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag, this feature is solid enough to add variety to the gameplay.
Mini-Games and Side Activities, Like a Dragon’s Characteristics
As usual, the Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii game is full of unique mini-games and activities. You can:
- Sing karaoke
- Race Dragon Kart
- Become a courier at Crazy Delivery
- Play baseball at the Batting Center
- Take pictures at Sicko Snap
- Attend a pirate vocational school
Most interestingly, there is an interactive dating feature with five Minato Girls, played directly by Japanese actresses and public figures such as Enako, Seiko Kirishima, Kaho Shibuya, Ai Hongo, and Misoshiru. Uniquely, you don’t play as Majima, but rather help Masaru Fujita, one of Majima’s crew, to succeed in dating.
Visual & Audio, Refreshing Tropical Atmosphere
Visually, this game uses the same engine as Infinite Wealth. With smooth performance at 60 fps on PS5 and a fresh pirate interface theme. The music is more relaxed and tropical, reflecting the Hawaiian atmosphere, and is available in Japanese, English, and Mandarin dubs.
The presence of professional actors such as Samoa Joe as character voice actors also shows RGG Studio’s seriousness in perfecting the gaming experience.
Playing Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii according to the Instagram account @playverseid presents the sensation of an exciting adventure in the middle of the tropical sea! For the first time, Goro Majima plays the role of an eccentric pirate captain, chasing treasure, and fighting other pirates in a classic brawler style. Rich exploration with side missions, exciting mini-games, and the uniqueness of Minato Girls’ interactive dating add to the color. You can see how the ship and sea battles feel light but addictive. The Hawaiian theme makes the atmosphere even more relaxed and fun!
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a breath of fresh air for fans of the classic Yakuza series. With a combination of action gameplay, sea exploration, a silly and action-packed story from Goro Majima, and a ton of unique mini-games, this game delivers an unforgettable pirate adventure.
