The Yakuza series has always been a treasure trove of the bizarre and the fantastic. From its mainline entries that mix seriousness with a touch of whimsy to its numerous historical offshoots, prequels, and side stories, there’s a little something for everyone. Whether you’re a die-hard fan eagerly awaiting the next addition in the Like a Dragon saga or someone just looking for a refreshing change, my recent hands-on session with Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii suggests it’s on course to be another engaging spin-off that will surely keep you occupied for countless hours.
Ever since Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag hit the shelves back in 2013, I’ve been on the lookout for another pirate escapade worth diving into. There have been a few decent titles over the years, but none that truly reignited my passion for swashbuckling adventure—that is, until I got my hands on Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. Initially, the idea of blending Pirates with Yakuza might seem as incompatible as oil with water. However, upon closer inspection, Like a Dragon’s quirky universe, its eccentric protagonist, and its lighthearted tone come together to create a remarkably enjoyable pirate adventure.
In Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, you step into the shoes of Goro Majima, a fan-favorite character who finds himself stranded on an idyllic Hawaiian island with memory loss. From my hours spent immersed in the game, I can tell you that the series’ signature wackiness is dialed up to the max here. Besides clashing with pirate mobs and occasional bounties alongside my trusty little tiger companion, I found myself enlisting an array of oddballs into my pirate crew. I also dive into a variety of fun and unexpectedly addictive minigames—everything from a home run derby to karaoke, and sailing the Pacific in my pirate ship, which includes thrilling ship-to-ship battles and navigating menacing weather. Simply put, there’s no shortage of activities.
During my time in the game, I spent a significant amount of it exploring the pirate city of Madlantis, a haven for pirates, criminals, and some of the weirdest folks I’ve encountered, even by Yakuza standards. I indulged in various minigames and side festivities, such as claw machines and retro SEGA arcade games like Virtua Fighter. The Pirates’ Coliseum stood out as a place where I engaged in ship battles and other combat-themed minigames against unique pirate crews.
The core gameplay steers away from the JRPG turn-based combat seen in the last two Like a Dragon games, opting instead for a classic beat-’em-up style. Majima showcases two distinct fighting styles: Mad Dog and Sea Dog. Both follow the typical formula of blending heavy and light attacks with dodges, yet they differ enough that I often switched between them to maintain momentum and maximize my damage output. In Mad Dog mode, Majima revisits his iconic gear to deliver swift combos against foes. Sea Dog mode, however, decks him out in pirate attire and equips him with pirate-themed weaponry like dual cutlass swords, a pistol, and a grappling hook. Though Mad Dog was enjoyable, I spent most of my combat time reveling in the variety offered by Sea Dog’s arsenal and skills, deriving immense satisfaction from taking down hordes of rival pirates.
Despite its strengths, combat wasn’t without its challenges. Mastering the art of blocking and dodging required practice, and opponents could range from easily vanquished to surprisingly tough, leading me to more game over screens than I’d reckoned for in a Yakuza experience. Yet, honing my ability to adeptly switch between fighting styles and leverage every tool in my arsenal rendered combat a demanding but fulfilling endeavor.
The introduction of naval combat is a delightful addition to the Like a Dragon series. While some titles overcomplicate maritime battles, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii embraces a “less is more” philosophy for its sea skirmishes. My vessel boasted a couple of potent ways to dispatch enemy ships. The port side had short-range flamethrowers for close-quarters devastation, while the starboard side hosted long-range cannons. During most ship-to-ship encounters, I relied on these options plus front-mounted machine guns. Alternatively, I could momentarily abandon my ship’s helm to fire Majima’s rocket launcher. Though this wasn’t as destructive as my other options, it was undeniably entertaining to hop around and target enemy vessels. Whichever tactic I chose, I thoroughly enjoyed maneuvering my ship and sinking foes.
From all I’ve played so far, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii seems poised not just to meet the high expectations set by the Like a Dragon franchise, but also to potentially stand out as one of the finest pirate games since Black Flag. With its dynamic and inventive combat, straightforward ship battles, and a genuinely captivating and quirky world, you’ll definitely want to don your Hawaiian shirt for this adventure.
