The Yakuza series is known for its mix of the bizarre and the brilliant, offering a range of games that straddle the line between serious storytelling and outright goofiness. Whether you’re delving into the main storyline or exploring one of its many historical spinoffs and prequels, there truly is something for everyone. If you’re eager for the latest entry or just in the mood for something a bit different, our recent hands-on experience with Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii hints that this new spinoff might just steal away countless hours of your time.
Ever since the release of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag back in 2013, I’ve been on the lookout for another captivating pirate-themed adventure. Though there have been a few noteworthy efforts since, none really hooked my interest until I got to try out Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. At first glance, mixing pirates and the Yakuza might seem as mismatched as fish and fowl. However, upon closer examination, the vibrant world of Like a Dragon, its quirky protagonist, and its playfully unserious tone combine to create an unexpectedly enjoyable pirate escapade.
In Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, you step into the shoes of longtime series favorite Goro Majima, who finds himself on a Hawaiian island after a bout of amnesia. During my hands-on experience, I quickly realized that the game amps up the series’ signature eccentricity. Beyond tussling with bands of pirate foes and pursuing bounties with my scrappy tiger companion, I was busy recruiting a colorful crew of misfits, engaging in a variety of oddly compelling minigames like home run derbies, karaoke, and navigating the Pacific on my pirate ship. The latter includes thrilling ship-to-ship battles and intense weather challenges, making it clear there’s no shortage of activities to dive into.
During my preview, I spent a significant portion of time in Madlantis, a city teeming with pirates, criminals, and some of the most peculiar characters you can encounter in a Yakuza game. Here, I enjoyed numerous side activities and minigames, ranging from claw machines to classic SEGA arcade titles like Virtua Fighter. I even earned my stripes at the Pirates’ Coliseum, engaging in ship-to-ship combat and various combat-centric minigames that kept the adrenaline pumping.
Speaking of combat, the game breaks away from the JRPG turn-based style seen in the previous Like a Dragon titles, reverting to a classic beat-’em-up approach. Majima can switch between two fighting styles: Mad Dog and Sea Dog. Although both styles share the “heavy and light attack combined with dodging” formula, they differ enough to make switching between them strategic and exciting. Mad Dog mode has Majima using quick combos in his iconic attire, while Sea Dog outfits him with pirate gear, employing weapons like dual cutlasses, a pistol, and a grappling hook. Although Mad Dog is thrilling, I found Sea Dog’s varied arsenal too tempting to resist, and it quickly became my go-to. Regardless of the style, I relished in taking down rival pirates with gusto.
Combat isn’t without its hiccups, though. Mastering blocking and dodging took some practice, and the difficulty of enemies fluctuated from easy pickings to unexpectedly tough challenges, pushing me to the brink more often than anticipated in a Yakuza game. Yet as I learned to switch fighting styles adeptly and optimize my arsenal, the battles became a satisfying, if demanding, experience.
Set sail into Like a Dragon’s naval combat, which adds a fresh layer to the series. While many games overcomplicate maritime warfare, Pirate Yakuza adopts a more straightforward approach. My ship boasted various offensive options, including potent short-range flamethrowers on the port side and long-range cannons on the starboard, complemented by forward-facing machine guns. To spice things up, I occasionally left the helm to wield Majima’s rocket launcher, offering a more hands-on approach to battle. Whatever the method, maneuvering my ship and sending rivals to the deep was undeniably entertaining.
From what I’ve experienced so far, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii not only holds up to the Like a Dragon series’ esteemed legacy but could also rank as one of the finest pirate games since Black Flag. With its engaging combat, straightforward ship warfare, and a wildly intriguing world, it’s time to grab your Hawaiian shirt and prepare for an unforgettable adventure.
