Sega has given us a sneak peek into some of the exciting mini-games players can expect in “Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii.” Among these are fan favorites such as karaoke, Dragon Kart, Crazy Delivery, and several surprises. The game’s release is set for February 21, 2025.
For those who have been following the Yakuza series, Sega’s recent reveal of mini-games for its upcoming game “Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii” is sure to bring a wave of nostalgia. Scheduled to launch in February, this stand-alone spin-off picks up after “Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth” and continues the wild escapades of the iconic Goro Majima in a bizarre pirate-themed adventure, which also introduces thrilling naval ship battles.
The past couple of years have been a treat for Yakuza enthusiasts with a bounty of “Like a Dragon” content. In 2023, Sega released the debut of “Like a Dragon: Ishin” in the Western market, followed by “Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name,” which bridged Kazuma Kiryu’s story from “Yakuza 6: The Song of Life” for newer players. While these adventures were relatively modest in scope, 2024 turned the spotlight onto “Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth,” a major RPG installment that earned applause from critics and managed to snag nominations in the Best Narrative and Best RPG categories at The Game Awards.
Just two months shy of the grand unveiling of the next fascinating installment in the Yakuza saga, Sega has dropped a brief 30-second teaser on YouTube, offering glimpses of mini-games set to entertain players in “Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii.” Returning will be karaoke, a staple of the Yakuza lineage. In addition, players can look forward to rebounding favorites like “Dragon Kart” and “Crazy Delivery” from previous titles. The teaser also hinted at something intriguing called “Masaru’s Love Journey,” though its details remain shrouded in mystery. Could it have ties to the dating app mini-game “Miss Match” from “Infinite Wealth”? Only time will tell.
Even though “Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii” is positioned as a smaller scale entry, the Yakuza series is renowned for cramming in a wealth of mini-games that typically aren’t disclosed prior to launch. The sneak peeks revealed thus far incorporate activities from past games, indicating that a plethora of new surprises may lie hidden within unexplored locales like Madlantis, or on Majima’s pirate ship traversing the open ocean. However, some extensive mini-games from “Infinite Wealth,” such as “Sujimon” and the village-building escapade reminiscent of “Animal Crossing,” dubbed “Dondoko Island,” might not find their way into “Pirate Yakuza.”
Mark your calendars for February 21, 2025, as “Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii” sets sail amidst a bustling period for gaming. Sharing the stage with heavyweight titles like “Assassin’s Creed Shadows,” “Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2,” “Monster Hunter Wilds,” and “Avowed,” it’s poised to make waves with its eccentric flair and outrageous mini-games.
Step into the turbulent world of Goro Majima—a former yakuza turned pirate—as he finds himself shipwrecked on a secluded Pacific island with no recollection of his past. Embarking on a rollicking modern-era pirate quest, Majima, together with a boy named Noah who rescues him, ventures forth in pursuit of lost memories and a fabled treasure. As the waters become fraught with cutthroat foes, Majima assembles a unique crew, transforms his vessel, and sets out on an uncharted expanse to carve a name in stone through fierce naval battles, newfound alliances, and priceless riches.
Players will dive into dynamic combat, seamlessly switching between “Mad Dog” and “Sea Dog” styles for exhilarating encounters. “Mad Dog” utilizes speed and flair for swift strikes, while “Sea Dog” harnesses dual swords and cunning pirate tactics for creative, crushing attacks.
Slated for release on February 20, 2025, across platforms such as PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, “Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii” promises to be a fantastic addition to the genre, infused with blood-pumping action and an adventurous spirit that’s sure to captivate fans.