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As someone who has only briefly engaged with the Yakuza series in the past, never fully completing any of the titles, I approached Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii with a mix of curiosity and scepticism. However, as a fan of pirate-themed adventures, this instalment resonated with me in unexpected ways, leading me to rate it a solid 8 out of 10.
The game transports players to a vibrant Hawaiian setting, a refreshing departure from the series’ traditional urban landscapes. This tropical backdrop is not merely a visual change but serves as a dynamic environment that influences the narrative and gameplay. Players assume the role of Majima, a beloved character who, after losing his memory, becomes a pirate captain. This storyline blends the gritty underworld elements of the Yakuza series with the adventurous spirit of piracy, creating a unique narrative experience.
The combat
Gameplay Mechanics
Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii retains the series’ signature beat ’em up combat system, with Majima employing two distinct fighting styles:
- Mad Dog: A speed-focused style showcasing Majima’s agility and unorthodox combat techniques to focuse on single enemies or one to one combat.
- Sea Dog: Introduces dual cutlasses and pistols, aligning with the pirate theme and giving more AoE damage as well as better crowd control.
A notable addition is the ability to jump and perform mid-air combos, enhancing the fluidity and dynamism of battles. Beyond land-based combat, players can assemble a pirate crew and upgrade their ship, the Goromaru. Naval engagements are conducted in real-time, allowing players to board enemy vessels, confront rival crews, and claim victory. The ship and crew are also highly customisable, not only visually but give plenty of bonuses depending on the weapon used and crew asembled.
Side activities are exactly what you would expect
The game excels in offering a plethora of side activities, a hallmark of the series. Players can participate in Dragon Kart races or food deliveries among many other side activites. Additionally, the Pirates’ Coliseum stands out as a remarkable minigame, allowing players to engage in naval and physical duels against themed pirate crews which I won’t spoil. This side activity was by far my favourite and responsible for more than half the hours I spent on anything else in the game.
Visuals and performance
Visually, the game captures the essence of the Hawaiian islands with meticulous detail. The lush landscapes, dynamic weather systems, and vibrant locales contribute to an immersive experience. On the technical front, the game performed smoothly on the base PS5 , offering high frame rates along decent graphics. The details and art direction are certainly impressive, but I must say that like a dragon games are not the most graphically advanced.
Nothing is perfect
While the game offers a rich tapestry of activities and a compelling narrative, it is not without its shortcomings. Some players may find the naval combat to be repetitive, but since fans of pirate themes are not exactly spoiled for choice in games (me included), I really did enjoy every bit of it. Another critique I do have is the game starts off very slow. Which is a shame because players that are new to the series may not be willing to give it the time it deserves to captivate them.
Conclusion
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii successfully marries the core elements of the Yakuza series with a captivating pirate theme. For newcomers and seasoned fans alike, it offers a compelling adventure that is both familiar and refreshingly new. As someone who had not fully embraced the series before, this instalment provided an accessible and enjoyable entry point, solidifying its place as a standout title in my gaming experience. Its blend of engaging combat, diverse side activities, and a vibrant setting make it a noteworthy addition to the franchise.
