Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii never tries to feel like a mainline entry, but rather understands it is a side game that is able to go all out with zaniness. RGG Studio has reused several assets, yes, but the result in a game that manages to do more with less and puts the Infinite Wealth assets to great use. Those who played Infinite Wealth will recognize many of the minigames and NPCs, and you will once again be able to perform Crazy Deliveries, or play Darts/Billiard/Blackjack/Mahjong etc.
The Like a Dragon series has always been home to some absurdity, but this time the game is all about putting the absurdity at the forefront. This time around, RGG Studios has embraced a pirate theme and somehow it is the best pirate game in years. Goro Majima awakens with amnesia and must put his memory back together, and in the process becomes a pirate in the pacific ocean.
It does need to be stated that that Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii follows up on Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. While you can play this game without its predecessor, you will miss certain context and understanding, though you can still find some enjoyment on its own. Think of this as a part two to Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, but in the older style.
As mentioned, this games goes back to the brawler formula and here, Majima has two styles: Mad Dog and Sea Dog. Mad Dog takes his iconic moveset and mixes it with the Thug style from Yakuza 0, focusing on technical skill and a mix of damage-dealing attacks. This is perfect for a single target or small groups, while Sea Dog instead focuses itself on being useful for for crowd control.
Both styles come with their own special skills, such as letting Majima summon a doppelganger or use the Dark Instrument to deal massive damage. The combat in general feels much better here and more responsive, but more importantly, you can now jump. This is a game changer and lets you do new mid-air combos and dodges and completely changes how the game feels.
Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii mains the usual exploration from the previous games, but there are some new things that stand out, such as hidden areas and treasure chests. But this is just on land, we also have naval exploration here, and it makes the game feel much bigger. Granted the ship does move a bit too slow, and it can be hard to maneuver at times, but it overall is welcome.
Naval combat is one of the best parts of the game and calls to mind the best pirate games of the past, but taken even further. In combat, you can fire machine guns at enemies in front, cannons on your sides, and you also also launch rockets and ram enemy ships.Your ship is important as is your crew, and during the game, you can upgrade the ship in various ways and recruit more crew members.
As with any Yakuza / Like A Dragon game, mini games make up a big part of the appeal, and those encountered in Like A Dragon Infinite Wealth make a return, but expanded upon. There are also some great arcade games, with multiple Model 3 games appearing, with games like Spikeout and Sega Racing Classic (Daytona USA) 2: Battle On The Edge appearing. There is just a wealth of content here, and it feels great to immerse in.
No spoilers will be given for the story, but it works especially well by leaning into the crazier aspects, even if some of the story feels a bit rushed. There are also some pacing issues, but this is more due to the sheer amount of sidetracking that goes on. Otherwise, Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a fun experience with the developers not holding back.
Visially, Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is stunning, although there were a few areas where things initially felt rougher before updates, but that has now been resolved. Some areas feel a bit too bright and some feel a bit too dark, but it is not a major issue. Music wise, Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii has some excellent tunes that stand as some of the best in the series, and the overall sound effects are great, and make full use of the pirate theme of the game.
Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a brilliant spinoff that shows how creative RGG Studio can be when they are given full reign. Many games that reuse assets feel rushed out and of lower quality, but Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is not like that at all. This feels like a worthy entry in the Like A Dragon / Yakuza series, albeit it does work best as a spinoff so it could be more experimental. If you love the Like A Dragon / Yakuza series, you need to play this, especially if you like the older style of games. The naval exploration and combat may take some time to get used to, but it is very much worth it. Overall, Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a game that oozes creative charm, and is one that should be played by everyone. Well done RGG Studio, as you created something truly special here, and have me excited for what you will do with the next game.
Disclaimer: A review key was provided
