Like a Dragon Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, A Surprisingly Fun Addition

The Like a Dragon series (formerly known as Yakuza) has existed for nearly two decades, and behind it stands Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, a team within SEGA that has managed to create one of the most unique and entertaining series in the industry. Their work is characterized by a distinctive blend of serious crime drama and absolute madness. This unique blend is manifested through side activities, characters, and dialogue. From beat 'em up combat systems to turn-based RPG mechanics, Like a Dragon games have continuously evolved and changed, yet they've always retained their recognizable atmosphere. The next addition Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is here and it is extra insane.

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The Plot of Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

This time, we have Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii—wait, what… pirate yakuza dragons? Sailing old wooden ships but in modern times? Fighting other pirates who duel with swords and chug grog like there's no tomorrow? Naval battles with cannons and machine guns? Okay, I'll admit I've had crazier Sunday mornings than this, but to the average person, all of this might sound too much. If you like this premise, you're in the right place!

The plot mixes classic Like a Dragon moment and cartoonish pirate insanity. There are serious scenes where Majima questions his identity, but also moments where he fights a shark armed with a katana. The Like a Dragon series has always balanced seriousness with good humour, and in this instalment, the scale tips in favor of comedy. Throughout the game, Majima faces off against rival pirate gangs, corrupt soldiers, and ridiculous side missions involving everything from explosive fishing to helping local coconut milk vendors.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii comes after Infinite Wealth and puts players in the shoes of Goro Majima, the legendary madman of the series. This time, the story takes him to Rich Island, where he wakes up with no memory and only his sword by his side. Yeah,… my kind of Sunday morning… Through a series of absurd and hilarious events, Majima becomes the captain of a pirate crew and sets off searching for a legendary treasure, which involves battles against rival pirates, naval warfare, and many unpredictable situations. Does it make sense for Majima to become a pirate suddenly? Of course not. Do we care? Not one bit.

The Look And Feel

Visually, the game uses the same Dragon Engine from previous titles but with refreshed oceanic landscapes and island locations. The water looks great, the ships are intricately designed, and the character models meet RGG's usual standards. Animations can be a bit stiff sometimes, especially in naval battles, but overall, everything looks good enough not to detract from the enjoyment. The game's aesthetic perfectly captures the unique blend of serious crime drama and absolute madness that the series is known for.

The game's core structure combines exploration, combat, and a ton of side activities. If you're a fan of the Yakuza series, escaping Kamurocho for tropical locales will feel like a real breath of fresh air. Majima can freely explore Honolulu and Madlantis, traveling between locations on his ship, the Goromaru. The combat system returns to its beat 'em up roots, and Majima has two fighting styles: Mad Dog, which relies on his signature moves and knife, and Sea Dog, where he uses cutlasses, pistols, and a hook. Each style has advantages and can be switched on the fly during combat. Heat Actions are absurd—from playing a cursed guitar that summons drowned souls to throwing enemies off the ship with a dramatic zoom, making the combat both engaging and thrilling.

The Gameplay of Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

The naval combat was clearly inspired by Assassin's Creed: Black Flag, but it feels somewhat simplified. You can upgrade your ship, recruit crew members, and participate in naval battles, but most of it boils down to "hold a button to shoot and turn." That said, once you unlock ship lasers, the game becomes gloriously ridiculous in the best way possible.

The character progression mechanics are similar to older Yakuza games—there's no traditional XP levelling. Instead, Majima grows stronger by investing money and reputation points into his skills and equipment. He can wear a ring on every finger (because why not?), each is providing unique bonuses.

If you're expecting innovative and challenging enemies, you'll be disappointed.

The AI still follows the old Like a Dragon rules—regular enemies are mostly punching bags that attack randomly, while boss fights can be more engaging. However, naval battles, the series' main innovation, add more tactical depth, requiring the right combination of weapons and manoeuvring to defeat opponents. These moments are the primary source of absurdity in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii—for example, enemies firing cannons at you can be taken out with an RPG.

The World of Yakuza

As always, the game is packed with side activities and minigames, adding a layer of entertainment and variety. You can race in Dragon Kart, compete in pirate coliseums, ride delivery bikes (now a series tradition), raise and train a tiger (!) and other animals, and even take general knowledge quizzes. Of course, there's also karaoke because Majima wouldn't be Majima without it. Some minigames are more fun than others, but they add to the game's charm and give players a break from the main story, ensuring you're always entertained.

In Conclusion

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii isn't the best game in the series, but it's fun and offers enough content to justify its existence. The premise is bonkers, yet it fits perfectly with the series' tone. The story is shorter than the mainline entries but still interesting enough. Combat is fast and fun, though the AI isn't too bright. Naval battles are a fun addition but not deep enough to be the game's main selling point.

Final Score: 7.5/10

A wild, entertaining spin-off that embraces absurdity but lacks depth in its new mechanics.

Recommended Age: 16+

Due to mature themes, violence, and crude humour, it's best suited for older teens and adults.