Pirate Yakuza Combines RPG Elements with Beat-‘Em-Up Action

Ryu Ga Gotoku’s latest brainchild, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, is gearing up to be a standout entry in this storied franchise. The game promises a creative twist with its Hawaiian setting, where players will once again experience the thrill of stepping into Goro Majima’s shoes as the lead character.

In this intriguing tale, Majima finds himself on the shores of Hawaii, struck with a case of severe amnesia. This new narrative direction presents fans with a chance to see a different side of Majima—one that is both raw and vulnerable yet still his wild, uninhibited self. Throwing him into this setting allows for an exciting blend of classic and modern gameplay elements. The game’s combat system in particular balances the hardcore beat-em-up style with more traditional RPG mechanics, offering a diverse experience.

A glance at what awaits in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii shows it as a vibrant homage to the franchise’s history. The game is slated for release on February 21 and promises to integrate the thrill of piracy and naval combat with the beloved land-based exploration and action that fans have come to love. This novel setting reimagines Infinite Wealth’s Hawaiian backdrop, but perhaps the biggest buzz is Majima’s central role as the protagonist.

Throughout the series, Majima has been a pivotal figure, though rarely the protagonist. His dynamic persona shone in the critically acclaimed Yakuza 0. Pirate Yakuza empowers players with Majima’s unpredictable energy in combat, an experience unlike anything before in the franchise.

Ryu Ga Gotoku recently detailed some of Majima’s combat styles in Pirate Yakuza. His iconic Mad Dog style now incorporates a compelling Madness Gauge. Fill it via combat, and it summons ghostly apparitions of Majima to assist in battle, a nod to the legendary ferocity players have faced in previous games.

The fantastical combat extends to his Sea Dog style, enabling players to call upon shadowy deities like sharks and jellyfish through various musical instruments. These mechanics align more closely with the RPG elements seen in Like a Dragon’s turn-based games featuring Ichiban Kasuga. These titles embrace the franchise’s wild and free-spirited side, contrasting with titles like The Man Who Erased His Name, which stay rooted in Kazuma Kiryu’s gritty, action-packed beat-em-up style.

In essence, Pirate Yakuza succeeds in marrying these distinct identities of the Like a Dragon series. It weaves RPG elements into a more seamless, non-turn-based combat system. The theme of Majima’s amnesia not only drives the narrative but also symbolically ushers in new themes and mechanics, giving Majima a well-deserved spotlight. Yet, it pays homage to the core combat that propelled Like a Dragon into global renown.

For those eagerly waiting, mark your calendars for February 20, 2025, when the game makes its debut on various platforms, promising to deliver an enthralling and mature adventure with its signature edgy content. Whether on PC, PS5, or Xbox Series X|S, players are in for a thrilling ride through this innovative and tradition-honoring addition to the franchise.