One year after the triumph of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Ryū ga Gotoku Studio is striking back with a swashbuckling spin-off centred around fan-favourite character, Goro Majima.
A recurring figure throughout the Like a Dragon series, the Mad Dog of Shimano has just made a grand return on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series. Released on February 21, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii was quite the unexpected launch. As reported by Yahoo, Majima’s voice actor had been turned down years ago when he pitched a JRPG about the charismatic antagonist. His wish has finally been granted, as Goro Majima sets sail for Honolulu as a budding pirate.
After a brief yet memorable appearance in Infinite Wealth, Goro Majima is once again heading to Hawaii. The story kicks off when he awakens on a beach, having lost his memories much as Ichiban Kasuga in the previous chapter in the series. This choice is no coincidence as it ties this modern-day pirate crusade to its predecessor while allowing the studio to make the most of the game world and assets it previously created.
Long-time fans might get a sense of déjà vu as they cruise the streets of Honolulu City. But they are in for many more surprises, since Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is rife with new gameplay features and locations. Incorporating beat ‘em up mechanics, the game switches between two combat styles, shifting from Sea Dog mode to Mad Dog mode. The latter allows Majima to call upon an army of clones for backup while the former has him wield weapons like guns and cutlasses. Additionally, Captain Majima can summon a squad of sea creatures to take down rival buccaneers, unleashing fearsome ghost sharks and jellyfish.
Beyond Majima’s new tools, the pirate aspect of this offbeat spin-off comes in the form of a completely fresh form of naval combat. Players can gather crewmates to help operate their frigate before engaging in intense ship-to-ship battles, culminating in the boarding of the enemy vessel. Home to the Pirates’ Coliseum, and the HQ of several criminal syndicates, the secret island of Madlantis is a battleground where champions can pit their fleet against one another to achieve fortune and fame. When tired of all-out fighting, players may also roam the open waters in search of treasures, jumping between maps to find loot and tend to the crew’s morale, or put into port to take a break.
True to the franchise’s over-the-top flair, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii features a wealth of goofy minigames. On Rich Island, Majima can establish a sanctuary to nurture the animals he rescued along his seafaring journey, reigning over his cosy Goro Kingdom. In a more competitive mood, our main protagonist can race across metropolitan Hawaii in a dragon kart. Other fan-favourites introduced in Infinite Wealth are reappearing, with game centres featuring new arcade titles straight out of the SEGA catalogue, such as the Ocean Hunter underwater shooter, and the wacky Crazy Delivery minigame debuting a new delivery spot.
From karaoke to vocational schools, far more series staples are being brought back for Majima’s distraction. Players can also gamble to turn a profit, although the game’s variety pales in comparison with that of online platforms. If they feel like pushing their luck, gamers can visit websites like CasinoBonusCA to get the ball rolling. There, industry experts keep track of hundreds of promotional deals. Newcomers may grab sign-up offers and no-deposit bonuses while seasoned card sharks might go for high-roller bonuses. Comprehensive bonus details and comparison tools help them make a safe and informed decision before snatching their rewards.
Besides ever-so-silly minigames, this Like a Dragon spin-off includes 31 substories to explore at sea or on land, embarking Majima on an idol’s bus tour or putting him through compliance training alongside fellow sea dogs to improve his skills as a captain. Lots of familiar faces show up throughout these side missions, including a great many Infinite Wealth characters – a slice of fanservice fun that seems heartfelt rather than contrived.
Accounting for the main story and a heap of side activities, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii takes approximately 15 hours to complete, roughly the length of Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name. Players may clock in dozens more hours by seeing all minigames and substories to completion.
If you’re up for a delightfully unhinged seafaring odyssey, this chaotic pirate romp is a first-rate Yakuza experience.
