I recently got my hands on “Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii,” the newest offering from SEGA and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, spotlighting the iconic Goro Majima. Dive into my review of this intriguing addition to the series!
As a longtime aficionado of the saga that we once knew as “Yakuza” and now celebrate under its original “Like a Dragon” title, I was thrilled to explore this new chapter. I’ve journeyed through almost every installment—catching them all except for “Like a Dragon: Ishin!,” which was brilliantly reviewed by my colleague ThaRaven403.
Reflecting on my experiences, I’ve taken “Yakuza Kiwami” for a whirl on the PlayStation 4 and followed with its successor, “Yakuza Kiwami 2.” Back in 2016, I reviewed “Yakuza 5” on the PlayStation 3 and later delved into “Yakuza 6: The Song of Life” in 2018. The “Yakuza Remastered Collection” allowed me to revisit the adventures of “Yakuza 3, 4, and 5” on PlayStation 4. I also savored “Yakuza: Like a Dragon” for its delightful nods to the Dragon Quest universe and thoroughly enjoyed the spin-off “Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name.” As you can imagine, anticipation ran high for stepping into the shoes of Majima once more.
Our latest escapade begins as a thrilling spin-off, setting sail in a story that unfolds after “Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.” Goro Majima finds himself marooned on Rich Island, suffering from memory loss. You’re Goro Majima, and Majima is, for now, you. Luckily, you’re saved by a compassionate boy named Noah Rich, whose timely intervention with a sip of water is a lifeline after your nearly fatal brush with the ocean. However, tranquility is short-lived as trouble quickly finds you both in the form of unwelcome pirates. As they assault Noah, Majima’s legendary fierce spirit reawakens.
This adventure offers three distinct difficulty levels: Beginner for newcomers or those who prefer focusing on the story without the challenge; Standard, which provides a balanced adventure; and Professional, ready to test every facet of your skill set, where combat is unforgiving and mistakes are costly. The choice is yours, depending on how much of a challenge you crave.
The game kindly offers a tutorial post-introduction, letting you get a feel for the controls. Move Goro using the left analog stick while engaging enemies with the Square and Triangle buttons. You can weave powerful combos and juggle foes mid-air, adding depth to the battle mechanics.
Defensive maneuvers come into play with the Circle button, allowing you to use enemies as human shields. Guard against incoming hits with L1, circle around your foes in a fighting stance by pressing R1, and dodge with a well-timed press of X. As skirmishes ensue, your Heat gauge builds up, eventually letting you unleash a devastating Heat Action with the Triangle button.
An intriguing feature to watch is the Madness gauge, located at the top left corner of the screen, which intensifies battles as it fills up. Once maxed out, activate Goro Majima’s unique Mad Dog stance, summoning a doppelganger to wreak havoc.
Character progression is pivotal for survival until the credits roll. Increasing your health, enhancing attack power, and unlocking new moves for Goro’s various stances are all essential upgrades. You’ll also encounter the amusing Sea Dog stance, adding just a touch of piratical flair with its “Yaar!”
Memories of “Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag” may surface as “Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii” introduces naval combat. You can assemble a crew and navigate treacherous waters, facing down nefarious pirates. Along the way, recruit crew members from Rich Island, explore the intriguing Madlantis, and conquer the Pirate Coliseum in intense naval battles.
Dedicated trophy hunters will find a treasure trove of achievements to unlock, with the game boasting a Cross-Buy feature allowing access to both PS4 and PS5 versions. With over 60 trophies, including chapter completions, skill acquisitions, and weapon usage objectives, there’s plenty to conquer.
Whether you follow this path for its narrative, its gameplay depth, or its addictive trophy hunting, you’ll find something enjoyable. Not to mention, the throwback SEGA Master System in the game offers a nostalgic break with classics like Poseidon Wars 3-D and Alien Syndrome.
Available for $59.99, “Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii” is a Cross-Buy title, giving you both the PS4 and PS5 editions. If you’re keen for extras, the Deluxe Edition for $74.99 bundles in bonus packs like the Legendary Pirate Crew Pack and more.
In conclusion, this review is based on a PlayStation 5 copy graciously provided by SEGA, and “Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii” promises an unforgettable adventure that faithful fans and newcomers alike will cherish. Keep your wits sharp, and your sword sharper—this is one quest you won’t want to miss.
