If the title itself didn’t hint at it, “Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii” felt like diving headfirst into an arcade cabinet fueled by sheer chaos and charisma. The Yakuza—sorry, Like A Dragon—series has always flirted with the absurd, but this game takes it to new heights by making fan-favorite Goro Majima a swashbuckling pirate in modern-day Hawaii. If that concept alone doesn’t pique your interest, then perhaps the promise of real-time naval battles, street-brawling combat, and a story brimming with heart will.
Let me get this out of the way: I haven’t played every game in the series, and I didn’t review last year’s “Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth,” which this game ties into and uses many of the same assets. That said, jumping into “Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii” as your first Like A Dragon experience is probably not the best idea. It’s a spin-off, but it still carries the weight of its predecessors, especially in its characterization of Majima. Fans of the series will find a treasure trove of references and nods, while newcomers might feel a little bit lost at sea. While this isn’t the best one to jump into if you’re wanting to get into the lore and story, if that isn’t something you care too much about then the game itself is still objectively good and fun.
The game kicks off with Majima washing up on a remote Pacific Island, suffering from amnesia. A boy named Noah rescues him, and together they set sail in search of lost memories. But this isn’t just a tale of self-discovery, before long, they’re entangled in a battle for a legendary treasure, pitted against ruthless criminals, rival pirates, and plenty of larger-than-life personalities. If you’ve played any Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio games, you know the drill: expect a blend of high-stakes drama and comedic absurdity that somehow works seamlessly. One of the game’s biggest strengths is its combat. Majima can switch between two distinct fighting styles: “Mad Dog” and “Sea Dog.” The former is all about speed and agility, reminiscent of his classic fighting style from past games, while the latter introduces dual-wielding swords and pirate-themed gadgets. The combat system encourages creativity, rewarding you for chaining combos, juggling enemies, and using environmental attacks to your advantage. Whether you’re dropkicking enemies into the ocean or slicing through them with dual cutlasses, the action is consistently thrilling.
And then there’s the naval combat, which is just as ridiculous as you’d hope. Move over “Skull & Bones,” in these real-time ship battles, you maneuver your vessel, dodge cannon fire, and unleash broadsides before boarding enemy ships for all-out brawls. It’s arcade-like in execution, favoring fast-paced fun over deep mechanics, but that’s exactly what makes it such a blast. Exploring the high seas, discovering hidden islands, and recruiting a ragtag crew of misfits add an extra layer of adventure that keeps the experience fresh. The world itself is a delight to explore, packed with hidden treasures, quirky side characters, and classic Like A Dragon-style substories that are equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. Whether you’re helping an elderly fisherman reclaim his lost fortune, participating in a high-stakes pirate tournament, or simply soaking in the tropical atmosphere, there’s never a dull moment. Majima’s charisma shines through every interaction, and has a great and evolving relationship with his crewmates.
The game isn’t without its flaws, though. The pacing stumbles at times, particularly in the main story, which occasionally meanders before hitting its major beats. I hear that many complaints that the assets and mechanics feel like they’ve been borrowed from “Infinite Wealth,” which might disappoint those expecting entirely fresh content. However, since I didn’t get a review key for that game and never got around to it, I personally didn’t notice this issue. The wealth of well-written substories, the addition of the Madlantis Pirate Coliseum, and the sheer personality that Majima and his crew bring to the table more than make up for these minor setbacks. Ultimately, “Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii” is a love letter to Majima’s fanbase and a bold, off-the-wall entry in the series. Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio took a risk by throwing him into the captain’s chair, and it pays off spectacularly. It’s a game that’s a little unhinged, a little unpredictable, but overwhelmingly charming—just like Majima himself.
8.5/10
For more information, visit HERE
Related: Reviews by Nick Navarro
Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
More Stories
astragon Entertainment Announces Retail Version Release of Railroads Online – Pioneer Edition for PlayStation 5
Ubisoft Announces Brawlhalla x Destiny 2 Guardians Crossover Event, Reveal Trailer
GTA Online this Week Features Continued Carnival Celebrations, Bonuses for Gunrunning, Plus More