Yakuza fans who are eager to learn more about Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii before its February release can tune into a Like a Dragon Direct later this week. Unlike the recent mainline Like a Dragon RPGs, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii will allow players to enjoy the fluid, real-time combat the original Kiryu saga was known for. This time, Goro Majima is in the driver's seat, as Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii follows his story in and around Hawaii after the events of last year's Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.
Like a Dragon isn't all developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has going on, as the acclaimed studio showed up big time at last month's 2024 Game Awards with two massive reveals in Virtua Fighter 6 and a new IP codenamed Project Century. It was a surprise to many to learn about RGG Studio taking the reins of Sega's long-dormant fighting game franchise, but it's Project Century that garnered even more attention. The Yakuza-like action brawler is set in 1915 Japan, and since its reveal, fans have been left wondering about its unconfirmed ties to the Yakuza/Like a Dragon universe, with some believing it could potentially chronicle the beginnings of the Omi Alliance.
In the lead-up to Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, which is set to release on February 21, RGG Studio has announced a Like a Dragon Direct focused on the game. Fans can tune in to the YouTube or Twitch livestream on Thursday, January 9 at 12 PM Eastern Time. RGG goes on to mention that fans can expect to see new gameplay features without needing to worry about too many narrative details being spoiled.
RGG Studio Reveals Like A Dragon Direct Date & Time
- January 9
- 12 PM EST
- YouTube, Twitch
RGG Studio has already shown off plenty of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii since its reveal last year. With many of the game's combat features and minigames having already been revealed, it'll be interesting to see what RGG has up its sleeve for the upcoming stream. RGG exclusively mentioned Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii in its announcement of the Like a Dragon Direct, but fans are speculating that they may get a tease of one of the studios' many other projects, like the all-but-confirmed Yakuza 3 Kiwami remake. Perhaps another look at Project Century is on the table, though considering the event's title, "Like a Dragon Direct," it likely won't be involved, especially since it's only been a month since its initial reveal.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is setting sail on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC on February 21, and will surely be wacky enough to stand out among the other big February games like Monster Hunter Wilds, Assassin's Creed Shadows, Obsidian Entertainment's Avowed, and others. What more RGG Studio has to show of the game is a mystery, but fans don't need to wait long to find out.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 81 /100 Critics Rec: 84%
- Released
- February 21, 2025
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ // Blood, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
- Publisher(s)
- Sega
WHERE TO PLAY
A new legend begins as you step into the steel toe boots of Goro Majima, a man who has lost his memory and reinvents himself as a pirate on the open sea.
Embark on an over-the-top, modern-day pirate adventure with an ex-yakuza, now pirate captain and his crew as they engage in exhilarating combat on land and sea in the hunt for lost memories and a legendary treasure.
PIRATE YAKUZA ADVENTURE AHOY!
Goro Majima, a notorious ex-yakuza suddenly finds himself shipwrecked on a remote island in the Pacific. Unable to remember even his own name, he sets sail in search of clues to his lost memories, accompanied by a boy named Noah who saved his life. Before long, they’re caught up in a conflict between cutthroat criminals, modern-day pirates, and other scoundrels over a legendary treasure.
GET YOUR SHIP TOGETHER
Assemble a one-of-a-kind crew while upgrading your ship as you explore the open sea and forge your legend in the cannon fire of foes, unexpected friendships, and immense riches made along the way.
When an enemy pirate ship catches you in their sights, an exhilarating real-time cannon battle breaks out. Quickly maneuver into position while avoiding fire, then deliver devastating damage to board the enemy ship and take down the captain in all-out crew vs. Crew brawls. Conquer the seas, discover hidden islands and acquire loads of loot like a true yakuza pirate!
KICK ARRRSS WITH CREATIVE COMBAT
Dynamically switch between the “Mad Dog” and “Sea Dog” fighting styles to mix-up attacks and deliver explosive combos, juggles, and aerial takedowns that reward your creativity with over-the-top action.
With “Mad Dog” style, utilize speed, agility, and flair to deliver precise yet powerful blows that stun your enemies into submission. Or make enemies walk the plank with the “Sea Dog” style that has you dual-wielding short swords and deploying tricky pirate tools to kick some serious booty.
- Engine
- Dragon Engine
- Franchise
- Yakuza
- Number of Players
- Single-player
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Unknown
- PC Release Date
- February 21, 2025
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- February 21, 2025
- PS5 Release Date
- February 21, 2025
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
