2024 saw Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth take the spotlight as RGG Studio's darling of the year, though with a track record of quality games and minimal wait times in-between, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is following close behind. Set with a February release date, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii will iterate on many of Ichi's own adventures in Hawaii, utilizing both old and new assets to craft a compelling amnesiac pirate tale for series' legend, Goro Majima.
In the wake of Infinite Wealth's controversial approach to DLC, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii will take fans' concerns to heart, promising New Game Plus as a post-release update with no added barrier to access. The decision sets a stronger precedent moving forward, with a case to be made for consistency even in the series' future mainline titles.
The creeping case of DLC has become something of a mainstay in the AAA world. With rising costs of video game titles and the added expectancy of cashing out for more content, players have felt the fatigue of what, in some cases, could be considered unfair monetary practices. While DLC has its merits and more practical justifications, like with cosmetics or expansions that add hours of gameplay to sift through, there comes a question of when paywalled features get taken too far. In the case of Infinite Wealth, its Deluxe and Ultimate editions had obvious bonuses through Sujimon, outfits, and even an additional dungeon, though its locking of NG+ alongside these features left a bitter reception among fans.
What To Expect From Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii in 2025
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii sets sail in February, with fan favorite Goro Majima embarking on an all-new high seas adventure.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Sets a Stronger Precedent for New Game Plus Moving Forward
Infinite Wealth, Persona 3 Reload DLC Discourse
The discourse surrounding this decision had many questioning why something like NG+, which has become its own mainstay feature in most modern titles, would instead be relegated to paid add-ons. In the wake of Infinite Wealth's own controversy, a similar issue was posed with Persona 3 Reload, another Sega property, which asked players to buy the game's Expansion Pass to access its Episode Aigis 'The Answer' story content, releasing as part of its Wave 3 content rather than being offered as a standalone purchase. This type of positioning for DLC has been its own point of contention for a while now, and while something like NG+ could technically be considered an extraneous feature (at least, for titles that don't require multiple playthroughs for story completion), it does beg the question of what, exactly, constitutes 'bonus' content.
A Focus on Cosmetics in Pirate Yakuza DLC
If anything, keeping a mostly cosmetic approach to DLC feels like the proper way to treat add-on content, and Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii seems to be taking this to heart. The game will boast over 200 outfits for Majima to dress up in, with additional costumes available for those who purchase the game's Deluxe Edition. Pirate Yakuza is also being generous with its pre-order and email sign-up bonuses, letting fans dress up as Ichiban or Kiryu, even in the standard edition of the game. The Deluxe Edition's 'Legendary Outfit Pack' lets Majima don the styles of the LAD7 crew alongside Kiryu's Infinite Wealth outfit, Tomi's purple Hawaiian shirt, and Daigo, Saejima, Akiyama, and Nishiki's iconic get-ups.
In addition to Majima's plethora of fashion opportunities, Pirate Yakuza's Deluxe Edition will feature an extra Karaoke and CD pack (presumably, letting Majima listen to tunes while out on the open road and seas), a Ship Customization Pack featuring Kiryu, Ichi, and Daigo's tattoos which should affect the pattern on the ship's sails, and, lastly, a 'Legendary Pirate Crew Pack,' which should have the most bearing on actual gameplay. No great pirate can sail without a crew, and this pack will give the opportunity for Majima to add past Like a Dragon faces to his retinue, some more wholesome than others. The likes of Kiryu, Daigo, Yuki, Ono Michio, and Nugget the Chicken will be available through this pack, but so will Shimano and Sagawa, should players wish to further torment Majima.
The LAD Series' Approach to DLC Moving Forward
Overall, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii's approach to DLC seems to be affirming that fans' concerns have been heard, though it remains to be seen whether NG+ will continue as a base game fixture for series' titles moving forward. LAD Gaiden didn't have a NG+ of its own, so this could actually be a turning point, at least in the case of more Like A Dragon spinoffs. Hopefully, this extends toward the series' mainline titles as well, though for now, fans can rest easy knowing that the wait for Pirate Yakuza will soon be over, letting Majima take to the fray once more.
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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
