Goro Majima Takes on the Seas: Is Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Worth It?

It appears that RGG Studio may not have fully disclosed all details about Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. Instead, they’ve hinted that it resembles The Man Who Erased His Name, which is due for release in 2023, suggesting it could be a more substantial game. However, the upcoming title also seems to offer the first opportunity to play as Goro Majima since Yakuza Kiwami 2, making it quite appealing for fans who have been eagerly waiting for this character.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve sunk roughly 18 hours into the captivating story chapters that trace the transformation of a beloved side character from an amnesiac to a pirate master. With a plethora of additional sub-stories, unexplored locations, and the return of Honolulu resort brimming with both familiar and novel activities, this latest creation by Masayoshi Yokoyama and team significantly extends my gaming time. Although it may not reach the epic proportions of the series’ mainline installments, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii remains the kind of immersive experience that long-time fans eagerly embrace. The only drawback is that the life of a pirate can’t hold a candle to the recent standout, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.

For the very first time in its almost 20-year span, the beloved character Goro Majima assumes the lead role in the franchise, but he’s not exactly the same as you’re familiar with. Previously known as the Mad Dog of Shimano, his ruthless demeanor has faded away like the receding tide, stranding him on an island suffering from amnesia. He is cared for by a young boy named Noah and his father Jason, and eventually adapts to the local culture and people. It doesn’t take long before he ascends to become the captain of a pirate ship.

Although this game represents a significant change for the IP, it wholeheartedly immerses players in the pirate lifestyle and all its facets. The central storyline revolves around the search for a hidden treasure, which not only offers financial gain but also holds promise as a cure for Noah’s respiratory disease. Rapidly, Noah and Majima develop a strong bond, making their sea journey as much about Majima as it is about the fresh character from the series.

Despite its outlandish premise, all happenings across the game’s five chapters are considered canonical. It is assumed that you have experienced ‘Infinite Wealth’ prior, as the plot maintains a level of self-containment, though it occasionally references events, characters, and locations from the previous installment.

In contrast to the previous installments, the unexpected twists and turns that usually characterize this franchise are notably absent in Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. As a fan who’s grown accustomed to the unpredictable nature of this series, I must admit I was left wanting more excitement and intrigue. The storyline is well-executed, but it lacks the gripping quality that past adventures have delivered. It’s challenging not to feel a sense of letdown given the franchise’s rich history.

Luckily, the previous acquaintance hasn’t led to disdain in other places. RGG Studio is reintroducing Honolulu and Nele Island from last year’s game, and they’ve also added a variety of new ocean maps that include various islands to discover and collect hidden treasures from.

Steering through those waters is accomplished at the helm of a pirate ship, with an air of familiarity as if Majima had been sailing since his early days. The design keeps things intuitive and uncomplicated, aimed at making this latest feature easy to grasp. Unlike Sea of Thieves or Skull and Bones, there’s no need to consider factors like wind direction or lowering the anchor when you’re not at your post. Instead, just nudge the left joystick in the desired direction, and away you sail!

The ship is outfitted with two hand-aimed machine guns at the front and cannons positioned on both its left (port) and right (starboard) sides. While the former necessitates manual targeting, the latter automatically targets enemy ships when within range, facilitating seamless management and steering. The design ensures simplicity and convenience, making it even more effective. With this setup, you can swiftly engage in pirate ship battles, explore coastal areas for treasure, and fish for ocean resources without any hassle.

In the Like a Dragon series, there’s a fair bit of depth derived from ship and weapon upgrades, but when it comes to controlling the illicit barge, the most intricate action you can perform is drifting – and that’s quite simple. However, RGG Studio has demonstrated wise restraint in this aspect. The game doesn’t require the level of complexity found in Sea of Thieves, so by prioritizing entertaining combat and user-friendly controls, it integrates smoothly into the overall gameplay experience.

As an avid adventurer in this game, I can tell you that while hopping from one major hub to another is exciting, there’s also the option to venture off and uncover hidden riches on the coastal areas you discover. However, the game title doesn’t quite capture the essence of these smaller locations, as they often appear almost identical to each other. They predominantly adhere to two basic themes: a lush jungle setting or an indoor complex. The lack of visual diversity in their design makes what initially seems like an engaging addition to the game feel more like something you’d rather avoid for extended periods.

You see, the experience is quite repetitive – it involves sprinting down a predetermined path, battling pirates along the way, and finally snatching the treasure at the end. If you’re quick enough, you can conquer some islands in under 60 seconds! The payoff at the end is always satisfying, but the monotonous journey to it soon loses its charm.

In those numerous island battles, you have the flexibility to alternate between two combat styles – a unique feature that carries throughout the entire game. However, one style stands far above the other, making the less effective one nearly redundant. The Sea Dog style enables Majima to use his pirate swords and gear in battle, while the Mad Dog style aligns more closely with the series’ traditional approach.

With the Sea Dog style, Majima wields his twin swords, tossing them, shooting a pistol, and utilizing a chain hook to draw nearer to adversaries. Conversely, in the Mad Dog style, Majima resorts to fist fights and stabbings with a dagger.

This new game in the Like a Dragon series offers the traditional action you’ve grown accustomed to from the veteran games, but with a twist – it employs the old-school action-brawler combat system rather than the more recent turn-based battles. However, despite offering two different combat styles, the contrast between them is so significant that it feels as though Mad Dog was merely added to give a sense of variety.

In other words, the special attack that Majima possesses, fueled by a Madness Gauge, is the only aspect worth noting. When faced with numerous enemy pirates, Majima can generate copies of himself to aid in defeating them for a brief period, which can be incredibly useful in crowded situations. However, in most other scenarios, Sea Dog outperforms it in all aspects.

Although it may seem unusual due to the delightful Sea Dog playstyle, it adds even more incentive to immerse oneself in the familiar traits of a traditional Yakuza: Like a Dragon adventure. Honolulu has been updated with humorous subplots, Dragon Kart returns from Yakuza: Like a Dragon, scattered bounties offer cash rewards across the map, and a novel feature allows you to save animals as pets in a new activity.

In Hawaiian setting, Pirate Yakuza offers all the engaging elements of a modern Like a Dragon game, but its best moments don’t quite match up with the main series. This is fine for the time being as we anticipate the next installment after Infinite Wealth. Rest assured, there’s plenty of enjoyable entertainment and familiar comfort in Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii to keep you satisfied until then.

2025-02-18 18:07

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