Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Review

Throughout the years, the Like a Dragon TV series, which was formerly known as Yakuza around the world, has undergone a great deal of transformation. What was initially a brutal crime drama with ‘beat-em-up’ gameplay has gradually evolved into a full-fledged role-playing game with hilarious, boisterous fun, odd side missions, and a cast of legendary characters. 

After the popularity of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio wanted to ensure that Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii was even more successful than its predecessor. To this end, they included pirates, Hawaiian clothing, and action sequences set in tropical environments.

Throughout the years, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the developer of the series, has become a household name by combining a brutally realistic crime plot with bizarre humor and intricate gaming mechanics. Ever since SEGA established them, they have been working on narrative video games that have achieved the highest sales worldwide. 

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii takes the game's signature narrative and gameplay to an even higher level, transporting players to an entirely new set of circumstances while preserving the core elements that have contributed to the series' popularity.

This game has a weird but suitable blend of Hawaiian culture, criminal syndicates, and pirate shenanigans. Ichiban Kasuga, once again leading the way for lunacy, introduced this combination. However, does this beach trip measure up to the high standards that the series has set for itself, or is it just looking like a sunburn waiting to happen? Let's check it out.

Ichiban Kasuga, who has always been an optimist, finds himself in Hawaii after being invited to a "business opportunity" that is, of course, a setup. The Hawaiian Islands have been used as a base of operations by a group of postmodern pirates, local crime syndicates, and remnants of the Yakuza. What was supposed to be a peaceful escape from the gang life of Japan quickly turns into a criminal turf war between these groups.

Betrayals with huge stakes and side missions in which Kasuga is tasked with teaching visitors how to do the hula dance correctly are just two examples of the game's unique combination of eccentric crime drama and dramatic humor. Additionally, it introduces new factions, such as a Hawaiian-Japanese criminal organization and an eccentric pirate commander who asserts that he is the reincarnation of Blackbeard.

Because the concepts of brotherhood, loyalty, and being a part of the world are as powerful as they have ever been, some genuinely touching moments occur in the midst of the mayhem. Even though the pace of the story slows down at times due to the presence of prolonged cutscenes, the combination of comedy and drama is sufficient to keep things entertaining throughout the journey.

On the other hand, if you have previously played Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the game will feel instantly familiar to you. It continues with the turn-based role-playing game gameplay style that was introduced in Like a Dragon (2020), in which every character has certain abilities, jobs, and special attacks that are unique to them alone.

Additionally, the gameplay of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza includes additional elements, such as ship combat, water battles, and even treasure hunts in the depths of the ocean.

The journey across Hawaii is a lot of fun because there is so much to do. At any given moment, there are a variety of activities available, such as surfing, playing minigames, or operating an underground speakeasy. 

There is also something called a "Notoriety System," which is a system in which Kasuga's activities determine how the various groups on the island approach him. Assisting the villagers will result in the formation of friendships; however, producing an excessive amount of chaos will result in bounty hunters pursuing you.

Jobs have returned with a new set of ridiculous but useful jobs, such as "Beach Bum" (in which you get to shoot sand at enemies), "Tiki Shaman" (in which support skills will have mystical Hawaiian power), and "Deep Diver" (in which you fight with a harpoon). By combining new and classic gaming principles, you can ensure that the gameplay will never become boring.

The combat mode is similar to the turn-based, team-oriented battle that was featured in Like a Dragon, but it also includes some new elements. There are times when fighting takes place in water due to the tropical atmosphere, which requires you to adjust your strategies based on the geography of the surroundings.

Some characters are more effective when fighting on land, while others are more effective when fighting near water. The newly implemented "Momentum System" adds an additional layer of complexity to the overall strategy by enabling players to chain strikes across multiple characters if the situation is ideal. 

Ship fighting is an element that may be both exciting and challenging at times. These are grid-based combat scenarios that serve as tactical situations in which Kasuga and his crew take control of a small boat to battle pirate ships. Although the premise is intriguing, the ship controls can be difficult to use, and the conflicts tend to slow down the pace of the game. 

The highlight of the game is, as usual, the boss fights. These interactions, which can range from a sumo wrestler who has converted into a pirate leader to a dishonest billionaire who is located in an underwater casino, are both ludicrous and challenging.

With the addition of combat augmentations, battles become more exciting, while the job system continues to be an enjoyable and effective way to develop your crew. Battles are given an additional depth by the fact that they can take place in a variety of locations, including beaches, clubs, boats, and even luaus.

On the other hand, some ship battles go on for longer than they should, and underwater combat can sometimes feel like a gimmick in certain situations. It is not possible to say that the fame system is flawless because there are instances in which it appears as though the game is attempting to punish you for engaging in normal gaming practices.

Grinding is handled well, and there are plenty of side quests, and chance encounters with enemies to ensure that things continue to move along at a sufficient speed. 

The "Island Survival Mode" is a new addition to this installment, and it allows players to fight against waves of enemies that are progressively more difficult to earn more experience points and prizes. Increasing your level also grants you access to additional skills that are based on the environment, such as the ability to call forth a rogue wave to eliminate adversaries.

Pirate Yakuza has a fantastic appearance, much like a dragon. Tropical climates are conducive to the creation of breathtaking panoramas, which might range from the bustling downtown streets of Honolulu to the tranquil beaches that are hidden away.

Character models are extremely detailed, and their facial expressions are appropriate for comedy and tragic settings. The lighting effects enhance the game's cinematic atmosphere, particularly during the fight scenes at sunset. However, there are a few small graphical issues, such as pop-ins and texture issues. These issues are not particularly big and, despite being obvious, do not destroy immersion.

The soundtrack combines authentic Hawaiian music with the Like a Dragon attitude. Be prepared for battle themes featuring ukuleles, remixed Yakuza fight music, and some crazy karaoke recordings featuring pirate sea shanties.

Voice work is of the highest quality, with regulars performing with the warmth that has become their trademark and new members fitting in perfectly. Although the Japanese version is not too far behind in terms of technical standards, the English alternative takes a little bit of creative license here and there to add some comedic elements. Both dubs work well.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is an additional provocative and bold move from the series. Its purpose is to bring together the Yakuza and the pirates in a manner that is as farcically absurd as possible. The incredible experience created by the combination of turn-based combat, open environment, and insane humor is truly remarkable.

It is nonetheless a significant contribution to the genre, despite the fact that it is not flawless and has some issues with the tempo and the mechanics of the game. If you are a fan of Infinite Wealth, you absolutely must play this.