Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

The beloved series about japanese gangsters takes an unexpected yet thrilling turn as Goro Majima trades his snakeskin jacket for a pirate's bandana in this standalone adventure. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, this fresh take on the franchise delivers an experience that perfectly balances series traditions with all kinds of crazy innovation. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii's ambitious fusion of classic beat-em-up action with naval warfare mechanics creates a unique gaming experience that stands out in the action-adventure genre.

Combat and Crews: A Perfect Storm

The game's dual combat system stands as its crown jewel, offering players an intricate dance between the familiar "Mad Dog" style and the newly introduced "Sea Dog" stance. While the former brings back Majima's signature acrobatic prowess and lightning-fast strikes, the latter introduces a compelling pirate-themed moveset complete with dual sword combat and crafty seafaring tools. This combat variety evokes memories of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice's fluid stance-switching mechanics but with the signature Like a Dragon flair for the dramatic and absurd.

Ship battles introduce an entirely new dimension to the gameplay, transforming naval combat into intense tactical encounters that feel both strategic and spectacular. The satisfaction of landing a perfect broadside before boarding an enemy vessel creates moments of pure gaming euphoria. The ship customization system adds another layer of strategy, letting players fine-tune their vessel's performance while building a crew of colorful characters.

Paradise Lost and Found

The narrative weaves an engrossing tale of amnesia, treasure hunting, and redemption that manages to both honor Majima's complex character while taking him in bold new directions. The relationship between Majima and Noah serves as the emotional anchor, delivering touching moments amidst the chaos. The writing strikes a masterful balance between the series' trademark humor and genuine emotional depth.

The tropical setting proves to be more than just a pretty backdrop, offering a vast playground filled with hidden coves, mysterious islands, and countless side activities that rival even the most content-rich entries in the series. Every beach and jungle path holds the potential for adventure, making exploration consistently rewarding. The game's side content is particularly impressive, featuring fully-realized minigames ranging from deep-sea fishing to running a beachside tiki bar.

Review: 9.5/10

The attention to detail in the environment design deserves special mention. The development team has created a world that feels alive and dynamic, with weather systems that affect both naval and ground combat. The visual fidelity is stunning, with water effects and lighting that create truly memorable scenes, especially during sunset naval battles.

Pros:

• Innovative dual combat system that feels both fresh and familiar
• Engaging naval warfare mechanics with tactical depth
• Rich, emotionally resonant storyline that respects the character's legacy
• Stunning tropical environments filled with meaningful content
• Outstanding voice acting and character performances
• Seamless blend of serious drama and signature series humor

Cons:

• Some naval battles can become repetitive in the late game
• Island exploration occasionally hampered by invisible walls
• Ship upgrade system could benefit from more depth
• Side activities, while numerous, don't all hit the same quality mark