Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is an upcoming action-adventure game developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and published by Sega. It is a spin-off of the Like a Dragon series and takes place after the events of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (2024). The game follows Goro Majima, a longtime fan-favorite character, who finds himself stranded on a mysterious island near Hawaii with no memory of his past. With the help of a young boy named Noah Rich, Majima gathers a pirate crew and embarks on an adventure to uncover hidden treasure and piece together his lost memories. The game is set to release on February 21, 2025, for PlayStation, Xbox, and Windows platforms.

The gameplay in Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii combines fast-paced action with beat ’em up combat, a signature of the Like a Dragon series. Players control Majima and can switch between two distinct fighting styles: Mad Dog, his well-known rapid and unpredictable technique, and Sea Dog, which introduces dual cutlasses and firearms for a more aggressive pirate-inspired combat approach. A new feature allows players to jump and perform aerial combos, adding an extra layer of depth to battles. Beyond hand-to-hand combat, players can also engage in naval warfare, customizing their ship, the Goromaru, and battling enemy crews in real-time ship combat.

Exploration plays a major role in the game, as players can traverse four unique locations: Rich Island, where Majima first wakes up; Madlantis, a lawless pirate haven; Nele Island, controlled by the mysterious Palekana religious group; and Honolulu, a key city from Infinite Wealth. Each area offers a mix of story-driven missions, side quests, and various mini-games. Players can recruit new pirate crew members, upgrade their ship, and even engage in thrilling ship-boarding sequences to seize loot from rival factions. These mechanics add variety and strategic choices to the game’s open-world experience.

Like its predecessors, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii features an abundance of mini-games and side activities. Fan-favorite mini-games like Karaoke, Crazy Delivery, and Dragon Kart return, while new activities, such as Masaru’s Love Journey, provide additional ways to engage with the world. Players can also enjoy retro Sega arcade classics, including Poseidon Wars 3D, Space Harrier 3D, and The Ocean Hunter, giving longtime Sega fans a nostalgic treat. The mix of high-energy combat, quirky side content, and deep storytelling ensures an experience that appeals to both series veterans and newcomers alike.

Developed as a standalone expansion following the success of Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name (2023), Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii was created to further explore Majima’s character in a fresh and unexpected setting. The game builds upon the foundation of Infinite Wealth, expanding on the Hawaii setting while introducing new mechanics and a more expansive adventure. With its engaging story, dynamic combat, and immersive world, the game offers an exciting blend of action, humor, and drama, making it an enticing entry point for new players and a must-play for longtime fans of the Like a Dragon series.