"Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii" Naval Combat Impresses Fans with Depth and Creativity
During the recent Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio Direct, fans were treated to a detailed showcase of the upcoming Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, a spin-off in the beloved Yakuza franchise set to release on February 21, 2025. While the video highlighted various aspects of gameplay, the standout feature was undoubtedly the naval combat, which fans are already comparing favorably to Ubisoft’s Skull and Bones for its creativity and depth. Watch the full showcase here: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio Direct.
Naval Combat Features: Customization, Crew Management, and Over-the-Top Action
Naval combat in Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii promises to be as entertaining and over-the-top as fans expect from the series:
Ship Customization: Players can fully customize the Goromaru pirate ship, from hull and armor to sails and figureheads.
Crew Management: Choose from over 100 unique sailors, each with attributes that can be improved by fostering bonds through songs, drinking sessions, and victories at sea.
Cannons and Weaponry: Equip traditional cannons or go wild with energy cannons, laser cannons, and even shark cannons, blending naval realism with the franchise’s signature absurdity.
Boarding Mechanics: Close-range combat comes alive when players board enemy ships, engaging in chaotic melee battles.
Strategic Crew Assignments: Assign crew members to attack or defense roles for maximum efficiency during encounters.
The depth and variety of these mechanics are already garnering praise, with many fans calling it a potential highlight of the game.
A Post-"Infinite Wealth" Adventure
The story begins with series favorite Goro Majima stranded on Rich Island, suffering from amnesia. Set after the events of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the game offers a fresh narrative arc while introducing a new side of Majima's character. Fans of the series can also look forward to a New Game Plus mode, which will be added as a free update after launch.
Release Details
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii launches on February 21, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S|X.
Are you ready to captain the Goromaru and unleash laser cannons on unsuspecting enemies? Let us know your thoughts on the naval combat and what you’re most excited for in the comments below!
