Summary
- Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii brings innovative naval combat & exploration to the series.
- Goro Majima takes the lead for the first time, expanding character development in the game.
- The game evolves the combat system by introducing new land & aerial mechanics, pushing series boundaries.
Over the last, almost two decades of its lifespan, the Like a Dragon series has maintained a certain formula when it comes to gameplay and storytelling. By and large, while there have been occasional innovations made to these elements here and there, the series has been more iterative rather than revolutionary, preferring to refine its core gameplay over multiple Like a Dragon games rather than drastically change its formula. The Like a Dragon series has certainly taken gradual steps toward evolution over time, but it has remained stagnant more often than not. That’s what makes Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii stand out as a bold entry, as it proves the series can still innovate.
The heart of the series’ formula is still very much present in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, but the additions and changes it makes to the series’ iconic gameplay are undeniably innovative, especially when it comes to its exploration and combat. These elements, in addition to Goro Majima taking the lead for the first time in a Like a Dragon game, make Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii a major leap toward a bright future for the series.
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Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Review
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii successfully gives classic Like a Dragon beat ’em up action a pirate-themed makeover.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Innovates the Iterative Series
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Features Naval Combat and Exploration
The most significant innovation Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii has brought to the series is its naval combat and exploration, as this type of gameplay feature has never before been implemented in a Like a Dragon game. In Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, players take control of Goro Majima’s ship, the Goromaru, with which they can explore the open seas in a hunt for treasure, engage in real-time, epic naval battles, and board enemy vessels for melee combat. The introduction of maritime features to the Like a Dragon formula is hopefully a good sign of what is to come for the series in terms of innovation.
Goro Majima Is the Lead Protagonist for the First Time in the Series
Another bold choice made by Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is its willingness to put fan-favorite character Goro Majima front and center as the sole lead protagonist for the first time in a Like a Dragon game. Prior to Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, Majima took on a protagonistic role to some degree in certain entries, but never before has he been given the full spotlight. This shows the Like a Dragon series’ willingness to step outside its comfort zone once in a while and experiment with unconventional leading characters in a non-traditional setting.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii also makes some bold decisions regarding Majima’s character development, expanding his character beyond his typical chaotic, side-character role.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Innovates the Series’ Combat
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii also innovates by introducing some new mechanics to the series’ iconic combat system. There is, of course, the obvious addition of naval combat, but land combat has received some new features as well. Specifically, for the first time in the series, players can execute jumps and perform mid-air combos in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii‘s combat. Previous games in the series have incorporated basic aerial moves, but they were limited in comparison to what Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii offers.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is evidence of the series’ ability to evolve without leaving its identity behind entirely. While Like a Dragon has long applied a more iterative approach, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii proves that innovation is still on the table for the series. From its naval exploration to fresh combat mechanics and a bold narrative shift with Majima as the lead, the game shows Like a Dragon‘s willingness to push boundaries and take risks, paving the road ahead for the franchise.
- Released
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February 21, 2025
- ESRB
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Mature 17+ // Blood, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol