Combat in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii returns to the series’ action-oriented roots, rather than the turn-based combat featured in Like a Dragon and Infinite Wealth. Protagonist Goro Majima can fight in two different Styles: the hand-to-hand Mad Dog and the cutlass, hook- and gun-wielding Sea Dog. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii further enhances its combat system with the addition of Rings, accessories Majima can equip that boost his stats and have a variety of effects. Rings are the perfect choice for Majima, who is both a skilled hand-to-hand combatant and a lover of unique and often ostentatious fashion.
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The Use Of Rings Emphasizes Majima’s Association With Hands
Since his very first appearance in the original Yakuza game, Goro Majima has been associated with hands. He prefers to use his hands to fight – although he’s not above pulling out a knife or using assorted objects like bicycles or traffic cones as improvised weapons mid-battle. Throughout the series, he has engaged in hand-to-hand fights with a variety of foes, most notably Kazuma Kiryu – particularly in Yakuza Kiwami, where he was a frequently recurring enemy as part of the infamous “Majima Everywhere” system.
His poses often emphasize his hands, with one of his standard ones having his arms spread wide with his hands out in front of him making claw-like gestures. This pose is particularly associated with Majima’s more chaotic and unhinged nature and his identity as the “Mad Dog of Shimano.” Finally, one of Majima’s most iconic clothing items, perhaps just as memorable as his trademark snakeskin jacket, is a pair of black gloves that further put the focus onto his hands.
Rings are a perfect accessory for such a hand-focused individual, and Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii makes full use of this. Majima can equip up to ten rings, one on each finger, and they have effects such as increasing Reputation, charging his Heat Gauge, or showing players the location of treasure chests. The in-game Ring menu sees Majima once again making either a crossed-arm pose or his signature “hands out” pose – with a traditional Mad Dog smirk – as he displays the various rings the player has equipped him with.
Rings Are Both A Pirate’s Treasure And A Fashion Accessory
The use of rings as stat-boosting items allows the game’s treasure collecting system to become more than simply just a pirate-flavored hunt for shiny collectibles. Many of the game’s best rings are found only in treasure chests, encouraging players to seek them out so that they can gain their valuable effects. This is a great addition to the system, as most of the other treasure items simply grant money and reputation points.
Finally, in addition to their combat utility, Pirate Yakuza’s rings are quite fashionable and stylish. This is once again a good fit for Majima, who has always been a more fashion-focused character than fellow protagonists Kiryu and Ichiban. Majima’s iconic looks have ranged from the sharp suit he wore as a cabaret manager in Yakuza 0 to the snakeskin dress of Goromi the hostess to the various pirate longcoats and hats he dons in this game. The rings only add to Majima’s stylish look, although certain combinations can look a bit ridiculous when paired together.
The inclusion of rings was a great decision that enhances Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii’s combat system, adds stakes to its treasure collection, and simply allows Majima to look great while he beats people up in Mad Dog Style or slashes at them as a Sea Dog. Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii players should definitely aim to collect all the various rings in the game and try out different combinations to see what works best for Majima, both effects- and looks-wise.
- 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
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