The Like a Dragon series has never been afraid to take chances, but with Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, RGG Studio might have delivered its most audacious experiment yet. Placing the chaotic fan-favorite Goro Majima in a tropical pirate setting sounds like the premise of fan fiction, yet somehow it works brilliantly. This review of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii explores how this unexpected spin-off balances the franchise’s signature elements with fresh naval mechanics, examining what works, what doesn’t, and whether this high-seas adventure is worth your time.

Story: Majima’s Memorable Voyage

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii begins with an amnesia trope that quickly evolves into something more compelling—Majima awakens on a Hawaiian shore with no memory of how he arrived, soon befriending a young boy named Noah Rich. As Majima finds his footing, he discovers Hawaii is embroiled in a pirate war, with various factions fighting for control over trade routes, treasures, and a legendary artifact known as the Esperanza.

The narrative expertly balances humor and drama, staying true to the franchise’s identity. Majima’s wild energy shines in his interactions with locals and rival pirates, yet the story allows for quieter moments that explore his struggles with identity and purpose. While Infinite Wealth focused on Ichiban’s journey of self-discovery, this spin-off provides an equally compelling character arc for Majima, delivering one of the most nuanced portrayals of his character to date.

Hawaii isn’t merely a backdrop but a living environment with rich history, conflicts, and myths. Each region has distinct NPCs with their own perspectives on the ongoing power struggle. The diverse pirate crews are well-written, featuring unique motivations and internal conflicts that make them feel three-dimensional whether they become enemies or allies.

The story isn’t without flaws, however. The middle portion suffers from pacing issues, with some sections slowing considerably due to mandatory substories and extended exposition. Though the writing remains strong throughout, these detours can feel unnecessary. Fortunately, the game’s humorous substories and unexpected encounters help compensate for these slower moments.

Combat: Brawler Returns with a Pirate Twist

Combat in Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii returns to the real-time brawler format rather than the turn-based system of recent mainline entries. This approach aligns with its status as a spin-off title similar to Like a Dragon Gaiden. Majima wields two distinct fighting styles: Mad Dog, which emphasizes his signature acrobatics and speed, and Sea Dog, a new style incorporating cutlasses, pistols, and chain hook attacks. Switching between these styles mid-battle adds strategic depth, making encounters feel dynamic and engaging.

The Mad Dog style closely resembles Majima’s fighting techniques from Yakuza 0, maintaining his unpredictable movements and rewarding aggressive play with flashy, satisfying combos. Meanwhile, the Sea Dog style introduces pirate-themed weaponry, combining swordplay and ranged attacks for a more tactical approach to controlling space and crowds.

The combat’s fluidity is particularly impressive, with smooth, responsive animations giving weight to every attack. Heat Moves return with over-the-top pirate-inspired finishers, from harpoon skewering to launching enemies off ship masts. The variety of combat scenarios—from coastal town street fights to ship deck brawls—keeps the action fresh and engaging.

Despite these strengths, enemy AI sometimes feels underwhelming, lacking the challenge of previous entries. The lock-on system can also be awkward in tight spaces, occasionally making precise targeting difficult. Nevertheless, combat remains one of the game’s strongest aspects, particularly for fans who enjoy high-speed, visceral action.

Naval Combat: A Fresh But Imperfect Addition

One of the game’s boldest innovations is naval combat, allowing players to command Majima’s ship, the Goromaru. This system includes ship-to-ship battles using cannons, boarding enemy vessels for hand-to-hand combat, and upgrading the ship with better weapons and defenses. Naval combat offers surprising depth, with various weapon options like cannons, rocket launchers, and gatling guns suited for different scenarios. The ability to ram enemy ships or board them adds tactical variety and excitement.

Ship customization is a highlight, letting players enhance speed, firepower, and durability while personalizing sails, hull designs, and recruiting crew members with unique perks. This system encourages exploration and resource management to maintain the Goromaru’s combat effectiveness. The Pirates’ Coliseum serves as a naval combat arena with increasingly difficult challenges, rewarding rare ship upgrades and customization options that make it a worthwhile diversion.

However, naval combat can feel repetitive during longer engagements, and enemy ship AI occasionally struggles with pathfinding. Despite these issues, the spectacle of explosive cannon fire and high-seas boarding raids makes it an entertaining addition to the franchise.

Gameplay: Mini-Games and Exploration

True to the series’ form, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii offers abundant side content. Traditional favorites like Karaoke, Dragon Kart, and Crazy Delivery return alongside new pirate-themed activities. Treasure Hunting stands out, allowing players to explore various islands for rewards and Rings that enhance Majima’s combat abilities or provide parts for upgrading the Goromaru.

Exploration is rewarding, with Hawaii’s open waters and islands hiding numerous secrets. Each island features unique side stories, shops, and optional challenges that make discovery feel meaningful rather than just a progression checkpoint.

Masaru’s Love Journey is a standout dating sim-style activity where Majima serves as wingman for his crewmate Masaru Fujita, recruiting Minato Ward Girls. This feature includes live-action scenes featuring cosplayer Enako, media personality Kaho Shibuya, and other notable figures, delivering some of the game’s most hilarious moments.

While these activities provide plenty of entertainment, some feel recycled from previous entries with only minor changes, potentially becoming repetitive over extended play. Nevertheless, the variety ensures there’s always something engaging beyond the main storyline.

Verdict

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a bold and mostly successful experiment that embraces the absurdity of its premise while delivering a heartfelt character journey. Majima shines as a protagonist, and the game’s mix of land-based and naval combat keeps things engaging—though some mechanics lack the polish needed to make them truly shine. The story is compelling, even if pacing issues occasionally slow it down, and the mini-games continue to be a highlight.

For fans of the franchise, this spin-off is a must-play, offering another chance to experience Majima’s wild antics. However, those expecting the depth of previous entries may find some aspects lacking. While not a perfect voyage, it’s certainly an entertaining one.  Overall, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii successfully captures the franchise’s charm while introducing fresh mechanics. While not perfect, it’s a thrilling adventure that Majima fans won’t want to miss.

Played on PC

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

Release Date TBC

PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Steam, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

A new legend begins as you step into the steel toe boots of Goro Majima, a man who has lost his memory and reinvents himself as a pirate on the open sea.

Embark on an over-the-top, modern-day pirate adventure with an ex-yakuza, now pirate captain and his crew as they engage in exhilarating combat on land and sea in the hunt for lost memories and a legendary treasure.