Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza – A Thrilling Review
The Like a Dragon franchise continues to redefine action RPGs, and its latest instalment, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, is no exception. This review delves into the gameplay, story, graphics, and mechanics to see whether this tropical Yakuza adventure lives up to expectations.
A Bold New Setting – Hawaii’s Open-World Charm
For the first time, the Like a Dragon series takes players to Hawaii, a location bursting with life. The bustling streets of Honolulu, serene beaches, and hidden alleyways create an immersive world that feels vibrant and dynamic. Additionally, the tropical backdrop offers a refreshing change from the series’ usual Japanese settings, adding new depth to exploration and side quests.
The developers have intricately crafted every detail, ensuring that the open-world setting feels lived-in. Players can interact with street vendors, surf the waves, and even engage in traditional Hawaiian luaus. Moreover, the attention to cultural elements ensures that Hawaii is more than just a visual upgrade; it becomes an integral part of the experience.
Storyline – Yakuza Meets the High Seas
The Like a Dragon series is known for its gripping storytelling, and Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii delivers a unique narrative that intertwines the honour-bound Yakuza code with the lawlessness of piracy. The protagonist, a former Yakuza enforcer seeking redemption, finds himself entangled in a criminal conspiracy that spans both the land and sea.
With rival factions vying for power, players must navigate an intricate web of alliances, betrayals, and high-stakes battles. Furthermore, the introduction of naval combat and pirate lore adds an extra layer of complexity, making this instalment feel distinct from its predecessors.
The game balances humour with serious storytelling, a hallmark of the series. Expect heartfelt moments interwoven with over-the-top scenarios that keep the experience engaging from start to finish.
Combat System – A Mix of Classic and New
The Like a Dragon franchise has evolved over the years, shifting from traditional beat-em-up mechanics to turn-based RPG combat. Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii blends both styles, allowing players to switch between real-time action and strategic turn-based battles.
Hand-to-hand combat remains fluid, featuring signature Yakuza-style brawling with an added pirate twist. Players can wield cutlasses, pistols, and even makeshift weapons found in the environment. In addition, naval combat is a standout feature, introducing ship battles that require tactical positioning and strategic planning.
The return of Heat Actions ensures fights remain cinematic, with brutal and often comedic finishing moves that add flair to every encounter. As a result, the combat system caters to both longtime fans and newcomers, striking a balance between accessibility and depth.
Side Activities – Classic Yakuza Fun with a Tropical Twist
One of the biggest draws of Like a Dragon games is the sheer variety of side activities, and Pirate Yakuza in Hawaiidelivers on this front. Players can take part in a range of mini-games and side quests, each contributing to the world’s charm and immersion.
Top Side Activities:
- Surfing Competitions – Ride the waves and master the art of surfing in fast-paced mini-games.
- Luau Dance-offs – Compete in rhythm-based challenges set to traditional Hawaiian music.
- Deep-sea Treasure Hunts – Dive into the ocean to uncover hidden relics and valuable loot.
- Karaoke Bars – A Yakuza staple, now featuring pirate-themed sea shanties.
- Casino Nights – Gamble your earnings in blackjack, poker, and slot machines.
These activities not only provide a break from the main story but also offer valuable rewards that enhance gameplay.
Visuals and Soundtrack – A Feast for the Senses
The game’s visual fidelity is top-tier, with detailed character models, stunning water effects, and vibrant cityscapes. Hawaii’s tropical beauty is captured with meticulous detail, from the golden sunsets to the bustling nightlife of Honolulu.
The soundtrack is equally impressive, blending traditional Hawaiian melodies with high-energy battle themes. Furthermore, voice acting remains a highlight, with performances that bring both the drama and comedy to life.
Performance and Technical Aspects
On next-gen consoles and high-end PCs, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii runs smoothly, offering crisp 4K visuals and fluid frame rates. Additionally, load times are minimal, thanks to optimised engine improvements.
While performance is generally stable, some minor bugs and glitches can appear, particularly in crowded areas. Nevertheless, none are game-breaking, and patches are expected to address these issues.
Final Verdict – A Must-Play for Fans and Newcomers
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii successfully combines the best elements of the franchise with exciting new mechanics. The tropical setting, engaging story, and refined combat make it one of the most ambitious entries in the series.
Pros:
✔️ Engaging storyline with deep character development
✔️ Stunning open-world representation of Hawaii
✔️ Dynamic combat system blending real-time and turn-based elements
✔️ Wide variety of fun side activities
✔️ Impressive visuals and soundtrack
Cons:
❌ Some minor technical issues
❌ Slight learning curve for naval combat
If you’re a fan of the Like a Dragon series or looking for an RPG with humour, action, and heart, this game is a must-play. It builds on the franchise’s strengths while offering fresh mechanics that keep the experience exciting.
Final Thoughts
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a bold step forward for the franchise, offering a unique mix of traditional Yakuza gameplay with exciting new elements. The tropical setting, engaging narrative, and enhanced combat make it a standout title. While it has a few minor flaws, the overall experience is nothing short of fantastic. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, this game is well worth diving into.
If this review has sparked your interest why not click here to purchase on PS5 or PC?
