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Review of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii on PS5

by Jay Aborro Jay Aborro photo Feb 2025
Cover image of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii on PS5
Gamefings Score: 9
Platform: PS5 PS5 logo
Released: 21 Feb 2025
Genre: Action-adventure, Beat 'em up, Hack and slash
Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Publisher: Sega

Introduction

Set sail for an adventure unlike any other with 'Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii'. This spin-off promises a raucous blend of action, treasure hunting, and beach vibes. Is Goro Majima ready to trade his suit for a pirate hat, or will he just look ridiculous in it? Spoiler alert: he looks pretty awesome.

Gameplay

Taking the helm as Goro Majima, the flamboyant ex-yakuza dude, players will find themselves washed up on Rich Island. It's a paradise, until every other pirate and ex-yakuza member wants to chop you up like sushi. The gameplay stays true to the franchise’s roots with a beat ‘em up combat system, only this time we’re wielding cutlasses and pistols. Majima's two fighting styles, Mad Dog and Sea Dog, offer the perfect combo of speed and swashbuckling flair. Who knew pirating could be so stylish? The open seas beckon with the chance to gather your own crew and upgrade your ship, the humorously-named Goromaru. Sea battles are not just for show; players will be boarding enemy ships and taking on rival pirate crews. Think of it as a new take on the classic 'shiver me timbers' approach. The game also features beloved minigames like Karaoke and Crazy Delivery, alongside fresh antics including 'Masaru's Love Journey', which sounds like a dating sim gone very, very wrong. Expect mid-air combo attacks as Majima jumps aboard ships, swinging cutlasses like he’s auditioning for the next 'Pirates of the Caribbean'. Add a little 8-bit nostalgia from retro Sega games like 'Poseidon Wars 3D' to the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for an escapade that’s as entertaining as it is chaotic.

Graphics

Breathtaking. 'Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii' brings forth impressive PS5 graphics that make the sun-kissed landscapes and vibrant islands pop. Whether it's the detailed rain-soaked streets of Honolulu or the sandy shores of Rich Island, every pixel feels like a postcard. The character models have that typical Yakuza flair, with Majima's audacity fully realized in stunning detail. Add to that some slick combat animations, and you get a visual treat that’s as eye-catching as it is engaging.

Conclusion

'Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii' sets sail on an exciting journey filled with brawls, nautical adventures, and Majima’s signature craziness. It successfully blends familiar gameplay with a swashbuckling twist, resulting in a fun distraction from the mundane. It’s a game made for those who think that fighting with pirates is merely a form of self-expression. Prepare to dive into the chaos and embrace your inner pirate; you'll hardly notice the time flying by. Just be ready to encounter one wild party on the high seas and make sure to pack your (non-diarrhea-inducing) snacks for the trip!

See Latest Prices for Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii on PS5 on Amazon

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