Game Review: 'Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii'

"Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii" is a spin-off of the "Like a Dragon" series that takes place after the events of "Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth". Goro Majima, the game's main protagonist, was washed ashore in one of the Hawaiian islands and has zero memory of his past.

Majima then goes on a swashbuckling, treasure-hunting adventure with his new friends from Rich Island while trying to regain his memory. Goro Majima has already appeared in older "Yakuza" and "Like a Dragon" games including "Yakuza 0", "Yakuza: Dead Souls", "Yakuza: Kiwami 2", and "Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth".

Immersive, Story-driven Game

While "Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii" is an action-adventure game, it's very immersive. New players can easily get into "Pirate Yakuza's" story without having to catch up on older "Yakuza" or "Like a Dragon" games. What makes Majima's character appeal to the old and new fans of the series is his loud yet quirky and free-spirited personality.

The game certainly doesn't lack humor and drama, especially with Majima's interactions with the NPCs (non-playable characters). "Pirate Yakuza's" story is engaging and the dialogue is worth reading. It's the "not-putting-down-the-controller-until-you-reach-a-certain-part" kind of game.

Gameplay and Controls

Similarly, "Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii" features the same "beat 'em up" style combat system as the past "Like a Dragon" games but with RPG elements. Majima has two combat styles: "Mad Dog" and "Sea Dog".

"Mad Dog" is Majima's default fighting style utilizing his speed and agility. On the other hand, the "Sea Dog" style lets Majima wield cutlasses and pirate threads with hack-and-slash move sets. Majima can learn new moves and upgrade them. Having played both styles, Majima's "Mad Dog" style would be the safe choice for beginners. Though his "Sea Dog" style has a better range because of his cutlasses, it may take some time to get used to, especially for new players.

Fighting bad guys is the best way to earn money and upgrade his abilities. It's also important to stock up on food to replenish Majima's health and "heat up" gauge. Not being able to access your inventory during fights at "treasure islands" adds a bit of difficulty. Yet, side quests at "treasure islands" help Majima and his crew to level up their abilities, pirate ranks, and earn money.

Island-hopping Aboard the Goromaru

Majima and his merry men can go island-hopping aboard the Goromaru, the vessel named after Noah's little "cat". While sailing the vast ocean to each of their destinations, the Goromaru can pick up useful items to repair the vessel and ingredients for cooking.

Controlling the Goromaru can be tricky, especially when avoiding whirlpools, lighting during sea storms, and pirate ship battles. The Goromaru can dock at the nearest lighthouse for repairs and boost the Goro Pirates' morale.

Majima Can Cook

Despite having amnesia, Majima can now cook food and is a welcome feature to "Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii". Various dishes made by Majima are essential in replenishing his health throughout his adventures. Most ingredients can be bought at stores but some can be harvested by planting herb, potato, and onion seedlings in soil pots.

Soil pots are strategically located in some areas. These seedlings can be found in Rich Island, Nele Island, Madlantis, and Honolulu. New dishes can be unlocked in the game when you purchase different kinds of meat and vegetables at grocery stores.

SEGA Easter Egg(s)

"Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii" is still considered a SEGA game although it was developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio. Don't be surprised to see a retro SEGA console somewhere in the game. Retro SEGA consoles have also appeared in past "Yakuza" and "Like a Dragon" games.

Being able to play retro SEGA console games on "Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii" brings nostalgia to old heads and for new players to try out the retro console.

Retro SEGA original soundtracks can also be accessed in some areas throughout the game.

Optimization and Visuals

While "Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii" is expected to get better visuals and performance on ninth-generation consoles like the Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio made sure the game is fully optimized on the PlayStation 4.

The graphics on the PS4 version is still visually stunning and runs smoothly. Players who haven't upgraded yet to PlayStation 5 will be very pleased with the PlayStation 4 version of the game. It's great to see SEGA and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio still support the PlayStation 4.

Verdict

The PlayStation 4's support may end in 2026, but SEGA and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio remain committed to putting out awesome games on the console. "Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii" is just one of those games that makes the PlayStation 4 still a great and very reliable console.

For an action-adventure, beat 'em up game, it's immersive and fun to play. Goro Majima's personality is truly appealing. It's no surprise that players are drawn to his character.

What makes "Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii" worth playing, especially for the PlayStation 4? It has a great story and gameplay.

Noob Geek Rating: 9/10

(Note: Review code was provided by SEGA Asia)