Sailing the high seas, battling pirate crews, and hunting for treasure isn’t something you’d normally associate with Like a Dragon. Yet, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii throws you straight into a world of swashbuckling chaos. Goro Majima, the ever-unpredictable Mad Dog of Shimano, finds himself washed up on a Hawaiian beach, stripped of his memories and surrounded by outlaws. Before long, he’s at the heart of a treasure hunt filled with danger, deception, and plenty of chaos.
At first, the pirate theme feels like a bizarre fit for the series. But within the first hour, you’ll be dodging cannon fire, raiding islands, and assembling a crew of unusual allies. It’s a ridiculous setup, but one that works surprisingly well.
Despite the drastic shift in setting, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii sticks to what the series does best—brutal combat, over-the-top side activities, and a story that blends action and humour with emotional moments. It’s an adventure that embraces its madness without sacrificing the identity of the franchise.
A Swashbuckling Story With Familiar Charm
Majima waking up with no memory in a tropical paradise sounds like the setup for a comedy, but it’s the foundation of a surprisingly interesting story. With no past to hold him back, he takes on a new identity as a pirate, setting sail in search of the legendary Esperanza treasure. Along for the ride is Noah, a curious local boy who quickly becomes Majima’s closest friend. Together, they travel a world of rogue captains, treasure hunters, and rival pirates.
While the premise is as over-the-top as you’d expect, the game doesn’t forget its storytelling roots. Majima’s relationship with Noah adds genuine heart to the adventure, and the ragtag crew he gathers along the way—ranging from a former yakuza-turned-chef to a battle-hardened pirate champion—keeps the journey entertaining. The series’ signature mix of over-the-top humour and heartfelt character moments is still here, making this far more than just a silly pirate parody.
Taking Majima out of Japan and throwing him into a world of pirates seemed like a risky move. But the game fully embraces the setting, blending classic Like a Dragon storytelling with a fresh, adventurous atmosphere. It’s part pirate epic, part crime drama, and somehow, it all works.
Fierce Battles on Land and Sea
The Like a Dragon series is known for its action-packed combat, and this entry adds a major new element—naval battles. Majima takes command of the Goromarua, a customizable warship equipped with cannons, machine guns, and more strange weapons like shark launchers and flamethrowers. Ship battles require strategy and quick thinking, as positioning, crew management, and repairs all play a role in survival.
One encounter had me surrounded by three enemy ships, with cannon fire blasting through my hull. I had to quickly reassign crew members to repair stations while following behind the largest ship for a broadside attack. Just as my ship’s durability dropped to low levels, I blasted both ships with explosives, sinking them one by one. The last one tried to escape, but a well-timed shark cannon shot finished the job. It was chaotic, messy, and exactly the kind of over-the-top action I love about this series.
On land, combat stays true to the series’ roots. Majima has two distinct fighting styles—Mad Dog, a fast and aggressive swordplay style, and Sea Dog, which lets him dual-wield cutlasses, fire pistols, and use a grappling hook for aerial attacks. Heat Actions remain as brutal as ever, though some feel more cinematic than practical. Large-scale fights introduce huge enemy waves, making some battles feel closer to Dynasty Warriors than traditional Like a Dragon encounters.
Outside of combat, exploration is open-ended, allowing you to sail between islands, hunt for treasure, and take on challenges. While there’s a lot to do, frequent random ship battles can slow the pacing. Lighthouses serve as fast-travel points, which helps reduce unnecessary travel time.
Plenty to Do Beyond the Main Story
Beyond combat and exploration, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is packed with side activities. The Pirate Coliseum lets you battle waves of enemies for rewards, while ship management involves assigning crew members, maintaining morale, and upgrading weapons.
Minigames return in full force, with activities like gambling, karaoke, fishing, and photography. Familiar favorites like Dragon Kart and Crazy Eats make a comeback, ensuring there’s plenty to do outside the main story. The social media feature lets Majima interact with locals, unlocking unique side missions and storylines.
While some activities can feel repetitive, the sheer variety of content ensures there’s always something new to explore.
A World Full of Adventure and Chaos
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii captures the pirate fantasy with colourful environments, detailed ship designs, and expressive character animations. From beaches to jungles and island towns, the setting feels distinct from previous games. Majima’s ship, the Goromarua, is packed with small details, from weathered sails to glowing lanterns at night.
Character models look great in cutscenes, with expressive facial animations that add to key story moments. However, some NPCs and background textures look dated, particularly in less important areas. The ocean effects are decent, but waves can feel repetitive during long sailing sequences. Some islands also feel visually underdeveloped compared to the main hubs.
Combat animations remain flashy and satisfying, with Majima’s swordplay and Heat Actions delivering plenty to look at. Large battles fill the screen with enemies, attacks, and visual effects, though occasional slowdown can occur in the most chaotic encounters.
The soundtrack blends classic Like a Dragon energy with pirate-themed instrumentals. Sea shanties and orchestral battle tracks add to the high-seas adventure. Majima’s voice acting is a highlight, bringing his chaotic energy to life, while some minor NPCs sound a bit flat.
Performance is mostly stable, with only minor frame drops in large-scale fights. Load times are quick, and the game runs smoothly.
A Pirate Adventure Worth Taking
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii takes the franchise in a bold new direction while keeping its signature gameplay and storytelling intact. The combination of naval combat, fast-paced brawling, and open-world exploration creates an experience that feels new yet unmistakably Like a Dragon. Majima’s larger-than-life personality fits perfectly in this chaotic pirate setting, and the game balances humour with heartfelt moments.
Combat is fast, chaotic, and fun, whether you’re slicing through enemies with cutlasses or launching sharks from a cannon. Naval battles are exciting but can feel repetitive over time. The world is packed with activities, customization, and wild side quests, offering plenty to do long after the credits roll.
Whether you’re here for the action, comedy, or endless distractions, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii delivers a fun, unpredictable adventure. It may not be for everyone, but Majima’s pirate journey is one I think is worth setting sail for.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
Summary
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii throws Majima into a pirate adventure with naval combat, treasure hunts, and chaotic brawling. Ship battles and exploration bring fresh mechanics, while the story blends absurdity with heartfelt moments. Some ship encounters feel repetitive, and visuals show their age, but the combat, side content, and wild setting make for a fun, unpredictable experience.
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