Sailing across the open sea, commanding a pirate crew, and firing cannons at enemy ships isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Like a Dragon. Yet Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii throws you into exactly that. Goro Majima, the Mad Dog of Shimano, wakes up on a Hawaiian beach with no memory, only to find himself at the center of a chaotic treasure hunt.
At first, the idea of a pirate-themed Like a Dragon game seemed hard to imagine. Then, an hour in, I was dodging cannon fire, plundering islands, and commanding a ship crewed by some of the most absurd characters the series has ever introduced. It was ridiculous in all the right ways.
Despite the over-the-top setup, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii doesn’t stray from what makes the series great. The hand-to-hand combat remains brutal, side activities are as ridiculous as ever, and the story balances comedy with emotional moments. It’s an adventure that leans into its absurdity without losing the Like a Dragon identity.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii details
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One and PC
Developer(s): Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Publisher(s): Sega
Genre: Action-adventure, beat ’em up, hack and slash
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: M (Mature 17+)
A treasure hunt like no other
Goro Majima waking up on a Hawaiian beach with no memory sets the stage for one of the most unusual Like a Dragon stories yet. With no past to tie him down, he throws himself into a new identity as a pirate, assembling a crew and chasing the legendary Esperanza treasure. Alongside him is Noah, a wide-eyed local boy who quickly becomes his closest ally, guiding him through this strange world of seafaring outlaws and modern-day treasure hunters.
Despite the ridiculous setup, the game doesn’t abandon what makes Like a Dragon stories work. Majima’s journey is filled with over-the-top action, but there’s real heart in how he bonds with Noah and his crew. The ragtag group he gathers—ranging from a former yakuza-turned-chef to a pirate coliseum champion—fits right in with the series’ tradition of eccentric yet endearing side characters. Even with all the sword fights, cannon battles, and high-seas chaos, the story still finds time for quieter moments, where Majima’s past and present begin to collide.
Going in, I wasn’t sure how a pirate-themed Like a Dragon story would hold up. The series thrives on urban crime drama, and taking Majima out of Japan seemed like a major risk. But the game commits to its setting completely, weaving classic Like a Dragon storytelling into an adventure that somehow feels both new and familiar. It’s part swashbuckling blockbuster, part character-driven drama, and somehow, it works.
Combat on land and sea
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii expands the series’ traditional brawling mechanics with full-scale naval battles. Majima commands the Goromarua, a customizable warship armed with cannons, machine guns, and unconventional weapons like shark launchers and flamethrowers. Ship-to-ship combat focuses on positioning, crew management, and real-time decision-making as enemies attempt to flank and overwhelm you. Larger battles require balancing offense with repairs while avoiding getting surrounded.
One battle had me cornered by three pirate ships, with cannon fire tearing through my hull. I rerouted crew members to repair stations while maneuvering behind the largest ship for a broadside attack. Just as my ship’s durability hit critical levels, I launched a barrage of explosives, sinking two ships in succession. The last ship tried to escape, but a well-timed shark cannon shot took it down. It was chaotic, messy, and exactly the kind of over-the-top action you’d expect from Majima at sea.
On land, combat follows traditional Like a Dragon brawling with two fighting styles. Mad Dog mirrors Majima’s fast, aggressive swordplay, while Sea Dog embraces the pirate theme, letting you dual-wield cutlasses, fire pistols, and use a grappling hook for acrobatic attacks. Heat Actions are powerful, but some favour flashiness over practical use. Larger battles introduce massive enemy waves, shifting the combat toward crowd control, making some fights feel closer to Dynasty Warriors than classic Like a Dragon encounters.
Exploration takes an open-ended approach, allowing you to sail islands, plunder treasure, and tackle challenges. The world is packed with side objectives, though repetitive ship battles can slow pacing. Lighthouses serve as fast-travel points, making long-distance travel easier, though random encounters can slow the pace at times.
A high-seas spectacle with some rough waters
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii embraces its pirate theme with colourful locations, detailed ship designs, and expressive character movements. The mix of Hawaiian beaches, jungles, and island towns makes the setting feel distinct from past games. Majima’s ship, the Goromarua, has intricate details, from worn sails to glowing lanterns at night.
Character models are detailed in cutscenes, with expressive faces and smooth animations. However, some NPCs and background textures feel dated, especially on ships. The water effects are decent, but waves can appear repetitive in open-sea travel. Some islands feel underdeveloped, with fewer visual details compared to the main hubs.
Combat animations remain flashy and fluid, especially in Majima’s swordplay and Heat Actions. The exaggerated enemy reactions and over-the-top attacks fit the game’s chaotic style. Some fights feature massive crowds, filling the screen with enemies, attacks, and effects, though occasional slowdown can occur.
The soundtrack blends classic Like a Dragon energy with pirate-themed instrumentals. Sea shanties and orchestral battle tracks fit perfectly with the high-seas adventure. Voice acting is strong, with Majima’s energetic performance standing out the most. Some minor NPCs sound flat, but main characters deliver well.
Performance is mostly stable, with occasional frame drops in large-scale fights. Load times are brief, and the game runs smoothly. While some areas show the engine’s age, the overall presentation captures the adventurous tone well.
Endless distractions on land and sea
Beyond combat and exploration, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii packs a massive amount of side content. The Pirate Coliseum lets you test your combat skills in arena battles, unlocking new rewards and crew members. Managing your ship’s crew requires assigning roles, maintaining morale, and upgrading weapons to prepare for tougher naval fights.
Minigames remain a staple, with activities like gambling, karaoke, photography, and a fishing system that rewards rare catches. Some familiar distractions return, including Dragon Kart, Crazy Eats, and arcade classics, giving longtime fans plenty to revisit. The social media feature allows Majima to interact with locals, strengthening bonds and unlocking unique side missions.
One of my favourite moments came from a seemingly simple treasure hunt quest. A cryptic map led me to an unmarked island, where I expected an easy reward. Instead, I walked into an ambush and had to fight off a pirate gang before uncovering the loot. The payoff wasn’t just gold—it was a legendary ship upgrade I didn’t even know existed.
With so much to do, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii keeps the world interesting long after the main story ends. Some activities feel repetitive, but the sheer variety ensures there’s always something new to try.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a pirate adventure like no other
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii takes the series in a bold direction while keeping its core identity intact. The mix of naval combat, hand-to-hand brawling, and open-world exploration creates a new experience that still feels unmistakably Like a Dragon. Majima’s over-the-top energy fits the pirate setting, and the story blends humour with moments of genuine heart.
Combat is fast, chaotic, and rewarding, whether you’re slicing through enemies with cutlasses or launching sharks from a cannon. Naval battles are fast-paced and require strategy, though some encounters can feel repetitive over time. The world is packed with side content, minigames, and customization, offering plenty to do beyond the main story.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Majima’s wild personality fits perfectly in the pirate setting. | Ship battles can feel repetitive over time, especially when facing similar enemy fleets in open-sea travel. |
| Plenty of side content, from ship upgrades and bounty hunting to treasure hunts and unique minigames. | Some background textures and NPC designs look outdated, especially in less detailed areas like ships. |
| Fast-paced naval battles and classic Like a Dragon brawling, giving you multiple ways to fight. | Large-scale fights cause minor slowdown, which can make fast-paced combat feel less responsive. |
| Majima’s unpredictable story keeps things exciting, balancing wild action with quieter character moments that make his journey more interesting. |
Visually, the game delivers a colourful setting, though some textures and NPC models look dated. Performance is mostly stable, with only minor slowdowns in large battles. The soundtrack, voice acting, and overall presentation capture the adventurous tone well, adding to the experience.
Some activities can feel repetitive, but the variety of side content ensures there’s always something new to explore beyond the main story.
Overall assessment of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
Gameplay: 4/5
Graphics: 3.5/5
Sound: 4/5
Lasting appeal/Replayability: 4.5/5
Overall rating: 4/5 (80%)
Whether you’re here for the action, humor, or endless distractions, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii delivers a fun, unpredictable adventure. It might not be for everyone, but Majima’s pirate journey is one worth taking.
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