| Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii | |||
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| Release Date | Gameplay & Story | Pre-Order & DLC | Review |
Join Goro Majima and the Goro Pirates as they embark on a high-seas adventure for fortune and fame in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii! Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Review Overview
What is Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii?
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is an action-adventure game launching on February 21, 2025, for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One. Set after the events of Infinite Wealth, the game stars fan-favorite Goro Majima as the protagonist. Shipwrecked and suffering from amnesia, Majima is rescued by a young boy named Noah. Together, they set out on a swashbuckling seafaring journey to recover Majima’s memories—and maybe uncover some hidden treasure along the way.
Transforming from ex-yakuza to pirate captain, Majima takes players on an over-the-top adventure across Hawaii's open seas. The game returns to the classic brawler combat system of previous Yakuza games, deviating from the turn-based mechanics of its predecessor. Command your crew, hunt for treasure, sail the high seas, and, dish out plenty of beatdowns in Majima’s signature chaotic style.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii features:
⚫︎ LAD Spin-off Game
⚫︎ Action-Adventure
⚫︎ Pirate Game
⚫︎ RPG
⚫︎ Hawaii Setting
⚫︎ Tons of Mini-games
⚫︎ Narrative Driven Game
For more gameplay details, read everything we know about Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii's gameplay and story.
| Digital Storefronts | |||||
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 Steam |
 PlayStation |
 Xbox |
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| Price | $59.99 | ||||
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 A Swashbucklin’ Tale of the Goro Pirates Combat is the Best It’s Ever Been Burstin’ with Adventures and Treasures to plunder Delightful Naval Combat and Ship-sailing |
Story Has Pacing Issues Jump Button Doesn't Work Sometimes |
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Overall Score - 86/100
YaarrRGG, they’ve done it again, me heartie! They’ve taken the LAD formula and cranked up the madness to full sail, and who better to captain this wild voyage than the Mad Dog of the High Seas himself—Goro Majima! From its over-the-top tale to its flashy, swashbucklin’ combat, ye’ll be singin’ shanties and battlin’ both landlubbers and scallywags alike! Aye, like any fine vessel, this game’s got a few barnacles on the hull, but that won’t stop ye from embarkin’ on the grandest pirate adventure of a lifetime! So hoist the Jolly Roger and set sail—Majima’s hunt for fame and fortune be waitin’, and ye best believe it’ll be one hell of a ride!
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Story - 8/10
First, Kiryu becomin’ a spy, and now Majima’s a full-fledged pirate? Yo-ho-ho, RGG never fails to steer their stories straight into the seas of madness! This be one of their wildest tales yet, but beneath all the swashbucklin’ chaos lies a meaningful journey of a man tryin’ to reclaim his lost memories. Aye, the pacing be a bit like a ship caught in rough waters—sometimes ye get tossed around with too many detours from the main voyage. But even with its bumps, this be a tale full of heart, humor, and high-seas adventure, makin’ it one worth embarkin’ on!
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Gameplay - 9/10
Enough pirate talk—let’s get to the real pirate action. And this game delivers on all fronts. The brawler combat is more fluid and satisfying than ever, making every fight a thrill. But it’s not just about throwing punches—there’s an entire world to explore. From sailing the seas in search of treasure to setting foot on new lands, the adventure never stops. Beyond the high-seas escapades, there’s an abundance of activities to dive into. Whether you're soaking in the Hawaiian vibes, helping the locals, belting out tunes in karaoke, racing karts, going on party dates, or even taking a dip in the ocean, the game is packed with side activities that will keep you endlessly distracted. And in true RGG fashion, those distractions are so engaging that you might just lose track of the main quest altogether.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Visuals - 9/10
RGG is probably one of the only studios that can get away with reusing assets—not just because they continuously refine the Dragon Engine, but because they always find ways to make each iteration feel fresh. Returning to familiar locations, like Hawaii, doesn’t feel like a lazy rehash; instead, it’s like revisiting a city you once called home and marveling at how it’s changed. And the addition of Madlantis? That’s just the cherry on top. Sure, some older assets stick out, especially in certain character models, but for the most part, the game is a visual feast. From the intricate tattoos on Majima’s skin to the fine details of his pores, the lighting and textures are nothing short of stunning.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Audio - 9/10
Just like their visuals, RGG excels at reusing their soundtracks—and rightfully so, since many of them are downright iconic. My personal favorite is Sad 1, but the new tracks hold their own as well. I’m especially in love with the shanty songs; they add so much charm when you’re just sailing. And of course, we can’t talk about RGG without mentioning the legendary Hidenari Ugaki as Majima. He’s always been phenomenal, but this time? He absolutely outdoes himself. In fact, the entire cast delivers some of their best performances yet.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Value for Money - 8/10
At $60, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii comes in $10 higher than The Man Who Erased His Name, but the sheer amount of content justifies the price. While newcomers can technically jump in, it's not the most ideal entry point—especially since the game is packed with references and even spoils major story moments from Infinite Wealth. That said, if you don’t mind the spoilers or plan to skip certain cutscenes, you can still have an incredible time with its top-tier brawler combat and insane variety of activities.
For longtime fans, this is an absolute must-buy. It delivers everything you’d expect from an RGG game—fantastic storytelling, over-the-top action, and an absurd amount of side content. In fact, it offers even more to do than Gaiden, making it one of the most content-rich spin-offs in the series.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Review: A Pirate's Life for Me!
The announcement of Pirate Yakuza was nothing short of shocking—not just for me, but for countless fans. No one saw this coming. Many were convinced that a Yakuza 3 remake (Yakuza 3 Kiwami) was on the horizon, making this reveal an unexpected but welcome surprise. Personally, I was beyond excited. It’s been far too long since we’ve had Majima as the main character, let alone in a standalone adventure.
Of course, I wasn’t without skepticism. Had RGG gone too far this time? Was this concept too wild, even by Like a Dragon standards? Normally, the series’ over-the-top, absurd moments are reserved for substories—not the main narrative. But here we are, with a full-fledged pirate saga, and I can understand why some found it jarring. That’s why making this a spinoff was a brilliant move—it gave RGG the freedom to go all in on their creativity.
And now that I’ve played it, I can confidently say this is yet another treasure from RGG. But before I dive into why, let’s take a quick look at what this game is all about.
The Thrilling Story of an Ex-Yakuza turned Pirate King!
Story Overview
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a spin-off of the LAD series, taking place after the events of Infinite Wealth. This time, we follow ex-yakuza Goro Majima, who washes ashore on a tropical island in August 2024 with no memory of his past. He’s rescued by a young boy named Noah Rich, and before long, he finds himself leading his own pirate crew. His goals? Regain his lost memories, make the Goro Pirates the most notorious crew to sail the seas, and track down the legendary Esperanza Treasure—a hidden fortune worth over a billion dollars and, more importantly, said to possess the power to cure any illness.
It’s Basically One Piece meets LAD
Yes, this game is basically what you’d get if Like a Dragon and One Piece had a love child—and honestly, I’m not complaining. Some fans might see the premise as too over-the-top, even by the series’ standards, but as Majima himself says in the game: "Yakuza and pirates aren’t so different." And you know what? RGG makes that statement feel completely believable.
The game does a fantastic job of selling the idea that pirate ships and swashbuckling rogues can still thrive in the modern world, and Majima becoming one actually makes sense within the story. There’s a level of self-awareness to the absurdity, making it all the more fun while still keeping the narrative engaging. I won’t spoil too much, but trust me—it’s best experienced firsthand.
Beyond its wild premise, the writing is top-notch, balancing humor, action, and heartfelt moments. Majima, as the protagonist, absolutely steals the show. He’s effortlessly entertaining, switching between comedic gold and intense badassery in the blink of an eye. One moment, he’s intimidating a security guard on the lawless pirate island of Madlantis, and the next, he’s sneezing mid-battle because his opponent threw pepper in his face.
The game is packed with these kinds of moments—genuinely funny, occasionally ridiculous, but always entertaining. And in true LAD fashion, it delivers plenty of emotional gut punches, with some deeply heartfelt scenes that hit hard.
Pacing Can Sometimes Ruin the Narrative Flow
That said, the story isn’t without its flaws. The pacing, especially in the beginning, drags a bit. RGG has always had some pacing issues in their games, but here, it’s more noticeable due to frequent narrative detours before the main plot really kicks in. It takes about an hour before you even become a pirate.
Thankfully, once it picks up, it’s an absolute rollercoaster of chaos and excitement. The cast is just as engaging, from memorable villains like Queen Michele to trustworthy allies like Noah.
For newcomers, the game does a decent job of easing you into the world, but be warned—it will spoil major plot points from previous entries, especially Infinite Wealth. If you’re new to the series, you might want to steer clear of certain story scenes or, better yet, play the earlier games first.
Pirate Majima is Peak Majima
Much like Like a Dragon Gaiden and other Yakuza games without Ichiban as the protagonist, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii sticks to the action-brawler combat the series is known for. Players will find themselves constantly engaged in fast-paced battles, executing light and heavy attacks, grabbing enemies (or nearby objects for extra damage), and making use of a health bar and heat gauge.
Once that heat gauge is full, you can unleash devastating Heat Actions—flashy, cinematic finishers that are as brutal as they are satisfying. But the biggest shake-up? You can finally jump in combat, opening up a whole new layer of movement and combo potential.
Traditionally, Yakuza games feature multiple fighting styles, and this one is no exception. Players can seamlessly switch between two distinct styles: the agile and relentless Mad Dog style and the heavy-hitting, pirate-themed Sea Dog style. Mad Dog style focuses on speed, agility, and technical precision, allowing for lightning-fast strikes, quick dodges, and even air juggles that keep enemies helplessly airborne.
Meanwhile, Sea Dog style leans into the pirate theme, letting Majima dual-wield short swords while using a variety of pirate tools—like grappling hooks and explosives—for a more aggressive, swashbuckling approach.
Let me just say: this is hands down the best combat experience in a Yakuza game. And for Majima? This is peak Majima. This version easily surpasses his Yakuza 0 incarnation in terms of sheer versatility and spectacle. The two styles feel equally important—neither overpowers the other, and both offer unique, exhilarating ways to fight.
What really sells it is how fun they are. Mad Dog style even lets Majima pull off insane moves, like cloning himself mid-fight—straight-up Shadow Clone Jutsu-style—while Sea Dog style grants him access to firearms, making him a deadly force at any range. It’s fast, flashy, and incredibly responsive, with an absurd amount of combo potential.
The only minor gripe I have is that jumping could feel a bit more fluid, but overall, it’s a fantastic addition that makes perfect sense for Majima. Air juggles? Switching styles mid-combo? It’s all just so satisfying.
And let’s talk about enemy variety. From rival pirate crews to Hawaiian street gangs—and even wild animals like a full-grown bear—this game embraces absolute chaos in the best way possible.
RGG has truly refined their real-time combat, and I can only hope these improvements carry over into future Like a Dragon titles that stick to the action formula.
Land or Sea, Fun and Exciting Adventure Awaits
Yo Ho I’m a Pirate!
People have been jokingly calling this a "AAAA game" that surpasses all other pirate games, but honestly? It’s not far from the truth. While Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii might not have the deepest naval mechanics—Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag still holds that crown—it more than makes up for it with sheer fun and creativity. I never once got tired of sailing, exploring, and wreaking havoc on the high seas.
Your ship, the Goromaru, is the heart and soul of your journey, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much care RGG put into making it feel special. You can fully customize it, upgrading its weapons and aesthetics, and even manage your crew in a way that feels like one of RGG’s classic business management mini-games.
You’ll need to keep your crew happy by giving them gifts, motivating them, and recruiting new members, which adds an extra layer of depth to your pirate escapades. And let’s talk about the absurd yet brilliant mix of modern and historical weaponry—cannons, machine guns, and even rocket launchers. The ability to wander around your ship, sing shanties, and engage in naval battles just makes it all the more immersive and fun.
While it’s not a full open-world experience, the game features large open areas where you can explore, hunt for treasure, buy from ship traders, and raid islands. These islands serve as dungeon-like segments where you’ll have to battle enemies, defeat a boss, and claim your prize. Naval combat is fairly simple, but it’s incredibly satisfying—boarding enemy ships, stealing their loot, and taking down rival crews to build your reputation never gets old. There’s also Madlantis Mania, a high-seas battle mode that keeps things fresh with quick clashes and unique challenges.
If I had one nitpick, it’s that I wish you could swim freely while on your boat and maybe even do some fishing. But even without that, RGG has crafted a pirate experience that stands out in the best way possible—blending their signature Yakuza charm with the thrill of high-seas adventure.
A Vacation You’ll Never Forget
Beyond the high-seas adventure, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is packed with an overwhelming amount of things to do on land. The game features all the beloved RGG staples—belting your heart out in Karaoke, diving into hilarious and emotional substories, playing a variety of SEGA arcade games, and even revisiting fan-favorite mini-games like Dragon Kart.
But that’s just the beginning. One of the strangest yet most entertaining additions is Masaru’s Love Journey, a bizarre live-action mingle party game that has to be experienced to be believed. With so many side activities, the game ensures you’ll never run out of things to do, making every moment feel fun and rewarding.
The main story itself takes around 20 hours to complete, but trust me, you’ll be spending far more time exploring everything else the game has to offer—especially with the inclusion of New Game Plus. Life in Hawaii is never dull, and every side activity feels like a meaningful addition rather than just filler content.
One of my personal favorite returning features is Drink Links, which were first introduced in Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Much like Persona’s Social Links, these interactions allow you to bond with your crew, learn about their pasts, and deepen your connection to the cast. It’s a fantastic way to make the characters feel even more fleshed out, and by the end of it, I genuinely cared about every member of my crew.
Honestly, I’m really hoping RGG adds DLC stories or extra content because I just don’t want this adventure to end.
Is Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Worth It?
Newcomers are Welcome Aboard but Must Tread Lightly
Newcomers can dare to jump into this game, especially if you’ve been curious about the Like a Dragon series. It’s not necessarily the best starting point, but you can still enjoy it—provided you don’t mind potential story spoilers or are willing to skip cutscenes. But let’s be real: the gameplay alone makes this worth it. This is hands down the best brawler combat the series has ever seen, and the sheer amount of wild, over-the-top fun packed into this game makes it an absolute blast.
At $60, it’s on the pricier side, but you’re definitely getting your money’s worth with all the content and chaotic pirate shenanigans. That said, I’d still recommend playing some of the earlier entries first, as you’d be missing out on key story moments and deeper character connections.
For longtime fans, though? This is a no-brainer. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is yet another fantastic entry in the series, and RGG has once again delivered something truly special.
| Digital Storefronts | |||||
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| Steam |
PlayStation |
Xbox |
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| Price | $59.99 | ||||
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii FAQ
Who are the Goro Pirates in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii?
⚫︎ Goro Majima
⚫︎ Noah Rich
⚫︎ Jason Rich
⚫︎ Masaru Fujita
⚫︎ Goro (Tiger)
What are the Locations in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii?
⚫︎ Rich Island
⚫︎ Madlantis
⚫︎ Nele Island
⚫︎ Hawaii
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Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Product Information
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| Title | Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii |
|---|---|
| Release Date | February 20, 2025 |
| Developer | RGG Studios |
| Publisher | SEGA |
| Supported Platforms | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series XIS, Xbox One |
| Genre | Action, Adventure |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| ESRB Rating | M |
| Official Website | Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Website |
