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Goro Majima has been one of the main characters of theYakuzaseries since the first game launched on the PlayStation 2. Though he shared a spotlight with Kazuma Kiryu in Yakuza 0 as adual protagonist, the eye-patched frenemy often appears as a side character that you need to fight to advance the story.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaiifinally gives Goro Majima a chance to shine in his own adventure that follows him after he wakes up on a beach with amnesia. On his journey to remember who he is, Majima suddenly becomes the captain of a pirate crew in search of legendary treasure. This spin-off features new minigames and activities, but is it worth it?
Review
It’s hard to believe how many Yakuza games there have been over the last few years (Like A Dragon: Ishin, The Man Who Erased His Name, and Infinite Wealth all came out within twelve months of each other) and how consistent the quality of each one has been. Pirate Yakuzacontinues this spectacular trend, and Executive Editor Meg Pelliccio gave it a 4.5/5 in her “Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii - Goro-nies Never Say Die” review.
As a huge fan of the series, Pelliccio was especially excited to see fan-favorite character Goro Majima, finally receive the spotlight he always deserved. “From the moment Majima washes ashore,topless and wearing his leather pants while sporting a sexy new tousled hair look, I was fighting an inner battle with myself.”
Compared to previous entries like The Man Who Erased His Name and Infinite Wealth, Pirate Yakuza feelsmuch more lighthearted and absurdwhile also saving some room for character growth and heavy themes. Pelliccio even compares the game’s tone to The Goonies, a classic adventure movie from 1985. “A comedy adventure where a rag tag bunch of friends are searching for a legendary treasure and, in doing so, they find themselves in all sorts of mischief and moments that challenge them physically and emotionally.”
Though there are still some mature moments throughout, which is inescapable in a game that revolves around ex-yakuza, having young Noah as one of the central characters makes this a more light hearted game overall, as well as positioning Majima in a sort of fatherly role unlike we’ve ever seen before.
Aside from spending a bunch of time with Goro Majima, another appealing feature in Pirate Yakuza is the naval combat. Though it’snot as mechanically complex as games like Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag, exploring the seven seas with a memorable and loyal crew is still a blast. “The more arcadey style feels in keeping with the RGG spirit, focusing on easy to learn fun, rather than a convoluted chore.”
While battles at sea might not be as in-depth as some would like, theinnovations to the general combat system are really impressive. “What impressed me the most in Pirate Yakuza was the land combat…I love fast-paced, fluid fights that I can button mash away to and feel like I’m really hammering away at my enemies, and you get that here in spades.”
Pellicio’s main criticism of the game is less about anything that happened during her playthrough and instead focuses on the price of admission. The Like A Dragon spin-offs aresignificantly shorter than the mainline entries, but only cost $10 less. “For me, that unique experience and story is worth the price, but there’s no denying that you get less bang for almost the same buck in terms of time and narrative length.”
Overall, Pellicio praises the game for finally putting Majima front-and-center in afun adventure overflowing with minigames, combat, and other pirate-based shenanigans. Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has discovered a winning formula that could carry the Yakuza series for another decade without any complaints from the ever-growing fanbase.
Time Expenditure
Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a spin-off from the main Like A Dragon series, so itwon’t take nearly as long to beat as Infinite Wealth does. If you’re only here for the story and don’t plan on engaging in side quests or minigames, itshould only take about 15–16 hours to complete.
If you plan on exploring every inch of the ocean and Hawaii on your voyage for lost treasure, expect to spend almost double that time with the game. To 100% Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, itshould take you closer to 35 hoursto do everything.
Cost
Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is currently available on PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series S/X and Xbox One, and PC. You can purchase the gamephysically on most of those platforms or digitally on all of them for $59.99.
If you want some extra goodies for your adventure, aDeluxe Version of the game is also available for $74.99. Aside from Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, you’ll also receive: The Legendary Pirate Crew Pack, Legendary Outfit Pack, Ship Special Customization Pack, and the Extra Karaoke & CD Pack.
For the biggest Majima fans, there is also a Collector’s Edition that includes a bunch of booty for you to display around the house.For $129.99, you get: the game, all the content from the Deluxe Version, a Majima-themed pirate flag, an acrylic standee, an eye patch, and a treasure coin pin.
What Players Are Saying
Majima’s Magnum Opus - Andrew Scariati
If you’re a Majima fan, then you’ll be overjoyed at the timing of your favorite character’s own spinoff game, as developers Ryu Ga Gotoku (RGG) have struck an excellent balance between fluidity and nuance in this wacky spinoff.
RGG is known for reprising features from previous entries to include new spins or refined mechanics that improve your overall enjoyment, with this game holding onto that tradition. Every aspect of the game feels fun and respects your time.
Whether it’s the in-and-out combat system that returns to the series' familiar beat-‘em-up style or the engaging pirate crew collection and formation minigame, Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii hits all the right notes.
While the story isn’t the usual epic tale you’ve come to expect from main series entries like Infinite Wealth, it offers plenty of enthralling content to dive into as you enjoy the pirate’s life.
A Majimagical Adventure On The High Seas - James Kennedy
Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii is everything you could possibly want from a spin-off title. It takes a well-loved character, gives him a delightful adventure to participate in, and then provides players with a fantastic version of the action-based Like A Dragon combat engine to play around with.
Majima’s moveset is incredibly fluid and satisfying, and it comes with a brilliant addition: air combos. That’s right, you’ll be popping fools into the air, leaping up to meet them, and then slamming them back into the ground. Face first, of course. We’re Devil May Cry now, gamers.
But wait, there’s more! Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii is packed with minigames, it is loaded with collectibles, and it has sea shanties. Sea shanties! Moving forward, this is what every side game in the franchise should look like.
Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii gives fans of the action combat style something juicy to sink their teeth into, while also providing long-time fans of the series a great game to keep them busy until the next mainline entry drops. Shiver me timbers, me hearties, I think we have a winner!
