The Yakuza saga has been a gaming industry staple for years. However, SEGA decided to rebrand its entire new universe as Like a Dragon, moving away from the classic Japanese mafia-focused narrative toward bolder concepts that let the studio's talented development team flourish. The series has evolved into a franchise where personality and originality shine together, surprising players in completely daring and unexpected ways. This is exactly what happens with Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii.

Initially revealed in late 2024, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is presented as a title aimed at the series' classic fans, with gameplay closer to earlier installments rather than recent ones, while introducing exciting new features like naval battles and maritime exploration. It's a real challenge for Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the team behind this wild creation, proving once again that their talent knows no genre or boundary, as they set out to bring every idea they imagine to life in this ever-growing series.

Series fans could never have imagined that the classic Yakuza saga would embrace a pirate theme set in Hawaii's paradise landscapes, showcasing how far both the industry and the series' creators have come. Breaking free from the constraints of earlier entries has brought a welcome breath of fresh air, but players also wanted a return to some classic elements, which Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii delivers.

The return to classic-style direct combat

One of this new installment's greatest strengths is the return to direct action combat. The last two Like a Dragon titles introduced turn-based combat, which was an engaging new direction but departed from Yakuza's roots. Despite the completely different setting, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio offers strategic fighting that emphasizes both defense and attack to avoid enemy traps through two distinct fighting styles, delivering fast-paced action with plenty of wild moments.

These two fighting styles are defined by the tools and gadgets the protagonist can use against opponents. The first maintains that classic rough-and-tumble Kamurocho street style, while the second embraces a pirate theme with swords, hooks, chains, and other period elements. This provides two distinct approaches that surprise players while changing up the gameplay to offer various possibilities that evolve throughout the game, ensuring battles never feel repetitive and always offer something new.

Thus, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii presents the perfect opportunity to blend the Yakuza saga's classic style with the novelty introduced in its rebranding. It's an impressive effort to unite all fans who have enjoyed any of the franchise's titles, letting them experience both gameplay styles together.

An island archipelago as a high-seas playground

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii fully embraces its setting, which is naturally built around a pirate adventure in paradise islands. The game takes place across an archipelago where each island features distinct populations that can offer missions to the protagonist or play roles in some of the most interesting narrative moments. The series' signature wild style also appears in the ability to summon animals, letting you enlist the help of a friendly monkey or fierce shark on the high seas.

But what truly sets the game apart from previous entries in the series are its naval battles. While many games have featured ocean combat, this one creates an entertaining gameplay loop that doesn't require complex navigation skills. In fact, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii fully embraces the characteristic humor of recent entries in these segments, so the battles aren't overly technical but maintain a lighthearted style. Ship management does include some tasks, particularly managing crew morale, which can be improved through feasts and other events.

Overall, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii promises to be one of 2025's biggest surprises. Its dynamic gameplay, entertaining mini-games, and combat variety make it essential for anyone wanting to experience the best of both sides of SEGA's classic series.