Unleash the Pirate Yakuza: Experience the Unhinged Adventure of Like a Dragon in Hawaii
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza – A Refreshing Shift in Protagonist and Combat
As I stepped into the world of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza, I was immediately struck by the sheer absurdity of it all. Goro Majima, one of the most beloved characters in the series, is now a pirate on the high seas, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and curiosity. Majima, dressed in a Hawaiian print shirt, stood at the helm of a ship that looked like it had been plucked straight from the 17th century. The cries of seagulls overhead and the crashing of waves against the hull set the tone for an adventure like no other.
A New City, A New Era
Madlantis, the city in which the game takes place, is a far cry from the gritty, crime-ridden underworlds of previous Like a Dragon games. It’s a grimy, rusted, and ramshackle collection of ships and buildings, illuminated by neon lights that reflect off the water. It’s a refreshing change of pace, and I found myself eager to explore every nook and cranny.
Combat and Karaoke
Combat in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza is all about Majima’s new fighting style, Sea Dog. With his trusty cutlasses and 17th-century hand cannon, he’s still as deadly and swift as ever. You can use a wire to propel yourself at enemies with reckless abandon, and the air combos are a blast. But if you’re looking for a return to the familiar, you can always switch back to Majima’s signature fighting style, Mad Dog. And, of course, no Like a Dragon game would be complete without a healthy dose of karaoke. I found myself belting out Majima’s best hits, including "24-Hour Cinderella" from Yakuza 0.
A Shift in Protagonist and Combat
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza truly feels like a Gaiden game, something meant to fill the gap between releases and satiate the hunger of a growing new audience. Or pull back long-time fans who have otherwise grown fatigued with the series and just want to play as Majima one last time. The game’s use of the Dragon Engine is starting to show its age, but the shift in protagonist and combat is a refreshing change of pace. And who knows, maybe we’ll even see some ship battles and pirate-themed fun in the full version of the game.
A Worthwhile Adventure
While Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza has its rough edges and some asset reuse, it’s clear that Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is trying something new and exciting. It’s not perfect, but it’s a worthwhile adventure that fans of the series will love. And who knows, maybe it’ll even attract some new fans to the world of Like a Dragon.
