How Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii Compares To Other Like A Dragon Games

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii has to be one of the most bizarre spin-offs ever made. Featuring a side character from the original Yakuza series as its protagonist, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii takes players on a seafaring romp through idyllic locations populated by memorable yet utterly wacky people. There's a lot to love about Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, but for those who this isn't an immediate sell, whether they're just pirate fans or those beginning to dabble in the Like a Dragon series, understanding where it stands compared to the previous games is important.

Fortunately, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii reviews paint a positive picture of the game, one that speaks to Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's dedication to this beloved series. However, that doesn't mean that it isn't quite a different game, especially from the mainline Like a Dragon series. Boasting a number of important changes, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is not just another standard entry in the series. As a result, it's important for newcomers and fans alike to understand the key changes before they commit to dozens more hours in the world of Like a Dragon.

Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii Gameplay Comparison

It's Quite The Departure From Like A Dragon

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a spin-off game much like the shorter in length, but not name, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name. It doesn't feature Ichiban or Kiryu as its protagonist, but rather Goro Majima, one of the main characters of the prequel game, Yakuza 0, and a recurring character throughout the rest of the series. It also ditches the Like a Dragon turn-based combat that made Infinite Wealth a unique experience, instead reverting to the real-time action stance-based combat from the original Yakuza games.

Additionally, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is also closer to Assassin's Creed: Black Flag than the Like a Dragon series, thanks to its focus on naval combat. It allows players to sail around the islands surrounding Hawaii onboard Majima's ship, the Goromaru, getting into explosive firefights with other pirate ships using controls that feel like they've been lifted straight out of Black Flag. Of course, it being a Like a Dragon game means there are plenty of wacky weapons, such as a laser cannon, that players can equip to their ship to take down their foes.

None of this means that it ditches the foundations that have made these games such beloved classics. There's still the aforementioned stance-based combat that fans of the original Yakuza games will enjoy. There's plenty of side content to get through, including the typical outrageously fun minigames, and a pretty hefty crew mechanic that allows Majima to form his own pirate crew of over 100 characters. All of this is constantly rewarding the player too, ensuring the series' compelling sense of progression, which allows the typically slower-paced narratives to never drag, is retained in Pirate Yakuza.

Is Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii As Good As Like A Dragon Mainline Games?

It Reaches A Lot Of The Same Highs

Goro grinning with the rest of his crew around him in Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii isn't quite as good as the mainline Like a Dragon games, but it comes pretty close. Its shorter length may disappoint those who enjoyed indulging in Infinite Wealth's aptly seemingly infinite runtime, and its lower-stakes story that focuses on an amnesiac Goro guiding newcomer Noah doesn't quite live up to the Yakuza series' best narratives. As it has also switched back to the traditional combat model - albeit one that isn't as complex as some of the older Yakuza games - it may also disappoint those who prefer the turn-based combat of Like a Dragon.

However, it is still a really great game, one that delivers a phenomenal narrative that caps off the story and world introduced throughout Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Its more jovial tone is refreshing, especially after the exceptionally emotional narrative told in Infinite Wealth. Additionally, the deeper development of Goro's character will delight long-time fans, while also appealing to newcomers as his amnesia makes him somewhat of a blank slate. It's more of the amazing writing fans have come to expect from this series, just packaged into a shorter and more zany experience.

It is worth noting that, while Pirate Yakuza can be treated as a standalone game, it is best played after beating Infinite Wealth. People should have a good knowledge of the Yakuza series before playing Pirate Yakuza.

It also includes Honolulu to explore, much like Infinite Wealth, as well as the aforementioned new minigames, all of which continue to be just as entertaining as past Like a Dragon games. Of course, unlike Infinite Wealth, Pirate Yakuza likely won't be considered one of the best games of the year. However, it still delivers a great experience, one that is a spin-off for a reason, but nevertheless meets the expectations that fans have come to expect from this series and developer.

Is Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii Worth It?

Absolutely, For The Right Kind Of Player

Like A Dragon Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii screenshot showing a character at the helm of a ship.

Yes,Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is absolutely worth it, but only for the right kind of player. Those who are already deeply invested in the Like a Dragon series, or those who have a fondness for Majima from the original Yakuza games, should check this out without question. Additionally, those who enjoyed Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth and want to see the continuation of that story should also play Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, as it delivers a strong, emotional narrative that's sure to please them.

However, pirate enthusiasts who are perhaps thinking of checking out Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii but haven't played the previous games should skip it. It isn't that it's bad, but rather that it won't make much sense, and its more over-the-top tone may be offputting to some. Its pirate gameplay mechanics are extremely enjoyable and will likely delight those who loved Black Flag, but the story and surrounding zany gameplay won't. This is a very different game, one that will likely only appeal to diehard Like a Dragon fans.

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The best way to know whether it is for you is to try out the massive Pirate Yakuza demo. It offers a lengthy slice of the main game that'll inform those still on the fence whether it's worth investing money and time in. Alternatively, checking out the various trailers will also give a good indication of whether its tone and style of gameplay appeal to those unfamiliar with the Like a Dragon series. However, those who already love these games, especially Infinite Wealth, should definitely pick up Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii as soon as possible.