Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza Adventure in Hawaii

The gaming world is abuzz with excitement as the latest installment in the Yakuza franchise, titled "Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii," makes waves with its first preview. This new adventure features the beloved character Goro Majima, who finds himself in a peculiar situation on a beach in Hawaii, with no memory of his past. A young boy named Noah, accompanied by a tiger cub, discovers Majima and soon, the action begins as Majima takes on a pirate captain and seizes control of a ship. This thrilling premise sets the stage for an engaging gameplay experience.

During a recent hands-on session, players were introduced to the vibrant world of Honolulu, a familiar setting for fans of the series. However, it is important to note that the demo was specifically designed for preview purposes, meaning the final game may differ in various aspects. The gameplay mechanics are a departure from the turn-based RPG style seen in "Infinite Wealth," as this new title embraces an action beat-em-up format reminiscent of the original Yakuza games.

Players are treated to a combat tutorial that showcases Majima's two distinct fighting styles: the classic Mad Dog Style and the newly introduced Sea Dog Style. In Sea Dog Style, Majima wields dual cutlasses, a hand cannon, and a wire hook, allowing for dynamic combat interactions. The ability to throw a cutlass like a boomerang adds an exciting twist to the gameplay. The combat is not only engaging but also promises enough variety to keep players entertained.

After the tutorial, players have the option to venture to the mythical Madlantis to progress the story or engage in various side activities. These include karaoke, Dragon Kart, Crazy Delivery, and a fit check to change Majima's attire. While the mini-games may not have undergone significant changes, they remain enjoyable and provide a fun distraction from the main storyline. Long-time fans will likely recognize some familiar karaoke tunes, adding a nostalgic touch to the experience.

One of the standout mini-games is Dragon Kart, which offers a Yakuza-themed racing experience akin to Mario Kart, complete with boosts, drifting, and collectible items. Additionally, players can customize Majima's appearance by switching between his regular and pirate outfits. Exploring the environment also introduces players to a charming little bird named Joseph, and the new Wire Hook mechanic allows for gathering items, although the full extent of its capabilities remains to be seen.

The demo culminates in a glimpse of Madlantis, a unique location that serves as a hub for players. This ship graveyard turned mini-city promises to be a lively area filled with activities, including the Pirate Colosseum, where players can engage in intense ship battles as part of the Goro Pirates. While the demo did not include any ship battles, the anticipation for this feature adds to the excitement surrounding the game.

"Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii" is shaping up to be an exciting addition to the Yakuza series, blending action-packed gameplay with beloved characters and new mechanics. As fans eagerly await its release, the promise of adventure, humor, and engaging combat ensures that this title will be a worthy addition to the franchise. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to the series, this game is sure to offer a thrilling experience that captures the essence of the Yakuza universe.