Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio will release the New Game Plus mode for Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii as free downloadable content after controversy over charging for it in the previous game Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.
RGG announced the New Game Plus mode during Just like Dragon Direct today, January 9, although no word has been given on when exactly the “post-release patch” will appear. Pirate Yakuza will premiere in Hawaii on February 21.
In early 2024, the studio faced backlash from fans when it revealed that the New Game Plus mode for the main Infinite Wealth entry would lag behind the more steep edition.
Similarly, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii has various editions, but they only include digital extras such as novel crew members and skins, while the most steep version has some physical bonuses such as an eye patch and a pirate flag.
The game is a spin-off sequel to Infinite Wealth, the eighth main entry in the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series (or ninth, including Yakuza 0). The plot follows Majima, who wakes up with amnesia and becomes a pirate, exploring countries such as Hawaii along the way.
A trailer released during October’s Xbox Partner Showcase revealed the first proper look at Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag-style ship combat and the return of beloved character Taiga Saejima, perhaps teasing more of the main series than previously thought.
It will also be slightly longer than previous Yakuza spin-off Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, taking approximately 15 to 18 hours to complete the entire story. Fans can also dress up Majima as long-time series character Kiryu Kazuma, but only by signing up for email notifications.
Ryan Dinsdale is a freelance reporter for IGN. He will talk about The Witcher all day long.
