It’s a pirate’s life for me, and a pirate’s life for Goro Majima, the returning, eye-covered antihero in the series that used to be called Yakuza. He’s the star of the recently announced Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii, which I can only praise for its brazen simplicity. Whatever Sega was drinking when it signed Metaphor: ReFantazio, it wasn’t drinking when it signed this one. It was definitely drinking somethingalthough. Here’s the trailer.
I think this is still happening more or less in the present? The fight looks like it’s happening in real time. The most vital thing, the most vital thing is that Goro is having a great time, God bless him.
This Steam Page helps clear up some of the fog. Look, this has a full-blown ship-sailing element! “Assemble a unique crew, upgrade your ship as you explore the open seas and forge your legend through cannon fire from enemies, unexpected friendships, and vast riches gained along the way,” the description explains. You can expect real-time cannon battles, boarding action, and hidden treasure islands.
When it comes to combat, there are at least two combat styles to choose from. “In ‘Mad Dog’ style, use speed, agility, and finesse to deliver precise but powerful blows that stun your enemies into submission,” the description continues. “Or make your enemies walk the plank in ‘Sea Dog’ style, where you wield dual short swords and use sneaky pirate tools to kick their ass.” Three bits of pirate slang in one sentence, not bad. I can do better, though: sink me, this is loot worthy of a rogue bastard, or my name is not Davey Jones’s Locker.
Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii is out February 28, 2025. I think I liked Goro better when he was an impossibly elegant nightclub manager, but I welcome this modern, nautical phase in his career. If you’re modern to the sprawling LAD series, you might want to check out Ed Thorn’s article on the proper order to play them in.
