Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Delivers Fun but Uneven Swashbuckling Adventure

The Yakuza spin-off offers engaging pirate-themed gameplay and Majima's first solo lead, though its story and mechanics draw mixed reactions.

The game centers on Goro Majima, who wakes up with amnesia on a Hawaiian island and takes on the role of a pirate captain to recover his memories and seek legendary treasure.
Players navigate a mix of land-based brawling and naval combat, with Majima utilizing two distinct fighting styles: the classic Mad Dog style and the pirate-inspired Sea Dog style.
Naval gameplay features ship combat, crew management, and treasure hunting, though critics note its simplicity and repetitive mechanics compared to other pirate-themed games.
The game reuses assets and locations from Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, including Honolulu, while adding new pirate-centric locales like Madlantis, a pirate underworld hub.
While praised for its humor, character development, and chaotic fun, the game’s story and pacing are seen as weaker compared to mainline entries, with some reviewers calling it a lighter, less impactful experience.