[PS5] Review of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza Adventure in Hawaii

SEGA and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio have crafted another intriguing chapter in their storied series with "Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii." This latest entry shifts its focus onto the charismatic Goro Majima, promising an adventure that fans won’t want to miss. Let’s dive into what makes this game tick in our review!

Fans familiar with the series—formerly known under the "Yakuza" banner and now reverting to its original "Like a Dragon" name—will find much to enjoy. As someone who’s reviewed multiple titles in the franchise, this particular game felt like a fresh spin, much like "Like a Dragon: Ishin!" which my colleague ThaRaven403 navigated. My past experiences span from the original "Yakuza Kiwami" on PlayStation 4 to its sequels and spin-offs, so I was eager to see what new adventures awaited in this installment.

In this game, we find Goro Majima washed ashore with amnesia on the intriguingly named Rich Island, part of a storyline that unfolds shortly after the events of "Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth." Majima’s survival, thanks to the help of a young boy named Noah Rich, quickly escalates when they encounter hostile pirates. It’s here that players will experience Majima’s journey of self-discovery and action-packed encounters.

Players have the option to tailor their experience with three difficulty settings: Beginner for those new to the series, Standard for a balanced challenge, and Professional for veterans ready for a tough fight. This flexibility ensures that everyone, from newcomers to seasoned players, can enjoy the game at their own pace.

The gameplay begins with a short tutorial designed to teach you the basics, focusing on combat maneuvers such as attacks, combos, and defense. Mastering these skills is essential, especially as you face off against numerous adversaries. As you battle, you’ll engage with mechanics like the Heat gauge and Madness gauge, which unlock powerful abilities and doppelgangers during fights.

Navigating through the game, players will find opportunities to enhance Majima’s abilities. Boosting health, improving attack power, and mastering new moves are just a few ways to customize your play style. The introduction of a Sea Dog stance brings an added layer of strategy to combat.

The game isn’t just about land-based adventures. Fans of "Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag" will appreciate the nods to naval combat, as you recruit and lead a pirate crew across new locales. Engaging in rich main story missions and intriguing side quests offers a well-rounded experience. For the competitive, the Pirate’s Coliseum awaits, where your skills are put to the ultimate test.

"Trophy hunters" will find plenty to keep them occupied, with the chance to earn a new Platinum trophy across both the PS4 and PS5 versions, thanks to its Cross-Buy nature. The trophy challenges range from story progression, ability acquisition, and engaging in various combat scenarios, ensuring that completionists will have their hands full.

The adventure doesn’t stop at combat, thanks to delightful touches like a playable SEGA Master System, where classic games can be enjoyed, adding a charming break from the main story. The availability of themed packs in the Deluxe Edition also provides players with additional content to explore.

In conclusion, "Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii" offers a smaller scope compared to previous mainline entries, but it compensates with depth, content, and a unique charm centered around Majima’s pirate escapades. Whether you’re here for the Platinum trophy or just the thrill of the story, this game promises hours of enjoyment. Ready to dive into Goro Majima’s latest adventure? It’s available now, and I highly recommend giving it a try.

Note: This review is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by SEGA.