Like a Dragon Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, the new chapter in the series, was announced at the recent RGG Summit 2024 alongside the Nintendo Switch edition of Yakuza Kiwami. New information about the SEGA and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio game was revealed through a video by IGN. Like a Dragon Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is set to release on February 28 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam and Windows Store.
The video showcases the new mini-games included in the IP, and according to reports, players will be able to compete in speed races with karts and in karaoke competitions. In this game, players will take on the role of Goro Majima. From what I can see, the game will feature a real-time combat system. So, don’t expect the turn-based combat system of the main Like a Dragon games. The game takes place during (or just before) the events of Infinite Wealth. As it’s a spin-off, it won’t continue the series’ storyline. Check out the video below.
Here’s an overview of the series:
Like a Dragon, formerly known as Yakuza, is an action-adventure video game series with brawler elements published by SEGA for consoles and PC. Each episode in the series typically features storylines inspired by Yakuza films and Japanese police dramas. The most frequently represented protagonist is Kazuma Kiryu from the Tojo Clan. While Kiryu often finds himself working with clan leaders to counter conspiracies aimed at them, the main theme is his desire to leave the Yakuza behind for good and start anew by reintegrating into civilian life.
The gameplay of Yakuza / Like a Dragon allows players to control Kiryu (or another character, depending on the title) in an open world where they can fight random groups of punks and gangsters, engage in side missions and activities to earn experience and money, learn new moves from non-playable characters (NPCs), eat and drink at various restaurants, visit clubs, craft items, and participate in a variety of mini-games such as golf, bowling, arcades, karaoke, and gambling games like poker or blackjack.
The series was created by Toshihiro Nagoshi. In the 2010s, Nagoshi left SEGA, and the development of the series continued at RGG Studio. Following the release of Yakuza: Like a Dragon in 2020, SEGA confirmed that new games in the series would be released under the title Like a Dragon, abandoning the Yakuza brand introduced in 2006.
Stay tuned for more updates.