Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio seemingly has their production line of games down to a fine art at this stage, never leaving it too long from the last release until the next, and Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is the latest proof of that. Featuring a brand new, albeit all-too-familiar protagonist in Goro Majima, the new spin-off has given one of the most sought-after characters the limelight, but is it a smart choice, and most importantly, is the game actually good?
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is Absolutely Bonkers
‘Absolutely bonkers’ is a moniker that many would be willing to slap on the Like a Dragon/Yakuza franchise from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio. A hearty mixture of comedy and drama that has been perfected over the years. Some moments you’ll be delving into the traumatic past of the protagonist, the next delivering food in whacky costumes, playing Dragon Kart – a life-sized Mario Kart – or customizing your character to look as ridiculous as possible. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza is no different and follows closely in the footsteps of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.
Our favorite hyena-cackling (excellently voiced by Matthew Mercer) Goro Majima wakes up disorientated and dazed, moments from death, on a beach. No memory, no idea who or where he is, and what’s going on are all big problems, but a quick meeting with Noah, a young child, and our adventure has begun. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii will allow you to answer all sorts of questions, and not only closes various doors opened in Infinite Wealth, but forces Majima (and the player by extension) to answer the question ‘Who is the Mad Dog of Shimano beyond being Yakuza?’. It’s this deep character study that kept me playing, as I wanted to know the answer myself, but it wasn’t a difficult time or a slog, bar an oddly paced second half of chapter two. It continued on like the ending of The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, with multiple instances of ‘Oh this is the end, okay’, and then there was more.
Featuring some of the most satisfactory combat in the franchise yet, I found myself searching out opportunities to take part in a little combat. Be it unsuspecting gangsters on the streets, bounties spread across the city of Honolulu (the franchise returns again) Madlantis (the pirate capital), or just advancing the story, it never got boring using the different stances, associated abilities, or heat actions to really put the pain onto some of Hawaii’s most deplorable human beings. As well as the new combat system (centered around Majima’s new pirate personality), Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii has the franchise staples returning. From karaoke to Dragon Kart, traditional Japanese games to crazy delivery minigames, it has so many different experiences on offer it’s hard to mention them all.
That’s the crux of it though. The game is considered a smaller-sized spin-off for the studio, far smaller than that of its predecessor Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, but even then, it dwarfs what many AAA studios offer on full-size projects. If value for money is your deciding factor, that should be settled.
Is This the Best Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio Has to Offer?
The newest addition to the franchise gameplay-wise is the new pirate combat, something that is no mean feat to crack. While other developers tried and failed to replicate earlier success, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, has created an experience that while arcade-like in its feel, is undeniably fun, well thought of and designed, and one of the mechanics that will keep me returning to the game for months to come.
Sailing the high seas with a crew of my making – you can recruit new crewmembers by completing tasks for them, each with their own stats that contribute to the ship’s overall damage, etc -, going wherever I wanted, hunting down mythical treasures, destroying other ships and generally spending my time just being a pirate was some of the most fun I’ve had in 2025 so far.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is such a deep game offering so much it seems unfair to label it a spin-off, but one thing is for certain, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio may have inadvertently caused themselves an issue, as fans will want more of Goro Majima in the spotlight now. Even with amnesia, his lackadaisical attitude to life and death shines through, his crazed mania still present, and his sense of honor everlasting. I was hesitant about Ichiban taking over the reins from Kiryu, and then I was hesitant about not having a game without him, but now I’m happy if we just get mainline entries with Majima from here on out. Give me more of that piratey goodness!
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii has managed two massive feats in its smaller, spin-off-sized package. It’s simultaneously become the best pirate game in over ten years, and it’s catapulted itself to the top of my personal list of Like a Dragon/Yakuza games, which is no mean feat considering the sheer quality of the franchise.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a spin-off of the mainline franchise, featuring a first-time protagonist Goro Majima, a former Yakuza and supporting character to both Ichiban and Kiryu. Sailing the high seas as a pirate, you’ll get into all the trouble you expect of a pirate captain, and more, as you unravel the story of why Majima has amnesia, what’s going on, why, and more!
Summary
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has crafted a thing of beauty here. Managing to send the already finely balanced franchise into the land of absurdity with the pirate theme, the studio still pulled together a tight enough experience that’ll have you laughing, shouting, crying, and enjoying every single moment. More Majima moving forward, please.
HOURS PLAYED: 38
PLAYED ON: PS5
- An absurd idea turns out near perfect, with excellent combat on land and sea.
- Audio, performance and graphics are all outstanding, helping support the real strength of the game, the gameplay and the writing.
- Majima stands out, rather than being a bit-part player lost in the crowd of previous games.
- Slow pacing in the second chapter might throw some off.
- Odd decision to have the running buttons different depending on combat or out of combat.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii was released on 21st February 2025 and is available on PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
For more Thumb Wars Reviews, check out Don’t Nod’s latest episodic coming-of-age story Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, or why Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter is so much more than a ratty sequel.
Amazon Could Rue Shocking Decision for The Wheel of Time Game Adaptation
Even The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered isn't Stopping the Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Hype T...
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Finally Has Something in Common with Margot Robbie
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Everything Confirmed You Need to Know
Luke Addison is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Thumb Wars. Having previously been a part of multiple outlets over the years, including building an entire gaming team from nothing to something, he thought it best to forge his own path and answer only to himself. As likely to be found playing the latest game as he is in the kitchen relaxing (by cooking), he always brings the same bold and brash attitude to everything he does, with a heavy leaning on sarcasm and dry wit!
