Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, slated for launch on February 28 is an action-adventure recreation that stars Goro Majima as the only protagonist for the primary time. After dropping his reminiscence and being stranded on Wealthy Island close to Hawaii, Majima takes on the function of a pirate and units out on a grand oceanic journey. Just lately showcased on the Tokyo Sport Present 2024, I had the chance to get hands-on with this extremely anticipated title, and right here’s my impression of the gameplay expertise.
Pirate’s life
On this hands-on preview, gamers management Majima as he embarks on an journey in Hawaii, partaking in battles and actions. In the beginning of the sport, Majima is proven touring by ship along with his crew, together with Jason, his son Noah, and Masaru, a chef and bodyguard. Their objective is to succeed in the imaginary island of Madlantis, however they make a cease in Honolulu to arrange.
Mad Canine and Pirate model
As Majima and Noah stroll alongside the seashore, the battle tutorial begins. Not like the RPG live-command system of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, this title returns to Majima’s action-packed, brawling roots, final seen in Yakuza Kiwami 2. Gamers can change between two battle kinds, Mad Canine and Pirate, with the latter involving a metamorphosis into pirate-themed apparel.
Within the Mad Canine model, Majima primarily makes use of his fists and a knife for fight. In comparison with Kazuma Kiryu, Majima’s actions are noticeably faster, with agile footwork and fast assaults. A standout function of this model is the power to leap, permitting Majima to carry out air combos. Gamers can benefit from the satisfaction of launching enemies into the air and persevering with their assaults mid-air. The prolonged airtime makes it straightforward to execute aerial combos for these unfamiliar with motion video games.
Moreover, as time passes or when Warmth Actions are activated, the Insanity Gauge in the highest left nook of the display screen fills up, permitting Majima to create clones. As soon as triggered, 4 shadowy duplicates of Majima seem and start attacking close by enemies. It’s exhilarating to see Majima on the heart, spinning like a high along with his clones and knocking enemies round.
The Pirate model focuses on assaults utilizing pirate-themed weapons, particularly the cutlass, a curved, single-edged sword pirates carry round in movies. Majima can dual-wield cutlasses to slash enemies and even throw them like boomerangs. The Cost Gun will increase in energy the longer the button is held, and there’s additionally the choice to make use of wire hooks. This enables Majima to both assault from a distance or rapidly shut the hole with enemies, providing versatile fight methods relying on the state of affairs.
In fight, you may seamlessly change between the 2 battle kinds at any time. Even gamers who aren’t comfy with motion video games can take pleasure in flashy, dynamic strikes by mixing and matching these kinds. The Pirate model in explicit, with its use of pirate-themed instruments and distinctive actions, is certain to develop into addictive. Much like Kiryu’s gadget-based Agent model from Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Identify, Majima’s Pirate model provides a tough method to combat.
Mess around in Honolulu
After finishing the battle tutorial, I used to be capable of discover and luxuriate in varied actions in Honolulu freely. I received to check out well-liked options like Karaoke and Boutique, together with the explosive race Dragon Kart and the stunt-based supply recreation, Loopy Supply. Although these actions are acquainted to gamers, experiencing them as Majima as an alternative of Ichiban Kasuga introduced a recent twist to the gameplay.
Mobs of Madlantis
After taking part in for some time, you may discuss to Jason, and at last set foot on the island of Madlantis. It’s a desolate place often called a ship graveyard, the place mafia and gangs collect. The island exudes an environment of decay, and also you’ll continuously get into fights with rowdy people. Moreover, there are playing spots to take pleasure in video games like poker.
As you collect data from the roughnecks and head in the direction of the bar the place Keith resides, a battle ensues. Surrounded by a horde of henchmen, Majima’s fight abilities really shine. Utilizing the Mad Canine model, you may confuse enemies with swift, acrobatic strikes whereas wielding your knife. Alternatively, the Pirate model lets you unleash wide-range assaults with twin swords. The one-on-one combat with Keith provides thrilling motion, as you dodge, guard, and strike at opportune moments.
Whereas the concept of Majima changing into a pirate might sound far-fetched, the gameplay proves to be a stable action-adventure expertise. Majima’s attribute Mad Canine persona shines via, exhibiting that even with reminiscence loss, he can’t assist however benefit from the thrill of battle. There’s a lot to look ahead to when Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii launches on February 28 on PS5.