Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii - A Story of Sorrowful Adventure and Carefree Fantasy

There is a scene in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii that Goro Majima's one-eye madness makes fun of. He is my favorite (or most feared) character. He stands on the deck of his ship, with a tiger named Goro purring affectionately at his feet while the wind gales majestically. Gold and crimson hues flood the Pacific Ocean as the day-sun sets. For a fleeting moment, you feel as if this is not a game. For you, unfurling the weapon controller becomes effortless, and you just relax. You feel the Majima's chest burdening past, the salt igniting the skin, yakuza turned pirate Majima sailing the sea with an absurd crew of misfits; A Child, a Tiger, and a misfit crew.

This magic is what pirate yakuza in Hawaii offers you. A game that fails to fulfill expectations flaunts doing it effortlessly. A storyline that is senseless, but feels grounded enough to ode “serious” narratives. It strives to ask the unexplored question- what happens if Goro Majima decides to turn into a pirate? And surprisingly defining “he should,” is the answer.

A Narrative That Dares to Be Absurd (and Succeeds)

Let us be honest right away: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is outright absurd. A game where Majima has dual-wield katana-bladed swords, a Flintlock pistol, and a grappling hook—combining the traits of a samurai and Spider-Man— is astonishing. To top it off, in this game, one can commandeer enemy’s ships, engage in naval warfare, and recruit a crew featuring a sumo wrestler turned pop idol along with a tiger, yes, a tiger.

Everything considered though, it works. It works because, at its core, this is still a Yakuza game. It’s still a story about broken people trying to find their place in a world that’s left them behind but it is a fun game for gamers who buy cheap PS4 games. He, of course, is no different. Majima, that wild card, struts around sans his yakuza persona and is exiled to Hawaii. And so, now, he is adrift. Both, literally, and figuratively. When he encounters Noah, a fatherless boy part of a family who aids in searching for a deadbeat dad, something begins to click. The boy’s determination? The chance to not be “Mad Dog” Majima? Whatever that is, it is enough for him to hoist the Jolly Roger and set sail.

The plot relates to the story of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, set in the same location but having a different perspective, where Majima and his crew attempt to clean up radioactive waste from Nele Island, which is a direct consequence of the previous game. This is not just a cleanup operation. Their relationship is what drives the game’s emotion, and you simply cannot look away. The moments in the game where Majima teaches Noah swordsmanship or Noah helps Majima confront his past, are not just game mechanics, it's a tale built with masterful craftsmanship.

Gameplay That Feels Like It Was Done For Fans First

Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii's core is the extensive narrative, but its soul is encapsulated in gameplay. Ship warfare remains the highlight, adding another layer of creativity to the already present brawling in the series. Controlling your ship remains one of the most exciting features, even if it's not primarily a naval game, as every cannon shot and boarding action provides unparalleled satisfaction. The combat is deepened with the usage of grappling hooks, as Majima can tear enemies apart while propelling himself from one mast to another. Everything is overdone, chaotic, gory, and yet extraordinarily satisfying, no one can deny that it's pure chaos of Majima.

However, things are not just about adventure and cannon fire. The game incorporates the trademark (and unique) humor of the Yakuza series. You have the option to go fishing and play shogi or even challenge your crew members to a rhythm-based karaoke battle. There is a side quest in which Majima is tasked with aiding a band of pirates in staging a complete musical production, with set and costume design included. It is absurd, it is funny, and it is exactly what someone expects from a Yakuza game.

The tiger also known as Goro is another unique feature. Goro the tiger goes beyond being a mere mascot; he is an authentic member of the team. You are able to pet and feed him while even taking him into battle. And just like Majima, Goro is a force of nature when it comes to battle. These minute details enhance the game experience because rather than just playing, the player feels as though they are looking to step into the world.

Emotional Beats That Hit Harder Than a Cannonball

Despite its absurdity, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii maintains multi-layered emotional arcs. To feel Majima's journey of redemption and reconciliation is to be empathetic to him in this fantasy world. One of the most jaw-dropping moments for me was in the dialogue of one scene toward the end of the game where he fights a former rival. For all of the chaos Majima goes through, he remains a man torn apart by his decisions and choices who has convinced himself he cannot build back the pieces he has broken, and wants to desperately be just an added layer of pain.

Equally, Noah’s side of the story is just as fascinating. It is brutally honest when he meets his father again for the first time and does not deliver the expected outcome. The outro is the last in line. I will say this and nothing more; telling you any more information would risk giving something away. You remember the powerful after-effects of the emotionally heart-wrenching story long after the credits have rolled, exemplifying the contradictory feeling window of hope.

The Collector’s Edition: A Bounty For The Fans

For those who are going to play the Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, the Collector's Edition is the best option. It comes with a ton of bonus features that feel as if they were crafted specifically with the fan in mind. The Centerpiece is a model of Majima’s ship that comes with removable sails and cannons serving as pictures. There’s also an art book with notes from the developers along with concept art giving you a look behind the curtains into how the game was crafted.

Last Thoughts: A Game That Surpasses Expectations

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a game that does not exist and should not exist, and paradoxically, I am thrilled it does. The storytelling power is amazing, and even the wildest premise can connect at a human level if it is delivered with passion. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii made me laugh, sob, and experience every emotion in between. In addition, maybe most importantly, reignited my appreciation for the Yakuza series.

So, for those who are still contemplating whether to play it or not, do not hesitate any further. Join Majima and his crew on their ambitious voyage. Surrender yourself to the narrative, and when it’s all said and done, truly wonder about the outrageousness of it all. Because games of this nature are a rare occurrence and when they finally do destine the gaming world, it's only right to raise a toast in honor of what they set out to do.

Beg pardon graciously: I must go feed my tiger and take control of my ship.