SEGA’s Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has released new details for Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, providing a closer look at combat elements such as “dark instruments,” as well as more insight into life on the high seas, including ship customisation and tips for emerging victorious in battle! Taking place after the events of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the game follows Goro Majima as he reclaims his memories, forms his own pirate crew, and conquers the open sea in search of legendary treasure.

Battle Styles

In battle, players can dynamically switch between two styles – “Mad Dog” and “Sea Dog,” each with their own unique qualities and flashy Heat Actions to decimate enemies.

• When battling in the “Mad Dog” style, players can freely combine fists and kicks with knife strokes to perform a variety of lightning-quick blows and aerial combos to defeat enemies in style. Players can fill up their Madness Gauge by dishing out damage and summoning a group of shadowy doppelgangers to multiply Majima’s destructive force.
• With the “Sea Dog” style, players can dual-wield cutlasses to combine exhilarating slash combos with pirate gear, building up to brutal finishing moves. By advancing the story, players will also be able to use the Madness Gauge to summon four types of dark deities using treasures known as “Dark Instruments.”

Sidearms & Dark Instruments

• In combat, players will be able to utilize three unique sidearms: Cutlass Boomerang, Pistol and Chain Hook. Each sidearm lets you dive deeper into the Sea Dog style’s full potential— the cutlass boomerang enables Majima to unleash a wide range of damage, the charged pistol provides explosive blowback punishment, and the chain hook lets players propel themselves toward enemies at immense speed to deal decisive blows.
• Plundered from the ships of defeated rival pirate crew, a variety of Dark Instruments call upon cursed creatures that strike terror into the hearts of Majima’s enemies! Playing the violin summons hungry man-eating sharks to the battlefield to tear up threats with their teeth, while the guitar calls upon a massive ape that unleashes immense uppercuts upon enemies. Playing the saxophone conjures an avian ally who whips up torturous tornadoes, and blowing into the ocarina beckons terrifying jellyfish from the briny deep with shocking effect.

Naval Combat

Life as a pirate is all about freedom and exploration, and players can sail across the vast ocean, exploring treasure islands and visiting lighthouses on lands near and far – all while keeping an eye out for dangerous enemies that await.

• When fighting enemies at sea, it’s either sink or be sunk. Players will captain their ship, the Goro Maru, away from incoming fire and bombard enemies with cannon volleys before boarding the opposing ship to take down the rival captain and his crew in an all-out deck brawl.
• To kick arrrss in naval battles, players will need to modify their ship and strategically deploy their crew. Rearrange your ship’s appearance and design to your liking, then reinforce the armour and deck out your armaments.
• To claim victory, players will need to rely on Majima’s abilities and different crewmates’ skills in deck battles. Each crewmate brings different traits to the table— some focus more on offence, while others are tailored to healing.
• The Pirates’ Coliseum in Madlantis is a battle arena like no other, with a variety of different challenges, from one-on-one matches to chaotic free-for-alls against nine other crews. All sorts of destructive discoveries awaits Majima and his trusty crew.

For more information on Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, releasing on the 21^st of February 2025, please visit the official game website