Games

Mad Dog’s Pirate Adventure: A Hilarious and Engrossing Spin-Off in the Yakuza Series

BBG News

Fans of the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series, even those with only a casual interest, are well aware that this franchise often veers towards the absurd. Part of its recent popularity might stem from this very characteristic. Now, it seems the creators are pushing the boundaries even further with Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. As the title suggests, this game features ‘Mad Dog’ Goro Majima donning an eyepatch and embracing piracy in Hawaii – exactly as you’d expect! And, true to form, it’s every bit as entertaining and foolishly fun as you’d imagine.

The story unfolds quickly after Majima washes ashore on the island of Rich Town, where a tight-knit community is under constant harassment by an ambitious group of pretender pirates, headed by a character named Keith. Young Noah Rich comes to his aid, providing him with shelter and sustenance, and before long, Majima finds himself dressed as a pirate and commanding his own vessel, the Goromaru. While there are explanations for these events, what matters is that we quickly move into the realm of piracy.

In an interesting turn of events, Majima suffers from amnesia, giving the developers at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio a chance to reimagine the character in a fresh light. However, they don’t deviate too much from the familiar image of the grinning, knife-wielding madman you might remember from various Yakuza games. If you’ve played other installments in this series (and it’s beneficial to do so), you’ll recognize that Majima has had a tumultuous past. His story, which began with his notoriety as the psychotic Mad Dog of Shimano, has seen him evolve into a somewhat heroic figure, hinted at for the first time in Yakuza 0. In Pirate Yakuza, we see Majima at his most heroic.

In this new adventure titled “Pirate Yakuza,” the story continues from where “Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth” left off, featuring frequent references to the protagonist Ichiban’s journey and his encounters with the Palekana cult. As a pirate-themed tale, the plot revolves around a legendary hidden treasure, which incites competition among all involved, making it an exhilarating journey. You embark on this adventure aboard the Goromaru, seeking crew for your quest and aiming to be the first to claim the treasure. RGG cleverly incorporates pirate stereotypes, adding humor and immersion to the narrative as you navigate through the tale.

Although labeled as a spin-off in the Like a Dragon series, Pirate Yakuza offers a substantial gaming experience. It features the entire map of Honolulu from Infinite Wealth, numerous humorous sidequests, and an abundance of mini-games. Additionally, you’ll find complete versions of Virtua Fighter 3 Tb and Daytona USA 2 in the arcades, and you can easily spend hours searching for bounties, participating in naval battles at Madlantis’ Pirates’ Coliseum, or simply playing pool and darts. Just like any other game in the Like a Dragon series, the numerous diversions and side activities will frequently draw you away from the main storyline. However, this isn’t necessarily a negative aspect as it adds to the game’s charm.

In the game, you’ll find yourself in a unique blend of pirate and yakuza life in Hawaii. This installment harks back to the series’ combat-focused origins, eschewing role-playing game tactics for good old-fashioned brawling, much like Majima is known for. Despite his memory loss, Majima hasn’t forgotten how to throw a punch. Whether you’re battling opponents in Honolulu while dressed in a Hawaiian shirt or casual wear, using the Mad Dog fighting style, or sailing the seas, defeating rival pirates with cutlasses and a flintlock pistol in Sea Dog mode, there’s no shortage of intense action. Revisiting Honolulu and experiencing a fresh narrative from a new perspective is also appealing, as it boasts a vibrant and intricate backdrop that rivals established Japanese locations like Kamurocho and Sotenbori.

The unique charm of “Pirate Yakuza” lies in its ability to blend elements seamlessly, offering thrilling naval combats, ship customization, whimsical dressing up, and treasure hunting, all while unfolding an engaging crime drama set within a vast Honolulu. The opportunity for exploration across the ocean and the scattered islands adds another layer of immersion – it’s difficult not to become engrossed in this captivating world. Once more, RGG Studio has packed a Yakuza game with numerous activities, none of which feel unnecessary. “Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii” excels at being distinctly enjoyable by embodying the unusual (you can summon a giant ape to fight alongside you), while maintaining seriousness when required.

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2025-02-18 18:12

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