Introduction to Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza
As waves crash against the hull of a ship reminiscent of the 17th century, with gulls crying overhead, an unexpected figure stands at the helm clad in a Hawaiian print shirt. This introduction sets the tone for Goro Majima, one of the beloved characters in the Like a Dragon series. Recently, Polygon had the opportunity to experience a hands-on preview of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, offering a glimpse into Majima’s journey of becoming the greatest pirate the world has ever seen. It’s a narrative that promises everything fans of Like a Dragon could anticipate.
Absurdity of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii lives up to its reputation of absurdity, reflecting the essence of a typical Like a Dragon game. The protagonist, Goro Majima, is known for his intricate character arcs filled with emotional moments in the Like a Dragon series. However, in this preview, Majima finds himself in the city of Madlantis, an underground realm teeming with danger and populated by a variety of characters. Unlike Party City versions of Jack Sparrow, the inhabitants of Madlantis offer a unique perspective on this adventure, typical of the Like a Dragon series.
Exploring Honolulu with Majima
Compared to the excitement of Madlantis, Honolulu appears less exhilarating. During the preview playthrough, the focus shifted to exploring the city with an intrepid child companion and a Bengal tiger kitten. The experience involved revisiting Majima’s iconic karaoke hits and experimenting with his appearance in changing rooms. Players could choose to outfit Majima in various styles, evoking nostalgia for past games in the series. Despite the humorous encounters, such as battling generic-looking pirates, the full version of the game promises to delve deeper into the narrative.
Unleashing Majima’s Combat Abilities
Despite aging, the 60-year-old Majima remains a formidable fighter with new combat skills. Through the Sea Dog fighting style, Majima wields cutlasses and a hand cannon from the 17th century, executing swift and deadly attacks. The introduction of air combos adds a dynamic element to the combat system, enhancing the gaming experience. Players can also switch back to Majima’s classic fighting style, Mad Dog, for a familiar combat approach. The incorporation of signature moves and soundtracks elevates the overall combat ambiance.
Exploring the Unique Setting of Madlantis
Madlantis stands out as a unique location compared to previous crime-ridden settings in the Like a Dragon series. The grim and rusty atmosphere, constructed from assembled ships, exudes a distinct vibe. Neon lights illuminate the makeshift buildings, creating a visually striking backdrop for the unfolding narrative. Despite the limited exploration available in the preview, the potential for engaging in ship battles and maritime activities in the full game enhances the anticipation for players.
Final Thoughts on Like a Dragon: Yakuza in Hawaii
Like a Dragon: Yakuza in Hawaii represents a gaiden game, bridging the gap between main releases and catering to both new and seasoned fans of the series. While the game exhibits some rough edges and asset reuse, it introduces a shift in protagonist and a return to action-oriented combat, offering a refreshing gameplay experience. Despite the aging Dragon Engine, the game’s unique narrative direction and combat mechanics contribute to its appeal, setting it apart from its predecessors.