Goro Majima, a recurring character from the Yakuza franchise, washes up on a beach in Hawaii with amnesia. He is rescued by ten-year-old Noah and his feline companion. As Majima helps out Noah’s family, he becomes the captain of a ship named Goromaru and enlists quirky characters as his crew, dubbing themselves the Goro Pirates.
Sporting an eye patch and tattoos, Majima looks intimidating but is actually a soft and sensitive soul. He is portrayed as a righteous and honorable yakuza who aids people in need, listens to Noah’s growing pains, and even rescues and adopts stray animals. Most of the game’s conflicts are resolved through brawling, but Majima discriminates about who gets beaten up.
He can switch between gangster “Mad Dog” and pirate “Sea Dog” modes, each with unique attacks, combos, and limited Heat finishers. In Mad Dog mode, Majima uses his fists, legs, and a short sword. In Sea Dog mode, he wields dual cutlasses, pistols, or a grappling hook to manage distant enemies.
The game takes Majima to various treasure islands, small seaside villages, and the bustling city of Honolulu. It features numerous side quests, known as substories, allowing Majima to earn reputation points, make friends, and form crew members. These encounters can be triggered by simply walking around, making every venture an adventure.
The substories are well-developed and range from serious character development moments to hilarious scenarios.
Majima’s pirate crew adventures
For instance, a trolley tram ride may trigger a conversation and a minigame where players snap photos of masked scantily-clad perverts for rewards.
Another memorable substory has Majima joining fanboys on a celebrity tour, learning to be confident. In Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, Majima and the Goro Pirates can go island-hopping aboard the Goromaru, engaging in naval warfare against enemy ships. The Goromaru is equipped with cannons, machine guns, and rocket launchers, all of which can be upgraded.
The game also allows players to board enemy ships for close-combat melee battles. Crew members gain experience and can have their morale boosted through gifts, feasts, or parties onboard. Sailing is straightforward, with fast travel available via lighthouses scattered across the map.
The game offers superb exploration of Honolulu, replete with shopping malls, shops, and food establishments. Majima can order food and drinks to boost his health, buy gifts for his crew, and customize his appearance at fashion boutiques. The city features detailed interiors, from Chinese restaurants adorned with red lanterns to cafes bustling with activity.
Unlike other gangster games, Majima cannot steal or drive cars. Instead, he can use a Segway-like transporter called the Street Surfer to move quickly, or travel via taxis at a cost. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii offers a plethora of rewarding activities, minigames, and collectibles, ensuring players always have something to engage with.
It successfully blends the thrill of gangster life with the swashbuckling adventures of a pirate, all set against the picturesque background of Hawaii.
Image Credits: Photo by Luke McKeown on Unsplash
Johannah Lopez is a versatile professional who seamlessly navigates two worlds. By day, she excels as a SaaS freelance writer, crafting informative and persuasive content for tech companies. By night, she showcases her vibrant personality and customer service skills as a part-time bartender. Johannah's ability to blend her writing expertise with her social finesse makes her a well-rounded and engaging storyteller in any setting.
