6 key takeaways from Like A Dragon Direct (Jan 2025)

The Like A Dragon Direct from SEGA and RGG Studio divulged exciting new information about the upcoming "Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii" game. The upcoming spin-off stars the beloved character, Goro Majima, and his adventures across Hawaii where he faces off against ferocious pirate threats on his journey to seek new treasures and make new friends.

The 13-minute overview video highlights many new unseen features. Here are six things fans excited about the game should know about.

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6 new things to note from Like A Dragon Direct in January 2025

1) The fast-paced combat is reminiscent of character action games

Let Majima's fists or swords do the talking against swarms of thugs and grunts (Image via SEGA)

The action combat has been a highlight of the Like A Dragon titles since its inception as "Yakuza." This spin-off returns to tradition and ups the ante to eleven as the battles are more fast-paced than ever before. Whether in the classic Mad Dog brawler style or the new Sea Dog style, Majima can dish out blindingly fast flurries of attacks, juggle foes, and dashes, reminiscent of the Devil May Cry or Bayonetta games.

The new Madness Gauge allows players to unleash powerful moves that can create dark clones which can help turn the tide of battle. Moreover, they can also use the mysterious Dark Instruments when the Madness Gauge is full to summon hoards of jellyfish and man-easting sharks.

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2) Upgrade Majima with skills and accessories

Pick the right gear for battle (Image via SEGA)

Complimenting the flashy combat, players will also be able to upgrade and enhance Majima's moveset. New skills can be earned, expanding the pirate's combat arsenal with new tricks, including those with evasive and counter capabilities. This game has not forgotten the series' new RPG identity either, with equippable accessories like rings granting stat boosts and unique perks during battle.

This will be significant as players can board rival ships and engage in cinematic crew-on-crew deck battles where Majima and his team must defeat all foes on board to reap the rewards. However, that is not all, as terrifying threats lurk underwater when roaming the open waters. Speaking of which...

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3) Customize your ship and crew and tackle naval skirmishes

Personalize the ship with countless unique options and take Majima's crew for a ride (Image via SEGA)

A pirate game is not complete without a ship and its crew, and both are accounted for. Players can purchase various cosmetic upgrades for their ship's parts such as the hull, sails, figureheads, armor, and more. New weapons, including outlandish ones like rocket launcher volleys, rows of powerful flamethrowers, or laser arrays can be set up to deal devastating damage in naval combat across the open sea.

What's more, is that the hero can also man these powerful weapons manually while on deck. Alongside Majima, the ship will be manned by a crew and players can pick between 100 various NPCs who are keen to join Majima on his adventures. They will also be able to spend time with the crew and strengthen their bond with them by singing, drinking, and conquering the seas alongside them.

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4) Explore and mingle with the various islands

The beloved karake mini-game is back (Image via SEGA)

With Majima experiencing amnesia during the early parts of the story, he finds himself establishing his new chosen family in the hub area of Rich Island. He can engage in minigames here to earn money, customize his and his team's wardrobe, and take in the scenic sights. However, things take a daunting turn upon reaching the ship graveyard of Madlantis.

Ruled by ruthless Pirate Lords, additional activities await here such as blackjack, golfing, and more. The Pirates Colosseum allows players to partake in grueling ship-on-ship combat in a gladiator-esque fight in a closed arena. Compete against tougher foes to earn attractive rewards. Then there is also the radioactive Nele Island where players will learn of Majima's past.

Lastly, Hawaii awaits with its sun-soaked beaches and tourist spots, with iconic mini-games like karaoke, go-kart racing, and more. Explore every nook and cranny to discover what new treasures are stowed away across each of these locations.

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5) Pre-order to get Ichiban Kasuga as a crew member

A familiar face is here (Image via SEGA)

Ichiban Kasuga, the main protagonist of 2020's Yakuza: Like A Dragon, is available as a pre-order bonus for Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. Fans who pre-purchase the game ahead of its launch next month can get the perm-haired, red-clad hero and his pet lobster as a crew member.

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6) New Game Plus (NG+) will be free as a post-launch update

NG+ should allow players to replay the game with hard-earned gear and abilities (Image via SEGA)

Series developer RGG Studio has come under fire in the past for pay walling the New Game Plus modes for their previous Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth game behind paid DLC. With this new entry, they seem to have learned from their mistakes as the NG+ mode will be available to all players for free once Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii launches.

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Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii arrives on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S on February 28, 2025.