Steam’s latest genre mashup secures top rankings on SteamDB

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii – the title alone doesn’t give much away, but surprisingly, it fits well. The game defies easy categorization, blending elements of action-adventure, open-world piracy and RPG mechanics with beat 'em up combat. As the latest entry in the Like a Dragon series (formerly Yakuza), it stays true to the franchise’s signature mix of intense hand-to-hand combat and an over-the-top yet deeply engaging story.

Players step into the shoes of Goro Majima, a former Yakuza member who has lost his memory and is now reinventing himself as a pirate captain. As he pieces together his past, he sails the waters of Hawaii, builds a crew and hunts for a legendary treasure. But modern pirates, criminal organizations and other foes stand in his way, making the journey anything but easy.

Players navigate an open world, sailing their ship to explore deserted islands, uncover hidden treasures and encounter a cast of eccentric characters. Combat takes place both at sea and on deck, with two distinct fighting styles: the fast, acrobatic Mad Dog style or the Sea Dog style, which focuses on dual-wielding swords. Ships can be customized with new weapons and specialized crew members, while Majima himself grows stronger over time, unlocking new abilities and better gear.

Predominantly positive opinions on Reddit

On Reddit, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii has been met with overwhelmingly positive reactions, especially from Yakuza fans. Players praise its over-the-top humor, engaging combat with two distinct fighting styles and a story full of bizarre surprises. However, there are some criticisms. Some find the game too easy, even on higher difficulty settings, and wish for a more challenging enemy AI. Technical issues, such as faulty HDR and performance problems on PC, have also been pointed out.

Starting at $60 on Steam

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii was developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and published by SEGA on February 20, 2025. The game has garnered over 1,000 reviews on Steam, with 94% being positive. It also holds top positions on SteamDB's "Popular Releases" and "Trending Games" charts. The standard edition is available on Steam for around $60. The Deluxe Edition, priced at around $75, includes special outfits, unique ship customizations and additional karaoke songs. For those undecided, a free demo version is available, offering a glimpse into the game's features.