New screenshots for Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii detail battle styles, dark instruments, and naval combat

As a seasoned gamer who’s seen my fair share of virtual worlds, I must say that the images before me are nothing short of breathtaking! The vibrant colors and intricate details in each scene transport me to another realm, one where I can almost hear the gentle lapping of waves against the shore or feel the warm embrace of a tropical breeze.

Sega recently unveiled fresh images and details about the game titled “Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii“. They’ve shared insights on various battle techniques, mysterious artifacts, and sea battles that players can expect to encounter.

The details can be found below, with more screenshots in the gallery, via Sega.

Just in case you weren’t aware, Sega has moved up the launch date to February 21st, 2025, and they also released a trailer showcasing naval battles.

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio from Sega has shared fresh information about Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, offering a deeper understanding of its combat aspects like “dark instruments,” along with additional details on life at sea, such as ship personalization and strategies for triumphing in battles. Set after the occurrences of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the game centers around Goro Majima’s journey to regain his memories, establish a pirate crew, and explore the open seas in pursuit of fabled treasure.
Battle Styles
On the battlefield, players have the flexibility to alternate between two distinct playstyles – “Mad Dog” and “Sea Dog”, each offering special traits and spectacular Heat Actions designed to obliterate opponents.
In the “Mad Dog” fighting approach, players are allowed to creatively mix punches, kicks, and knife swipes for swift, dynamic attacks and high-flying combos that let them vanquish foes with flair. By inflicting damage, players can increase their Madness Meter, then summon a troupe of shadowy duplicates to amplify Majima’s destructive might.
As a swashbuckling gamer, I get to wield not one but two cutlasses in the “Sea Dog” style, unleashing thrilling slash combos that echo the spirit of a pirate. With each level-up, I can amass enough power for devastating finishing moves. And as the story unfolds, I’ll tap into the Madness Gauge to conjure four fearsome dark deities, summoned with the help of mysterious treasures called “Dark Instruments.

Sidearms & Dark Instruments
In battle, players can take advantage of three distinct handheld weapons: Cutlass Boomerang, Pistol, and Chain Hook. Each weapon offers a different way to explore the Sea Dog style’s full capabilities. The cutlass boomerang allows for a wide variety of damage, the charged pistol delivers powerful recoil damage, and the chain hook lets players quickly close gaps towards enemies to deliver decisive strikes at high speed.
Stolen from the vessels of vanquished rival pirate bands, an assortment of ominous artifacts known as Dark Instruments evoke dreadful creatures to assault Majima’s adversaries! A violin’s melody incites carnivorous sharks to join the fray, tearing apart threats with their sharp teeth. The guitar summons a colossal ape who delivers devastating uppercuts against enemies. The saxophone invokes an airborne ally that generates whirlwinds of torment, and the ocarina conjures fearsome jellyfish from the ocean depths with astonishing power.

Naval Combat
Living like a pirate involves a world of liberty and discovery, where gamers can voyage over the expansive sea, unearthing hidden treasures on distant isles and paying visits to beacons on lands both near and far – always mindful of potential threats lurking in the shadows.
In a naval battle, it’s either your ship sinks or you sink theirs. Players will steer their vessel, the Goro Maru, evading incoming fire while returning cannon shots at the enemy ships. Eventually, they’ll storm the opposing ship to eliminate the captain and his crew in a fierce hand-to-hand combat on deck.
In naval battles, players should customize their ships by altering its look and feel, and tactfully position their crew. This means personalizing the ship’s exterior as desired, while strengthening its armor and arming it accordingly.
In order to achieve a triumphant outcome, players must capitalize on Majima’s capabilities as well as the diverse talents of their fellow crew members during ship skirmishes. Each team member contributes unique abilities – some excel in offensive maneuvers, whereas others specialize in recovery and healing.
The Coliseum of the Pirates in Madlantis is an extraordinary battlefield, offering a diverse range of tests: from individual duels to frenzied clashes involving up to ten rival crews. A plethora of devastating adventures lie ahead for Majima and his loyal band of sailors.