Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is set to excite fans with the release of a free demo for Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii today, available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC via Steam. The demo will be ready for download starting at 7am Pacific / 10am Eastern / 3pm UK, as announced by the studio on X/Twitter. However, those playing on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One will have to wait until the full game's release on February 21 to dive into the action, as the demo will not be available on these platforms.
While the studio hasn't confirmed if progress made in the demo will transfer to the full game, the demo's structure suggests otherwise. It allows players to jump directly into specific freeroam and battle areas, bypassing the natural progression of the story. Players can explore parts of Honolulu and Madlantis, areas not accessible at the start of the full game. Additionally, the demo lets players switch between the Mad Dog and Sea Dog fighting styles, engage with formidable bounty enemies, participate in four unique ship and deck battles in the Pirates' Coliseum, utilize new customization options, and enjoy side activities such as karaoke with a choice of three songs.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii serves as a spin-off sequel to Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the eighth mainline installment in the Yakuza / Like a Dragon series (or ninth if including Yakuza 0). The game follows the journey of Goro Majima, who wakes up with amnesia and embarks on a pirate adventure across Hawaii.
A trailer showcased during the October Xbox Partner Showcase provided a first glimpse into the game's ship combat, reminiscent of Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag, and confirmed the return of fan-favorite character Taiga Saejima, hinting at deeper connections to the main series than initially anticipated.
With a story duration of approximately 15 to 18 hours, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii promises to be longer than the previous Yakuza spin-off, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name. Fans eager to personalize their experience can also dress up Majima as the iconic series protagonist Kiryu Kazuma, but this special feature is exclusive to those who sign up for email notifications or join the Sega reward system.
