Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is set to launch a free demo for the eagerly awaited game, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, today across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC via Steam. The announcement was made on X/Twitter, with the demo becoming available for download at 7am Pacific / 10am Eastern / 3pm UK. While the full game is slated for release on February 21 and will also be available on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, these platforms unfortunately won't receive the demo.
Although RGG Studio hasn't confirmed whether progress from the demo will transfer to the full game, it seems unlikely given the demo's structure. Players can jump into specific freeroam and battle areas, which suggests it doesn't align with the full game's natural progression. In the demo, you can explore sections of Honolulu and Madlantis, neither of which are accessible at the start of the complete game.
The demo offers a range of engaging features, including the ability to switch between the Mad Dog and Sea Dog fighting styles, battle against formidable bounty enemies, and take on four ship and deck battles at the Pirates' Coliseum. Gamers can also dive into new customization options and enjoy side activities such as karaoke, featuring a selection of three songs.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii serves as a spin-off sequel to Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, marking it as the eighth mainline entry in the Yakuza / Like a Dragon series (or ninth if you include Yakuza 0). The game follows the adventures of Goro Majima, who wakes up with amnesia and embarks on a pirate's journey across Hawaii.
A trailer showcased during the October Xbox Partner Showcase provided fans with a first glimpse of ship combat reminiscent of Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag, and it also hinted at the return of Taiga Saejima, suggesting deeper connections to the main series than previously anticipated.
In terms of length, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is expected to offer a more substantial experience than the previous Yakuza spin-off, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, with a story that takes around 15 to 18 hours to complete. Additionally, fans have the unique opportunity to dress up Majima as the iconic series protagonist, Kiryu Kazuma, by signing up for email notifications or joining the Sega reward system.
