Majima's Melodic Mayhem: A Deep Dive into Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

In an exciting blend of gaming elements, the freshest unveiling, christened Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii presents a fascinating twist on familiar mechanics. While reminiscent of the legendary The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, where Link performs enchanting melodies, this installment features Majima who, instead, calls upon a glowing jellyfish to confront adversaries during his pirate adventures.

The developer Ryu Ga Gotoko Studio recently unveiled intricate details regarding the combat options at Majima's disposal. This features an array of Dark Instruments that can summon diverse allies, including sharks, monkeys, and jellyfish, all geared towards battling foes.

Alongside his iconic Mad Dog fighting style known throughout the Yakuza and Like a Dragon franchise, players have access to Majima's new Sea Dog fighting style. This approach complements his transformation into a pirate and primarily employs cutlasses while permitting the use of sidearms for executing impressive finishing moves. The game offers three firearms for players to access: the Cutlass Boomerang, Pistol, and Chain Hook.

However, the action becomes particularly intriguing with the inclusion of Dark Instruments. As Majima engages in combat, he accumulates a Madness Gauge which differs from the traditional Heat Actions, unlocking the capability to use musical instruments. Players can select from a violin, saxophone, guitar, or the characteristic ocarina.

Utilizing Majima’s enchanted ocarina, a malevolent jellyfish appears, referred to as the Dark God of the Deep. This formidable entity not only restores health to Majima and his companions but also delivers electrical shocks that can incapacitate nearby foes. Furthermore, the violin brings forth enormous sharks that inflict significant damage, while the guitar’s mighty ape delivers powerful strikes but has limited distance. The saxophone’s output results in an avian ally that blows adversaries away.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii serves as a further development of the story begun in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the eighth main installment installment of the series (or ninth with Yakuza 0). The storyline follows Majima on an odyssey of personal enlightenment, as he finds himself awakening with erased memories and embarks on a seafaring quest, exploring the vibrant landscapes of Hawaii.

A captivating preview was unveiled at the October Xbox Partner Showcase, providing an  initial glimpse at ship combat that draws parallels to Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag. Additionally, the return of fan-favorite Taiga Saejima hints at deeper connections to the broader series than previously anticipated.

This title promises to deliver a lengthier experience compared to the previous spin-off game, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Wiped His Identity, with an estimated story completion time ranging from 15 to 18 hours. Players keen on customizing Majima can opt for a costume resembling long-time series protagonist Kiryu Kazuma, contingent on signing up for notifications.