The upcoming release of "Yakuza 8: Pirates in Hawaii" on February 21, 2025, will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and Steam. This creation by the brilliant designer promises to deliver an abundance of fan service for Goro Majima fans. Here are some exciting gameplay highlights.
[Story]
This spin-off story directly follows the ending of "Yakuza 8." At the beginning, Majima is summoned by the Furin Group, leading his former Tojo Clan subordinates to "Nere Island" to deal with a nuclear waste incident. However, during the journey, they encounter a shipwreck and end up drifting to "Richi Island," where Majima unexpectedly loses his memory. To repay Richi Island for their assistance, Majima takes charge and captures the local pirates, becoming the captain and embarking on an adventure to search for treasure and regain his memory.
Don’t think the story is too formal; the essence of this spinoff is actually a whimsical romp filled with hilarity. Unlike the heroic spirit of a spring breeze, Majima's character leans more towards 'throwing down at the slightest provocation.' Even after losing his memory, he's still playing out a 'black eats black' plot in a foreign land, which has fans absolutely enamored with him.
Pirate Elements
One of the most exciting elements in the game that catches players' attention is definitely the "pirate" theme. If you're expecting intense battles reminiscent of Xbox's "Sea Of Thieves" or Ubisoft's "Skull And Bones," then you might need to adjust your expectations, as this aspect leans more towards a management style. Players will need to earn money to upgrade their ships, which includes aesthetics and attack configurations. You can also invite NPCs to join your crew, reminiscent of the gameplay from "Yakuza 8" on Don Don Island, making it easy for familiar players to dive right in.
Battle
In the brand new Hawaiian map, players no longer engage in the complex turn-based combat from Yakuza 8, but instead dive into the familiar real-time action style. Kiryu showcases the 'Frenzy' and a brand new 'Pirate' combat mode in this installment, where he can wield dual swords and an energy gun to display a unique fighting style.
Side Quests and Mini-Games
While some RPG elements and large side quests like the 'pseudo-Pokémon competitions' have been removed, many mini-games remain. Numerous collection tasks, such as island treasure hunts and various mini-games, still enhance the enjoyment of the game. The introduction of the lasso allows players to catch insects and discover treasures at different locations, putting players' collecting skills to the ultimate test.
Although part of the content in the "spin-off" features a "reuse" style, the production team has put a lot of effort into the details, including the theme song presented in a musical format and the humorous dialogues between the characters. These elements filled with Japanese humor resonate well with Asian players. If you're a fan of "Yakuza" or Goro Majima, then this work is sure to bring you joy.
