Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is set to launch 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 studio made the announcement on X/Twitter, stating that the demo will be ready 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 will not have access to the demo.
RGG Studio has not confirmed whether progress made in the demo will carry over to the full version of Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. The demo's structure, which allows players to jump directly into specific freeroam and battle areas, suggests that it does not follow the game's natural storyline. Players will have the opportunity to "freely explore part of the Honolulu and Madlantis locations," areas not accessible at the start of the full game.
The demo also introduces various gameplay elements, including the ability to switch between the Mad Dog and Sea Dog fighting styles, confront powerful bounty enemies, participate in four ship and deck battles at the Pirates' Coliseum, experiment with new customization options, and enjoy side activities such as karaoke with a choice of three songs.
Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a spin-off sequel to Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, marking the eighth mainline entry in the Yakuza / Like a Dragon series (or ninth if counting Yakuza 0). The game follows the adventures of Goro Majima, who wakes up with amnesia and embarks on a journey as a pirate across Hawaii.
A trailer showcased at the October Xbox Partner Showcase provided the first glimpse of ship combat reminiscent of Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag and confirmed the return of the popular character Taiga Saejima, hinting at deeper connections to the main series than initially anticipated.
Expected to be longer than the previous Yakuza spin-off, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii's story is projected to take 15 to 18 hours to complete. Additionally, fans can unlock the ability to dress Majima as the iconic series protagonist Kiryu Kazuma by signing up for email notifications or participating in a Sega reward system.
