Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is excited to announce the release of a free demo for Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, available today on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC via Steam. You can download the demo starting at 7am Pacific / 10am Eastern / 3pm UK, as announced by the studio on X/Twitter.
The full game is set to launch on February 21 and will also be available on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, though these platforms won't have access to the free demo. While RGG Studio hasn't confirmed whether progress from the demo will carry over to the full game, the demo's structure suggests otherwise. It allows players to jump directly into specific freeroam and battle areas, bypassing the main storyline.
In the demo, players can explore parts of Honolulu and Madlantis, locations not accessible at the start of the full game. You'll have the chance to switch between the Mad Dog and Sea Dog fighting styles, engage with formidable bounty enemies, and participate in four thrilling ship and deck battles at the Pirates' Coliseum. Additionally, the demo offers new customization options and the chance to enjoy side activities like karaoke with a choice of three songs.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a spin-off sequel to Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the eighth mainline entry in the Yakuza / Like a Dragon series (or ninth if you count Yakuza 0). The game follows Goro Majima, who wakes up with amnesia and embarks on a pirate adventure across Hawaii.
A trailer showcased at the October Xbox Partner Showcase gave fans a first glimpse at the ship combat, reminiscent of Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag, and hinted at the return of Taiga Saejima, suggesting deeper connections to the main series.
The game is expected to offer a longer experience than the previous Yakuza spin-off, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, with a story that takes approximately 15 to 18 hours to complete. Fans can also unlock a special outfit allowing Majima to dress as the series' iconic protagonist, Kiryu Kazuma, by signing up for email notifications or participating in the Sega reward system.
