"Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Announces Free New Game Plus Mode"

Summary

• Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii will feature a free New Game Plus mode added post-launch.
• Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth restricted its New Game Plus mode to the two most expensive editions, causing fan backlash.

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has announced that Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, set in and around Hawaii, will include a free New Game Plus mode in a post-launch update. This game follows the adventures of Goro Majima in a pirate-themed narrative following the events of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth in 2024.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth was widely praised and nominated for awards at The Game Awards 2024. However, it faced criticism for locking its New Game Plus mode behind the game's two most expensive editions. Despite the backlash, RGG Studio did not change its stance on Infinite Wealth, but they are taking a different approach with Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii.

During the recent Like a Dragon Direct, RGG Studio showcased 13 minutes of gameplay, highlighting naval combat and crew-building features. The studio also revealed the game's various editions, confirming that New Game Plus would be available for free in a future update, though no specific date was provided.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii's New Game Plus Mode Will Be Free

Deluxe and special editions of games often include exclusive cosmetic items, but locking essential gameplay modes like New Game Plus behind paywalls has been a point of contention among gamers. RGG Studio's decision to offer New Game Plus for free in Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii reflects a response to the criticism faced with Infinite Wealth. While some fans may be disappointed about the delay in accessing the mode, it should be available by the time many complete their first playthrough, given the length of these games.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is set to launch on February 21. As the release date approaches, fans should stay tuned to RGG Studio's social media channels for more updates and exciting details about the game.