Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Confirms Free New Game Plus

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii's New Game Plus Mode: A Free Post-Launch Addition

Following fan backlash over the exclusive pricing of New Game Plus in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has announced a different approach for its upcoming title, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. The highly anticipated sequel, set against the backdrop of Hawaii, will feature Goro Majima's pirate adventures.

While Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth received critical acclaim and award nominations, its decision to lock New Game Plus behind the most expensive editions sparked considerable controversy. RGG Studio didn't reverse this decision, but Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii will offer a contrasting approach.

A recent Like a Dragon Direct showcased gameplay features, including naval combat and crew management. Crucially, the presentation revealed that New Game Plus for Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii will be a free post-launch addition via a patch. While the exact release date for the New Game Plus update remains unannounced, RGG Studio's decision to make it freely available is a positive response to previous criticism.

This move contrasts with the common practice of offering cosmetic items or minor bonuses in deluxe editions. The practice of withholding significant gameplay features like New Game Plus solely for premium editions has been widely criticized. RGG Studio's change of heart should be welcomed by fans, even if it means a short wait after launch. Given the substantial length of typical Like a Dragon games, the New Game Plus mode should be available before many players complete their initial playthroughs.

With the game's release still over a month away (February 21st), RGG Studio may unveil further details in the coming weeks. Fans are encouraged to follow the studio's social media channels for updates leading up to the launch of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii.