"Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza Demo Now Available in Hawaii"

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 demo will be ready for download starting at 7am Pacific / 10am Eastern / 3pm UK, as announced by the studio on X/Twitter. 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.

Although RGG Studio hasn't confirmed whether progress from the demo will transfer to the full game, it seems unlikely. The demo allows players to jump directly into specific freeroam and battle areas, bypassing the natural progression of the story. Players can explore parts of Honolulu and Madlantis, areas not accessible at the start of the full game.

The demo offers a range of features, including the ability to switch between the Mad Dog and Sea Dog fighting styles, battle against formidable bounty enemies, and participate in four ship and deck battles at the Pirates' Coliseum. Additionally, players can experiment with new customization options and enjoy side activities like karaoke, featuring a selection of three songs.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a spin-off sequel to Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, marking it as the eighth mainline entry in the Yakuza / Like a Dragon series (or ninth if including Yakuza 0). The game follows Goro Majima, who wakes up with amnesia and embarks on a pirate adventure across Hawaii.

A trailer showcased during the October Xbox Partner Showcase provided a first glimpse at ship combat reminiscent of Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag and hinted at the return of the fan-favorite character Taiga Saejima, suggesting deeper connections to the main series than previously anticipated.

The game's story is expected to take around 15 to 18 hours to complete, making it longer than the previous Yakuza spin-off, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name. Fans can also dress up Majima as the iconic series protagonist Kiryu Kazuma, but this feature is exclusive to those who sign up for email notifications or join the Sega reward system.