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

Summary

• New Game Plus for Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii will be added for free post-launch.
• Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth's New Game Plus mode was exclusively tied to the two most expensive editions, causing fan backlash.

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the developer behind the Yakuza franchise, has announced that Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii will feature a free New Game Plus mode added after its initial release. This upcoming game follows the adventures of the iconic Goro Majima in a pirate-themed setting in Hawaii, continuing the narrative from Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth which was released in 2024.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth received high praise and was nominated for several awards at The Game Awards. However, it sparked controversy by locking its New Game Plus mode behind the two most expensive editions of the game. This decision frustrated many fans who felt compelled to purchase pricier versions to access this feature. Despite the backlash, RGG Studio did not alter the policy for Infinite Wealth. However, they seem to be taking a different approach with Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii.

During the recent Like a Dragon Direct, RGG Studio showcased various elements of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, including naval ship combat and crew-building. At the end of the 13-minute video, the studio revealed the game's editions and confirmed that New Game Plus would be available for free in a post-launch update. The exact release date for this mode was not specified.

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

Deluxe and special editions of video games often include exclusive cosmetic items, but locking essential gameplay features like New Game Plus modes behind paywalls can be contentious. 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. Although players will need to wait for the mode to be added post-launch, it's expected to be available by the time many complete their first playthrough, given the length of Like a Dragon games.

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