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

Summary

• New Game Plus for Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii will be added for free after launch.
• Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth's New Game Plus mode was exclusively tied to the two most expensive editions of the game, upsetting many fans.

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the developer behind the Yakuza franchise, has announced that Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii will include a free New Game Plus mode post-launch. This upcoming title, set in and around Hawaii, follows the adventures of franchise icon Goro Majima as he embarks on a pirate journey following the events of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth in 2024.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth was celebrated as one of the best RPGs of 2024, receiving high praise and nominations at The Game Awards. However, it faced significant backlash due to its New Game Plus mode being exclusive to the two most expensive editions of the game. Despite the criticism, RGG Studio did not alter its decision for Infinite Wealth. In contrast, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii will offer New Game Plus to all players at no additional cost, reflecting a more fan-friendly approach.

During the recent Like a Dragon Direct, RGG Studio showcased a 13-minute video highlighting features such as naval ship combat and crew-building in Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. The video concluded with details on the game's editions and the announcement that New Game Plus would be available for free in a post-launch update, though no specific release date for the mode was provided.

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

Deluxe and special editions of games often come with exclusive in-game cosmetic items, but locking essential gameplay modes behind paywalls can be contentious. RGG Studio's decision to make New Game Plus free for Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii addresses the criticism faced with Infinite Wealth. While some fans might be disappointed by the delay in accessing the mode, 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.