"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 exclusive to the two most expensive editions, causing fan discontent.

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the developers behind the Yakuza franchise, have announced that the New Game Plus mode for Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii will be available for free after the game's launch. This upcoming title, set in Hawaii, follows the adventures of Goro Majima as he embarks on a pirate-themed journey following the events of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth in 2024.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth was celebrated as one of the top RPGs of 2024, receiving high praise and nominations at The Game Awards. However, the decision to lock the New Game Plus mode behind the two priciest editions of the game sparked significant backlash among fans. Despite the criticism, RGG Studio did not alter their approach for Infinite Wealth. In contrast, they've chosen a different path for Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii.

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. At the conclusion of the video, they announced that New Game Plus would be added for free in a post-launch update, though no specific timeline 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 cosmetic items, but locking essential gameplay 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. While some fans might be disappointed by the delay, the wait for New Game Plus should be manageable, especially 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 can expect more details and updates from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio through their social media channels.