"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 available with 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 include a free New Game Plus mode in a future update. This upcoming title, set in Hawaii, follows the adventures of the iconic Goro Majima as he embarks on a pirate-themed journey following the events of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, released in 2024.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth was celebrated as one of the year's top RPGs, receiving high praise and nominations at The Game Awards. However, the decision to restrict its New Game Plus mode to only the most expensive editions sparked significant controversy among fans. Despite the backlash, RGG Studio did not alter its stance on Infinite Wealth, but it appears to have learned from the experience for Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii.

During the recent Like a Dragon Direct, RGG Studio unveiled a 13-minute video showcasing features like naval combat and crew-building in Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. At the end of the presentation, they announced various editions of the game, confirming that New Game Plus would be available for free in a post-launch patch. The exact timing for this update was not specified.

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 crucial gameplay elements like New Game Plus modes behind paywalls has been a contentious issue. RGG Studio's decision to offer New Game Plus for free in Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii reflects a positive response to the criticism faced with Infinite Wealth. While some fans might be disappointed by the delay in accessing the mode, it is expected to be available soon after the game's release, aligning well with the completion of many players' first playthroughs.

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