Mastering Naval Combat in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii introduces thrilling naval combat, a significant departure for the Yakuza series. This guide details the mechanics of this new fighting system.
Early game sees you commanding the Goromaru, a small ship initially equipped with two cannons (port and starboard) and a forward-mounted machine gun turret. Encounters with enemy ships are frequent. While fleeing is an option, the Goromaru's slow speed makes this risky, especially against ships with ranged attacks. Direct confrontation is generally preferable.
Naval combat utilizes three primary attack types:
- Turret Gun Attacks: Ideal for mid-range engagements. Damage can be inflicted while closing the distance, setting up for cannon fire. Manually controlling the turret is possible but riskier.
- Left and Right Cannons: These are the Goromaru's most powerful weapons, effective at close range (indicated by a lit-up cannon icon). Each cannon requires a reload period, necessitating strategic ship maneuvering.
- RPG Missile: Shifting camera perspective to the ship's deck allows free movement of Goro. This is best done at a safe distance, as the ship becomes stationary. The RPG provides long-range damage, offering a strong opening attack.
Ship Control and Maneuvering:
The left stick controls the Goromaru. A boost function temporarily increases speed. Combining the boost with a drift maneuver (O on PS5, B on Xbox) allows for spinning, enabling evasion of cannon fire and optimal cannon positioning for maximum damage.
Two-Stage Naval Battles and Boarding Parties:
Many battles, especially boss fights and Pirate Coliseum events, feature two stages. The first involves destroying enemy ships, focusing on the main vessel with higher health. Once its health is depleted, a boarding party is initiated (action button prompt).
Boarding transitions to Yakuza's signature beat-'em-up style. You'll often be outnumbered, so leveling up your crew through morale boosts and smaller fights is crucial. Crew captains possess stat-boosting abilities, impacting battle difficulty. Assigning support crew with beneficial boosts is also key. Victory requires eliminating the opposing crew before your party is defeated.
Mastering these two-stage naval battles is essential for progressing through the game's latter half, the Pirate Coliseum, and for treasure hunting. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii's innovative naval combat adds a refreshing dimension to the series, offering a compelling alternative to traditional Yakuza gameplay. With strategic crew management, upgrades, and customization, the Goromaru can become an unstoppable force.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
