Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has exciting news for fans of the Like a Dragon series: a free demo for the upcoming game, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, is set to launch today. Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC via Steam, gamers can dive into the demo starting at 7am Pacific / 10am Eastern / 3pm UK. While the full game is slated for release on February 21 across PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, and PC, the demo will be exclusive to the newer consoles and PC.

The studio shared this announcement on X/Twitter, sparking anticipation among the community. However, it remains unclear whether the progress made in the demo will transfer to the full version of Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. The demo's structure, which allows players to jump into specific freeroam and battle areas, suggests that it may not follow the game's natural narrative progression.

In the demo, players have the freedom to explore sections of Honolulu and a fictional location called Madlantis, both of which are not immediately accessible in the full game. Players can also experiment with the Mad Dog and Sea Dog fighting styles, engage in battles against formidable bounty enemies, participate in four thrilling ship and deck battles at the Pirates' Coliseum, and enjoy new customization options. Additionally, the demo offers side activities such as karaoke with a choice of three songs, adding to the immersive experience.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii serves as a spin-off sequel to Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the eighth mainline entry in the Yakuza / Like a Dragon series (or ninth, counting Yakuza 0). The game follows the journey of Goro Majima, who awakens with amnesia and embarks on a pirate-themed adventure across Hawaii.

A trailer unveiled at the October Xbox Partner Showcase provided the first detailed look at the game's ship combat, reminiscent of Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag, and hinted at the return of the fan-favorite character Taiga Saejima, potentially weaving deeper connections to the main series.

Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii promises a more substantial experience than the previous spin-off, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, with an estimated playtime of 15 to 18 hours for the main story. Fans can also unlock a unique opportunity to dress Majima in the attire of the series' long-time protagonist, Kiryu Kazuma, by signing up for email notifications or participating in the Sega reward system.