New Like a Dragon Surpasses Skull and Bones as the Superior Pirate Game

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio recently unveiled details on their upcoming title, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, and the buzz around its naval combat is palpable. Many, myself included, are excited to dive into this adventure, which seems poised to outshine Ubisoft’s Skull and Bones in terms of pirate gameplay. Come February 28, we’ll finally get to explore what promises to be a standout action-adventure title for Xbox this year, along with the excitement of unlocking its achievements.

The latest RGG Studio Direct treated us to a 13-minute preview of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, slated for release on February 28, 2025, available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. The developer, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, delivered fresh insights that have the gaming community buzzing. Of particular interest was the naval combat, which fans are already comparing favorably against Skull and Bones. You’ll have the freedom to customize your vessel, the Goromaru, with options for altering the hull, armor, sails, and figurehead to match your style. To complete your pirate crew, you’ll need to recruit from a pool of over 100 seasoned sailors, forging stronger bonds through shared adventures, drinking, and singing sea shanties.

As for the battles themselves, RGG Studio promises an exhilarating experience with their signature flair for over-the-top action. Your ship can be outfitted with an array of unique weapons, from flamethrower and laser cannons to the more whimsical shark cannons. And just when you think it’s over-the-top enough, Majima can unleash a rocket launcher from the crow’s nest because, well, why not?

You’ll also need to assign your crew strategically to either offense or defense. In Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, unlike in Skull and Bones, players have the thrilling option to board enemy ships and engage in intense hand-to-hand battles to defeat opposing captains.

Are you excited about Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii? Share your thoughts in the comments below. And if you haven’t yet explored the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series, now’s the perfect time to start. They’re available on Game Pass, and they’re truly some of the best titles you can dive into with a subscription.