*Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii* introduces a thrilling new twist to the *Yakuza* series with its Naval Combat feature. This innovative fighting system is crucial for players to master in order to succeed in the game. Given the multiple facets of ship control, here's a detailed look at how Naval Combat functions in *Pirate Yakuza*.
How Does Naval Combat in Pirate Yakuza Work?
The adventure in *Pirate Yakuza* begins with players taking command of a modest pirate ship named the Goromaru, which can be upgraded as you progress. Initially, the ship comes equipped with two cannons on each side and a machine gun turret at the bow. As you navigate the open seas, you'll frequently encounter enemy vessels. Similar to other combat scenarios in the game, you have the choice to engage or attempt to flee.
However, the Goromaru, like all ships, moves slower than on-land combat, making escape maneuvers risky, especially against stronger ships with long-range capabilities. It's often more strategic to confront enemy ships directly and start firing as soon as possible. In Naval Combat, players can execute three types of attacks:
Turret Gun Attacks: Positioned at the front of your ship, the turret gun is ideal for mid-range engagements. It allows you to damage enemy ships as you close the distance, setting up for more potent cannon attacks. You can also take control of the turret directly, though this increases your vulnerability.
Left and Right Cannons: These are the Goromaru's most powerful weapons, activated by pressing L2 or R2 depending on the side you wish to fire from. Effective only at close range, a lit cannon symbol indicates a sure-hit opportunity. After firing, cannons require time to reload, so maneuvering to use the opposite side's cannons can maximize your damage output.
RPG Missile: During naval combat, you can switch the camera view to the ship's deck, allowing you to move Goro freely. This maneuver is best performed at a safe distance from enemy ships, as your ship will stop moving. On the deck, you can equip an RPG to inflict damage from afar, providing a strategic advantage by weakening the enemy ship before closing in.
Pirate Ship Traversal
In the wider ship perspective, players control the Goromaru using the left stick and can activate a boost to temporarily increase speed. This boost is essential for either closing in on an enemy or executing a drift maneuver by simultaneously pressing the boost and a specific button (O on PS5 DualSense, B on Xbox controller). Drifting allows you to spin the ship, dodging cannon fire or switching sides to double your cannon attack effectiveness.
Boarding Parties
Some naval battles in *Pirate Yakuza* feature two stages, typically encountered in boss fights within the main storyline or in the Pirate Coliseum in Madlantis. These battles often involve facing multiple ships, with the primary objective being to destroy the main ship, which has a higher health pool. To progress efficiently, focus your attacks on the main ship, bypassing smaller vessels.
Once the main ship's health is depleted, a prompt will appear to initiate a boarding party, transitioning the battle into the familiar beat-em-up style of the *Yakuza* series. Here, you'll face numerous crew members and a boss, often being outnumbered. To enhance your chances, level up your crew by boosting morale and engaging in lower-level fights.
Enemy captains may use stat-boosting items to increase their damage or defense, making battles tougher. You can counter this by assigning your own support crew with similar stat-enhancing abilities. The goal is to defeat all opposing crew members before your party is knocked out.
Mastering these two-stage naval battles is essential, as they are prevalent in the Pirate Coliseum and major story battles in the latter part of the game. Additionally, when exploring islands for treasure, you'll frequently encounter other ships, underscoring the importance of understanding Naval Combat. The *Yakuza* series continues to evolve, and the pirate ship mechanics and combat in *Pirate Yakuza* offer a fresh and exhilarating experience, rivaling even *Sea of Thieves*. With the right upgrades and crew customization, the Goromaru can become the most formidable ship on the seas.
And that is naval combat in *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*, explained.
*Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*
