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 breaks down the mechanics of ship-to-ship battles, crucial for success in the game.
Early game sees you commanding the Goromaru, a small ship initially equipped with two cannons (port and starboard) and a forward-mounted turret. Encounters with enemy vessels 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 recommended.
Naval combat utilizes three main attack types:
- Turret Gun Attacks: The turret, positioned at the bow, is ideal for mid-range engagements. It allows damage while closing the distance for cannon fire. Direct turret control is possible but riskier.
- Left and Right Cannons: These are the Goromaru's most powerful weapons, activated via L2/R2 (depending on platform). Effective only at close range (indicated by a lit-up cannon icon). Maneuvering is key to utilize both cannons effectively due to reload times.
- RPG Missile: Shifting camera perspective to the deck allows free movement of Goro. This is best done at a safe distance as it halts ship movement. The RPG offers long-range attacks, providing a strategic advantage at the start of battles.
Ship control is managed via the left stick, with a boost function for speed increases and drifting (O/B button) to evade fire or reposition for optimal cannon usage.
Many naval battles, particularly boss fights and Pirate Coliseum challenges, are two-phased. The first phase focuses on destroying the main enemy ship (possessing higher health). Ignoring smaller ships and concentrating fire on the boss is usually the most efficient strategy. Once the boss ship's health is depleted, a boarding party sequence initiates, transitioning to the familiar Yakuza beat-'em-up style.
These boarding party encounters often involve overwhelming odds. Leveling up your crew via morale boosts and smaller battles is vital. Crew captains possess stat-boosting abilities, adding complexity. Strategic use of support crew and their buffs is crucial for success.
Mastering these two-stage naval battles is essential for progression in the game's latter half and exploring the various islands. The innovative naval combat system adds a refreshing dimension to the Yakuza series, offering a compelling alternative to traditional gameplay. With strategic crew management, upgrades, and customization, the Goromaru can become a formidable force on the seas.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
