Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii’s substories are a pivotal part of the game's overarching narrative, as they help flesh out Majima's character.

Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii' doesn't go all the way with its nautical ambitions, but its infectious energy and oddball premise are big swings that I wish every big-budget game series would take with their spin-off titles.

Yakuza/Like a Dragon was a brawler before it became a turn-based RPG in its main titles, but the side games like Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii remain action-packed beat 'em ups. It's all about punching, kicking, shooting, and slashing.