New 'Like a Dragon' Update Adds Free New Game Plus Plus

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii's New Game Plus Mode: A Free Post-Launch Addition

Following fan backlash over the exclusive pricing of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth's New Game Plus mode, developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has announced a different approach for its upcoming title, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. The New Game Plus mode for this Hawaiian pirate adventure, starring Goro Majima, will be available as a free post-launch update.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, while critically acclaimed (even receiving Game Awards nominations), faced criticism for restricting New Game Plus access to its most expensive editions. RGG Studio didn't reverse this decision, but the studio has learned from the controversy. A recent Like a Dragon Direct showcased gameplay, including naval combat and crew building, and concluded with the announcement of the game's editions. Crucially, it confirmed that New Game Plus will be a free addition via a post-launch patch, although a specific release date wasn't provided.

The practice of locking significant gameplay elements, like game modes, behind expensive editions is a common point of contention among gamers. Many accept cosmetic extras as edition-exclusive content, but core gameplay features are a different matter. RGG Studio's decision to offer Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii's New Game Plus for free is a welcome change, addressing the concerns raised regarding Infinite Wealth. While players will need to wait for the update, the extended playtime offered by these Like a Dragon games suggests the wait shouldn't be excessively long – many players might finish their first playthrough before the update arrives.

With the game's release date set for February 21st, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is likely to unveil more details in the coming weeks. Fans should keep an eye on the studio's social media channels for further updates.