"Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza's Naval Combat in Hawaii Unveiled"

*Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii* takes the beloved *Yakuza* series into uncharted waters with the introduction of Naval Combat. This innovative fighting system is crucial for success within the game, and with its multifaceted ship control mechanics, understanding how Naval Combat works in *Pirate Yakuza* is essential for any player looking to dominate the seas.

How Does Naval Combat in Pirate Yakuza Work?

From the outset of *Pirate Yakuza*, players are introduced to their vessel, the Goromaru, a modest pirate ship ripe for upgrades. Initially, the ship is equipped with two cannons on each side and a front-mounted machine gun turret. As you navigate the open waters, you'll frequently encounter enemy ships, presenting players with the choice to engage in combat or attempt a risky escape.

Given the slower pace of ship movement compared to land-based combat, evasion can be perilous, particularly against formidable foes with long-range capabilities. Thus, it's often wiser to confront enemies head-on, initiating combat as soon as possible. Naval Combat in *Pirate Yakuza* features three distinct attack types:

Turret Gun Attacks: Positioned at the ship's bow, the turret gun is your go-to option for mid-range engagements. It allows you to inflict damage as you close the distance, setting the stage for a more potent cannon assault once in close quarters. Players can also opt to manually control the turret, though this increases vulnerability.

Left and Right Cannons: The Goromaru's most powerful weapons, these cannons are triggered by pressing L2 or R2, depending on the desired firing side. Effective only at close range, a visual cue indicates when a cannon shot is guaranteed to hit. Post-firing, cannons require time to reload, necessitating strategic maneuvering to alternate between sides for continuous assault.

RPG Missile: By shifting the camera to the ship's deck, players can control Goro directly, though this maneuver is risky when enemies are nearby. Utilizing an RPG from this perspective allows for long-range damage, an ideal tactic for initiating combat with a strategic advantage.

Pirate Ship Traversal

In the broader ship perspective, the Goromaru's movement is controlled via the left stick, with a boost feature available to temporarily increase speed. This boost can be used to either swiftly close in on an enemy or, when combined with a drift (activated by pressing O on PS5 or B on Xbox), to execute a swift turn. This maneuver is crucial for evading cannon fire or repositioning the ship to maximize cannon damage.

Boarding Parties

Certain naval battles in *Pirate Yakuza* escalate into two-stage encounters, typically during boss fights or within the Pirate Coliseum in Madlantis. These battles involve tackling multiple ships, with the primary objective being to take down the central, more robust vessel. Focusing solely on the main ship is key, as it progresses you to the second phase.

Upon depleting the boss ship's health, a prompt appears, signaling the transition to a boarding party. This shifts the gameplay to the series' signature beat-em-up style, where Goro and his crew face off against the enemy's crew and a boss. Often outnumbered, it's vital to bolster your crew's strength through morale boosts and smaller skirmishes.

Enemy captains may employ stat-boosting abilities, increasing the challenge. Players can counter this by assigning support crew with their own boosts. Victory hinges on eliminating the opposing crew before your party is defeated.

Mastering these two-stage naval battles is crucial, not only for major story progressions and the Pirate Coliseum but also for encounters during island explorations in the game's latter half. The *Yakuza* series' tradition of refreshing gameplay mechanics shines through with *Pirate Yakuza*'s naval combat, offering a thrilling alternative to other pirate-themed games like *Sea of Thieves*. With the right upgrades and crew, the Goromaru can become an unrivaled force 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.*