Yakuza: Like a Dragon Expands with Free New Game + Mode

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

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has announced that the highly anticipated New Game Plus mode for Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii will be a free post-launch addition. This decision marks a significant departure from the controversial approach taken with Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, where New Game Plus was locked behind the purchase of the most expensive editions, sparking considerable fan backlash.

The news was revealed during the recent Like a Dragon Direct, a 13-minute showcase highlighting the game's naval combat, crew management, and other features. While the exact release date for the New Game Plus update remains unannounced, RGG Studio confirmed its free availability via a post-launch patch.

This positive change addresses previous criticisms. While deluxe editions often include cosmetic items, gating core gameplay elements like New Game Plus behind a paywall is widely considered unacceptable by many gamers. By offering this mode for free, RGG Studio demonstrates responsiveness to player feedback.

Although players will need to wait for the update, the extended playtime offered by Like a Dragon titles suggests the wait shouldn't be excessively long. Many players will likely still be engrossed in their initial playthrough by the time the update arrives.

With the game's release date set for February 21st, fans can anticipate further reveals and updates from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio in the coming weeks leading up to launch. Keep an eye on their social media channels for the latest news and details.