Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii's New Game Plus Mode to be Free Post-Launch
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has announced that the upcoming Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii will offer its New Game Plus mode as a free post-launch update. This decision marks a departure from the controversial approach taken with Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, where New Game Plus was exclusively bundled with the pricier editions, sparking significant fan backlash.
While Infinite Wealth received critical acclaim, the New Game Plus exclusivity proved a point of contention. RGG Studio, however, appears to have listened to player feedback, opting for a more inclusive approach with Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii.
The announcement was made during the recent Like a Dragon Direct, a 13-minute showcase highlighting the game's naval combat and crew-building mechanics. 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 move is a positive step for the studio, addressing previous concerns about locking essential gameplay features behind expensive editions. While a post-launch release may disappoint some, the extended playtime offered by Like a Dragon titles suggests the update should arrive before many players complete their initial playthroughs.
With the game's release date set for February 21st, fans can anticipate further updates and reveals from RGG Studio in the coming weeks leading up to launch. Keep an eye on their social media channels for more information.