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.
The announcement, made during the recent Like a Dragon Direct, showcased extended gameplay footage highlighting naval combat and crew management. The revelation that New Game Plus would be freely available via a post-launch patch was met with positive reception, contrasting sharply with the backlash surrounding Infinite Wealth's paywalled mode. While the exact release date for the New Game Plus update remains unannounced, the studio's commitment to providing it free of charge demonstrates responsiveness to player feedback.
This change of heart is a welcome one for fans. While deluxe editions often offer cosmetic items, gating significant gameplay features like New Game Plus behind a paywall is a contentious practice. RGG Studio's decision to avoid this with Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii suggests they've learned from the criticism leveled at Infinite Wealth. Although players will need to wait for the update, the relatively short wait time, coupled with the length of the main game, suggests most will have plenty of time to complete a first playthrough before accessing New Game Plus.
With the game's release date set for February 21st, fans can expect further updates and reveals from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio in the coming weeks leading up to launch. Keep an eye on their social media channels for more exciting news.