The Ocean Hunter Returns in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
Ryu Ga Gotoku (RGG) Studio is reviving The Ocean Hunter, a beloved classic from Sega’s arcade library, in the upcoming Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. This marks the game’s first-ever release on consoles, and fans of both the Yakuza franchise and retro arcade gaming are buzzing with excitement.
A Legacy of Sega Nostalgia
The Yakuza/Like a Dragon series has long been celebrated for its nostalgic nods to Sega’s rich gaming history. From Out Run and Space Harrier in Yakuza 0 to Virtua Fighter 2 in Yakuza Kiwami 2, each game has honored its roots by including playable versions of classic Sega arcade titles. Now, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii continues this tradition, bringing The Ocean Hunter back from the depths of the late ’90s.
Released in 1998, The Ocean Hunter was a rail shooter where players hunted massive sea creatures, including sharks, sea serpents, and other monstrous aquatic threats. Its cult status stems from its unique underwater theme and exhilarating gameplay. However, the title was never ported to consoles—until now.
Challenges of Reviving a Classic
According to RGG Studio, recreating The Ocean Hunter for modern consoles was no small feat. As detailed in a post on X/Twitter, the development team had to rebuild the game from scratch. They visited actual arcade cabinets to ensure an authentic experience, given the game’s limited accessibility in the modern era.
Director Yutaka Ito shared that discussions about including The Ocean Hunter began a year before production started. The game’s lack of licensing complications and its thematic alignment with Pirate Yakuza’s Hawaiian setting made it a perfect fit.
The Story and Gameplay of Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
Set for release on February 21, 2025, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a spin-off sequel to Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. The game follows fan-favorite character Goro Majima, who wakes up with amnesia and embarks on a swashbuckling adventure across Hawaii.
A trailer revealed in October’s Xbox Partner Showcase teased thrilling ship combat reminiscent of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, alongside the return of iconic character Taiga Saejima. Fans can also look forward to a slightly longer experience compared to previous spin-offs, with a campaign estimated at 15–18 hours.
For those looking to channel the series’ iconic hero, Kazuma Kiryu, Majima can don his look—provided players sign up for email notifications.
More Than Just a Minigame
The inclusion of The Ocean Hunter is more than just a nostalgic nod; it’s a testament to RGG Studio’s dedication to blending tradition and innovation. By reviving an arcade gem that many fans thought lost to time, the studio enhances the immersive, playful worlds that the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series is known for.
As Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii sails closer to its release date, the anticipation for both its narrative and its arcade nostalgia continues to grow. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, February 21, 2025, is shaping up to be a day to remembe
