Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii will offer a free New Game Plus mode post-launch, a significant departure from the controversial approach taken with Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.

The upcoming title, a zany pirate adventure starring Goro Majima, follows the events of Infinite Wealth. While Infinite Wealth received critical acclaim, its decision to lock New Game Plus behind its most expensive editions sparked considerable backlash. RGG Studio, however, has learned from this experience.

During a recent Like a Dragon Direct, RGG Studio showcased gameplay footage and announced that New Game Plus for Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii will be a free addition via a post-launch patch. While a specific release date for the patch wasn't provided, the studio's commitment to offering this mode free of charge is a welcome change.

This decision contrasts sharply with the industry trend of locking significant gameplay features behind pricey deluxe editions. While some players may be disappointed by the post-launch release, the extended playtime offered by the main game should provide ample time before New Game Plus becomes available. The lengthy nature of Like a Dragon titles means 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, RGG Studio is expected to unveil further details in the coming weeks. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to the studio's social media channels for updates.