A rare AAA game that isn't afraid to get weird

Plus, Donkey Kong got a brow lift

Our top pick of the week: Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Call it a side story, a palate cleanser, or a work of inspired genius, but Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii isn't the kind of game we normally see in the games industry. A sequel in a big-budget, marquee franchise that isn't afraid to get weird? Love it. But then again, not being weird enough has never really been Like a Dragon's problem.   Sega's set-your-clock-by-it series returns this week with an entry that sees yakuza member Goro Majima lose his memory and end up in Hawaii, living life as a pirate.   "There is so much to love in Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii," writes Kaile Hultner in Polygon's review. "It is so much more than a silly diversion to tide fans over between mainline entries. It presents players with complex systems in a very matter-of-fact way. It just nonchalantly features an entire naval combat system that would make certain 'AAAA' game designers jealous. And it deepens our understanding of one of the Like a Dragon series' most beloved and complicated guys right as he sails into the sunset."   With the Like a Dragon studio working on multiple other projects, including the serious-looking Project Century, this may be its last wild and wacky game for a little while. So savor it, because these things don't come around often. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza is so much more than a silly diversion Pirate Yakuza is so weird and wacky, Sega forced to clarify 'yes, this game is canon' An early hands-on with Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii was absurd and delightful Polygon's Shopkeeper is a weekly newsletter that collects the best deals on games, gaming accessories, Blu-rays, books, and other fine wares. Subscribe here. This week on TikTok | Donkey Kong got a brow lift | Which design do you prefer? 9 stories to read Subscribe to Polygon's Switchboard newsletter for all things Switch 2 | The best way to stay in the know on Nintendo's next-gen plans.   'A New Age Begins' for Critical Role. Let's hope it's one for actual play and TTRPGs, too | What does Critical Role's finale say about the state of actual play?   Twitch's Hasan Piker wants fellow leftists to know: Having fun isn't 'bourgeois decadence' | A new book excerpt from Stream Big dives deep on Twitch's top stars.   I've been playing AAA sports games like management sims, and I couldn't be happier | My favorite genre has let me down lately, so I flipped it on its head.   Avowed's best early quest is about smuggling illegal birth control for sex workers | "A Lady Never Tells" is one of the most important side quests in Dawnshore.   Lenovo's Legion Go S is the latest Windows handheld casualty | At least we now know how the SteamOS version will look and feel: pretty good!   I have no sympathy for Captain America: Brave New World's Thunderbolt Ross | The filmmakers want us to feel soooooo bad for him. I don't.   What is DLSS, and will it be Switch 2's secret weapon? | Nvidia's AI-powered upscaling tech could give Nintendo a valuable advantage.   So when are we going to see any live action from the live-action Lilo & Stitch? | Stitch is cute, but this movie's biggest potential comes from its human characters. 8+ things to watch Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man on Disney Plus | The animated series shows what Marvel's Disney Plus shows should have been.   Severance on Apple TV Plus | The show's best-kept secret is finally getting his due in season 2.   Paradise on Hulu | Paradise writer confirms the mysteries will be answered by season 1's finale.   Eternals on Disney Plus | Marvel's little-loved movie was good, actually.   Reacher season 3 and more new TV this week | Plus: Pixar's Win or Lose, Suits L.A., 1923 season 2, and more. 6 games to play Avowed | A grim scramble for resources with some decent story on top. Available on Windows PC and Xbox Series X. Keep Driving | The perfectly annoying hitchhikers are a game-design master class. Available on Windows PC.   Tiny Pasture | This post took too long to write because I'm distracted by my digital rabbits. Available on Windows PC.   Is This Seat Taken? demo | Here's a great puzzle game about one of life's little anxieties. Available on Windows PC. Squirreled Away demo | This twist on the survival crafter genre lets you play as a silly little squirrel. Available on Windows PC. The Posthumous Investigation demo | Help a dead man solve his own murder. Available on Windows PC. Shop talk Wondering where to pre-order Magic: The Gathering's Final Fantasy collaboration? We've got an extensive guide full of links. Get the Starter Kit on Amazon or Best Buy, or dig in to check out the full offerings on Polygon. Free game of the week Shotgun Cop Man demo | Oh, to be Shotgun Cop Man, blasting himself into the sky, sailing elegantly into hell. Available on Windows PC as part of Steam Next Fest. The best of the rest SOME: How much would you spend on Cheetozard — the Pokémon-shaped Cheeto? MORE: Pokémon Go is reportedly for sale and the price tag is huge A LOT: Marvel Rivals player is over 4,500 matches into mastering every hero TOO MUCH: Movie textures have gone too far NEVER ENOUGH: A video game that helps you find more video games This email was sent to reunisoft.cryptonews@blogger.com. Manage your email preferences here: unsubscribe     If you buy something from a Polygon link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.   View our Privacy Notice and our Terms of Service. Vox Media, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, 12th Floor Washington, DC 20036. Copyright © 2025. All rights reserved.