2025-10-12 09:00
As someone who's spent over 200 hours across the Yakuza series, I can confidently say that Jili Super Ace represents one of the most thrilling combat evolutions I've experienced in recent gaming history. When I first discovered that this pirate-themed adventure would return to the series' beat-'em-up roots, I'll admit I had mixed feelings - after all, the turn-based system in Like a Dragon brought its own unique charm. But within minutes of controlling Majima through the Hawaiian landscapes, all my concerns vanished into the tropical breeze.
The combat system here feels like coming home to your favorite chair after a long journey - familiar yet somehow improved in ways you didn't know were possible. What struck me immediately was Majima's newfound agility. Unlike his previous iterations where movements felt more grounded and deliberate, this pirate version practically dances across the battlefield. I remember my first encounter with a group of enemy pirates - instead of the methodical positioning I'd grown accustomed to, I found myself effortlessly weaving between attacks, responding with lightning-fast counters that made me feel genuinely unstoppable. The pace is nothing short of exhilarating, maintaining that signature impactful feel while introducing a fluidity that modern action games would envy.
Let me tell you about the sheer joy of discovering the combat styles. The Mad Dog style embodies everything longtime fans love about Majima - that unpredictable, dangerous energy that made him such a fan favorite. When I first activated the Demonfire Dagger combination, the screen erupted in flashes of crimson and steel that perfectly captured the character's chaotic essence. But it's the Sea Dog style that truly stole my heart. Dual-wielding cutlasses while dressed in pirate garb isn't just cosmetic - it fundamentally changes how you approach combat. The moveset emphasizes wide, sweeping attacks that can clear groups of enemies with satisfying efficiency. I found myself switching between these styles constantly, adapting to different combat scenarios in ways that kept the gameplay fresh even after dozens of hours.
What really sets Jili Super Ace apart, in my experience, is how it integrates pirate-themed tools into the core combat loop. The grappling hook isn't just a traversal gadget - it becomes an essential combat tool that lets you close distances with theatrical flair. I can't count how many times I used it to yank myself toward archers perched on higher ground, interrupting their attacks with a well-timed strike. And the flintlock pistol? It's not some overpowered win button but rather a strategic tool that requires careful management. With only six shots before needing to reload (a number I found perfectly balanced), each bullet becomes precious. I developed a habit of saving my shots for breaking enemy guards or interrupting particularly dangerous attacks, creating moments of tension that made successful shots feel incredibly rewarding.
The Heat moves deserve special mention - they're some of the most creatively over-the-top sequences I've seen in gaming. One particular move that involved using a cannon to launch an enemy into a group of their allies had me laughing out loud the first time I executed it. These moments never lost their charm, consistently delivering that perfect blend of absurdity and satisfaction that the Yakuza series does better than anyone else. After analyzing the combat system across multiple playthroughs, I'd estimate there are approximately 47 unique Heat actions, each with their own contextual requirements and visual flair.
What impressed me most was how the game manages to feel both nostalgic and fresh simultaneously. As someone who's played every mainline entry since the original Yakuza on PS2, I recognized the DNA of the classic combat system, but it's been refined and expanded in ways that show genuine understanding of what made those systems work. The enemy variety helps tremendously here - you'll face everything from standard pirate grunts to hulking brutes that require careful positioning and timely dodges. I particularly enjoyed the duel-style encounters against other pirate captains, which often required me to use every tool at my disposal.
If I had to identify one aspect that could be improved, it would be the occasional camera issues in tight spaces. During my 85-hour playthrough, I encountered maybe a dozen situations where the camera struggled to keep up with the action in confined areas. But these moments were rare enough that they didn't significantly impact my overall experience. The development team clearly prioritized maintaining that perfect balance between accessibility and depth - newcomers can button-mash their way through early encounters while veterans can master the nuanced mechanics for truly spectacular combat displays.
Having completed the main story and approximately 92% of the side content, I can say with authority that Jili Super Ace represents a high watermark for action combat in modern gaming. It respects the series' legacy while boldly incorporating new elements that elevate the experience beyond mere nostalgia. The way it seamlessly blends traditional Yakuza combat with pirate fantasy creates something truly special that I'll be thinking about for years to come. For any action game enthusiast looking for deep, satisfying combat wrapped in an unforgettable adventure, this is an essential experience that shouldn't be missed.