The launch of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is almost here, and this upcoming title from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is getting attention for many reasons. Not only is the premise of the game quite unique, even by the standards of the wacky franchise of which it is a part, the project is also crucially centered around fan-favorite figure Goro Majima, who serves as the main protagonist.
This focus on Majima in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii marks the first time the character has appeared as a main protagonist in the franchise since 2015’s Yakuza 0, a game that is renowned for its captivating and layered narrative. While the wild premise of Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is set to offer some hilarious moments, it is important that Majima is not relegated to simply providing comic relief, a role that he often takes. It seems that developer RGG may be reluctant to lean into the seriousness of Majima’s character for Pirate Yakuza, and that could lead to a missed opportunity for the title.
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Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii’s Japanese Title Makes One Thing Perfectly Clear
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii has a slightly different title in Japanese, and it may offer more clarity than its English name.
Majima’s Full Personality Can Still Shine in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
The story of Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii sees Goro Majima wash up on the shores of the tropical islands, confused by his situation due to a bout of amnesia. In classic Like a Dragon style, Majima quickly finds himself as the captain of his very own pirate ship, and with a tiger cub companion, which allows the title to offer ship combat, exploration, and customization.
The land combat in Pirate Yakuza goes back to the classic beat-em-up mechanics of prior Yakuza titles. There are some more-supernatural special abilities, though, which are a testament to the mind-bending moves that Majima has used over the years. This respect for Majima’s history should extend across every aspect of his portrayal in Pirate Yakuza, especially since the project could be the last time the character appears in such a prominent role.
With Majima being 60 years old during the events of Pirate Yakuza, it is possible that RGG could phase the character out of playable roles going forward, making a great portrayal in the forthcoming game all the more important.
Some fans have shown concern about recent statements that have been made by RGG, with the studio’s chief producer, Hiroyuki Sakamoto, suggesting that a “really rounded emotional story” cannot be made with Majima as the central focus. While Majima has always been well-suited to some of the more eccentric elements of the franchise’s gameplay and story, the extremely-positive response to Yakuza 0 was largely due to the spotlight that it shone on the raw and dramatic side of Majima’s character.
A Heightened Sense of Drama and Comedy Could Make Pirate Yakuza the Perfect Majima Game
A lot of Majima’s eccentricities are almost a way for him to escape from the suffering that he has experienced in the past, and Yakuza 0 found a fantastic way to balance the conflicting aspects of his personality in order to create a dramatic and captivating story with a fitting level of comic relief. The amnesia that Majima is experiencing in Pirate Yakuza could be an excellent vehicle for dramatic beats, and trailers for the game even portray a showdown between Majima and his sworn brother Saejima due to the confusion caused by the former’s memory loss.
A slow recollection of Majima’s memories throughout the story of Pirate Yakuza could be a fantastic way to give a level of grounded emotion to the game, and Majima could potentially revisit his past like Kiryu has in recent titles like Infinite Wealth. It does make sense for Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii to lean further into the comedic and outlandish gameplay elements of the franchise, yet the game should not be afraid to utilize the full breadth of Majima’s persona. Giving the story both dramatic flair and lighthearted moments would be the perfect way to do this.
- Released
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February 20, 2025
- ESRB
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Mature 17+ // Blood, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol