Yakuza's Comedic Spin-off: 'Like a Dragon: Pirate'

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii: A Blend of Serious Drama and Comedic Chaos

RGG Studio promises a unique blend of serious drama and over-the-top comedic moments in their upcoming title, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. This latest installment takes the popular series to new heights, pushing the boundaries of reality while delivering a compelling "manly drama."

A More Serious Majima?

While the Like a Dragon series is renowned for its humor, and Majima is often cited as one of the funniest characters, director Masayoshi Yokoyama reveals a different side to the "Mad Dog of Shimano" in this iteration. He'll adopt a "more serious" demeanor, especially at the story's outset.

Producer Ryosuke Horii expands on this, emphasizing the "manly drama" at the game's core. He highlights Majima's passionate pursuit of his goals and the bonds he forges throughout his wild adventure. "The goofing off isn’t the main point – there’s a manly drama at the center of things. Of course, there are some crazy parts to take detours to, but overall, I think it’s a straightforward tale about a passionate man."

Horii further explains the unique qualities Majima brings that series protagonist Kazuma Kiryu lacks, stating (as translated by Automaton): "So, if we didn’t take proper advantage of that, there would be no point in having Majima as the main character. That’s why we blurred the lines of reality a little more than we would with Kiryu, hoping to offer players rich action that’s full of variety. … I wanted to strike a good balance between the pirate-ness, Majima-ness, and ‘Ryu ga Gotoku’-ness, so I think that was a difficult part."

The developers aimed for a perfect balance of realism and extravagance, ensuring the game remains exciting and engaging, striking a balance between "wilder" gameplay and a serious, compelling narrative.

Majima's Maji Festival

To celebrate the game's launch, RGG Studio is hosting Majima's Maji Festival, a special event touring six Japanese cities. The tour, which began in Sapporo on December 1st, 2024, concludes with events in Nagoya (January 18th) and Tokyo (January 25th).

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii promises an unforgettable adventure, featuring thrilling action combat, exhilarating naval battles, a vibrant cast of characters, and a captivating story. Get ready to set sail when the game launches on February 21st for PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.