"Pirate Yakuza: Elevating Comedic Manliness"

Get ready for an adventure that blends serious drama with comedic flair—Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is set to take the series to new heights, according to developer RGG Studio. Dive into the details of what this game has in store!

Featuring "Serious" Majima

RGG Studio's latest addition to the Like a Dragon series is pushing the envelope with a mix of reality and fantasy, all while delivering a compelling "manly drama" narrative, as shared in their interview with Automaton Media.

While the Like a Dragon series is renowned for its humor, with Majima often cited as one of its most amusing characters, director Masayoshi Yokoyama has revealed that this iteration of Majima will take on a "more serious" tone, particularly at the start of the story.

Producer Ryosuke Horii elaborated on Yokoyama's comments, emphasizing that the heart of the game is a "manly drama" that showcases Majima's fervent pursuit of his goals and the deep connections he forms along his extraordinary journey. "The goofing off isn’t the main focus – at its core, there’s a manly drama. Sure, there are wild detours, but it's primarily a straightforward tale about a passionate man."

Horii also highlighted Majima's unique qualities, which distinguish him from the series' long-time protagonist, Kazuma Kiryu. As translated by Automaton, "If we didn’t fully leverage Majima’s distinctiveness, there'd be no reason to have him as the protagonist. That’s why we pushed the boundaries of reality a bit more than we would with Kiryu, aiming to provide players with diverse and rich action. ... Balancing the pirate elements, Majima’s essence, and the 'Ryu ga Gotoku' spirit was a challenge."

This game promises a perfect blend of realism and extravagance, ensuring it's neither dull nor predictable. The team's goal was to craft gameplay that's "wilder," while still anchored by a serious and engaging drama.

Majima Maji Festival In Japan

To celebrate the upcoming release, RGG Studio is hosting the Majima’s Maji Festival across six cities in Japan. The event kicked off on December 1, 2024, in Sapporo and is nearing its end, with stops left in Nagoya on January 18th and Tokyo on January 25th. If you're in either city on those dates, don't miss out on the festivities!

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii brings back the beloved character Goro Majima, known as "The Mad Dog of Shimano," as the protagonist. This installment promises an action-packed combat system, thrilling naval battles, a vibrant cast of characters, and a passionate storyline, all culminating in a unique modern-day pirate adventure.

Mark your calendars—Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii sails onto PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One on February 21st.