'Like a Dragon: Pirate Spin-off Promises Hilarious Action'

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii promises a unique blend of serious drama and over-the-top comedy, according to developer RGG Studio. Prepare for an adventure unlike any other!

A More Serious Majima?

But the Goofing Off Continues

The latest Like a Dragon game pushes the boundaries of reality while delivering a compelling "manly drama," RGG Studio revealed in an interview with Automaton Media. While the series is known for its humor—with Majima often cited as one of the funniest characters—director Masayoshi Yokoyama hints at a "more serious" side to Majima, particularly at the story's outset.

Producer Ryosuke Horii elaborates, emphasizing the "manly drama" at the heart of the game. This focuses on Majima's passionate pursuit of his goals and the bonds he forges along the way. "The goofing off isn’t the main point – there’s a manly drama at the center of things," Horii explains. "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 highlights Majima's unique qualities, differentiating him from series protagonist Kazuma Kiryu. "So, if we didn’t take proper advantage of that, there would be no point in having Majima as the main character," Horii states. "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 team aimed for a perfect balance of realism and extravagance, avoiding a predictable narrative. Their goal was to create gameplay that's "wilder, while maintaining a serious and proper drama."

Majima's Maji Festival in Japan

To celebrate the game's launch, RGG Studio is hosting Majima's Maji Festival across 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, starring the iconic "Mad Dog of Shimano," Goro Majima, promises an unforgettable modern-day pirate adventure. Prepare for thrilling action-packed combat, exhilarating naval battles, a vibrant cast of characters, and a captivating story.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii launches on February 21st for PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.