Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Will be Much Larger than Like a Dragon Gaiden

Prepare for a swashbuckling adventure! The upcoming Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii promises to be significantly larger and more ambitious than its predecessor, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name. Details revealed at RGG SUMMIT 2024 paint a picture of a truly expansive experience.

Majima's Hawaiian Hijinks: A Grander Scale

RGG Studio's president, Masayoshi Yokoyama, confirmed that Pirate Yakuza boasts a story and world approximately 1.3 to 1.5 times larger than Like a Dragon Gaiden. This isn't a simple expansion; it's a game on a completely different scale. Yokoyama hinted at the sheer size, stating (via Famitsu and machine translation) that even the city area itself is vast, incorporating locations like Honolulu (seen in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth) and the intriguing "Madlantis," among others.

The game's scope extends beyond sheer size. Expect a robust offering of the series' signature brawling combat, alongside a plethora of quirky side activities and minigames. Yokoyama indicated that the traditional "Gaiden" label as a mere spin-off is fading, suggesting this title will stand as a fully realized experience comparable to mainline entries.

A Tropical Twist: Majima's Pirate Adventure

Set in and around the Hawaiian islands, Pirate Yakuza offers a significant departure from previous titles. The charismatic Goro Majima, voiced again by Hidenari Ugaki, takes center stage in this unexpected pirate adventure. While the specifics of Majima's transformation remain shrouded in mystery, Ugaki expressed his excitement while remaining tight-lipped about the plot.

Further intrigue comes from voice actor First Summer Uika (Noah Ritchie), who teased a live-action scene featuring Ryuji Akiyama (Masaru Fujita). Akiyama added cryptic hints, mentioning a memorable recording session involving an aquarium and "a lot of beautiful women," possibly referencing the "Minato Ward girls" confirmed for both live-action and CG appearances. These women were cast earlier this year through open auditions.

The inclusion of live-action elements and the expansive scale strongly suggest Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii will be a significant and memorable addition to the series. Stay tuned for more updates!