There’s a fresh adventure coming up in the gaming world as Goro Majima takes center stage once more in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. This time, Majima is treading new waters as an amnesiac pirate captain exploring the Hawaiian islands. The quirky and whimsical tone of this new installment is a perfect fit for Majima’s character and stands in stark contrast to the deeper, more emotional narratives seen in Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Still, it’s important not to dismiss the possibility of a serious game featuring Majima, as past entries have shown how effective this approach can be.
In a recent discussion with TheGamer, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s chief producer, Hiroyuki Sakamoto, expressed the idea that creating a serious Majima game might not be feasible. According to Sakamoto, Majima’s character naturally leans towards the eccentric and extravagant. While there’s truth in that, fans who’ve experienced Yakuza 0 know there’s much more depth to Majima’s character. Ignoring the layers and complexity explored in his Yakuza 0 storyline undercuts Majima’s potential for another deeply engaging, serious narrative.
Over time, players have delighted in Majima’s chaotic energy as the Mad Dog of Shimano. Yet, his story wasn’t always so outrageous. Yakuza 0 unfolds as a prequel where Majima steps into the role of a cabaret club owner, a direct consequence of his past missteps during the notorious Ueno Siwa Hit. This period in Majima’s life pushes him to don the Lord of the Night persona, where he charms and caters to club patrons in Sotenbori, aiming to earn enough to repay his debts and return to the Tojo Clan.
His initial portrayal as a wild side character in the original Yakuza game gave no hint to the complex persona that emerged during Yakuza 0. The transformation he undergoes, particularly through his commitment to protect Makoto Makimura against his orders to kill her, unveils a nuanced and compelling aspect of his character. This depth resonated with fans, as Majima’s later flamboyance seemed a rebellion against his constrained life at the Grand Cabaret. This contrast is further explored through various poignant moments across the series.
Given the current trajectory of the franchise with Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, there’s an opportunity to see more of Majima’s serious side, particularly considering the plot around his memory loss. In the post-Great Dissolution era depicted in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Majima’s life as a fisherman seems worlds away from his past exploits. As he regains consciousness with amnesia on Rich Island, there’s a ripe opportunity for exploring his character anew, potentially rolling back to his earlier, more complex iterations.
Unfortunately, the upcoming game appears to amplify Majima’s zany personality, steering away from those serious notes that could add layers to his tale. By not leveraging his amnesia to revisit his Yakuza 0 self, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii may miss a chance for in-depth character exploration. Even if this outing focuses on the fun, lighthearted side of Majima, the potential remains for future prequels to delve into those unexplored depths of his character.
The allure of stepping into Goro Majima’s shoes again comes with more than its share of swashbuckling fun. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii sets players on a rollicking pirate adventure, casting Majima as a memory-deprived seadog at the helm of an exciting quest. Joining forces with Noah, a young man who saved him, Majima must navigate through treacherous waters and rival pirate factions to reclaim his memory and unearth legendary treasure. Players will need to gather a robust crew, upgrade their ship, and sail through enemy-laden seas to carve out their pirate legacy. Engage in fast-paced, real-time naval battles paired with thrilling hand-to-hand combat, switching between the daring Mad Dog and crafty Sea Dog fighting styles to outwit foes and loot their bounty. This high-seas romp promises explosive action, and the game releases on February 20, 2025, across various platforms.
