Prepare for a significantly larger and bolder adventure than its predecessor! Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, the latest installment in the popular Yakuza/Like a Dragon series, promises a massive expansion upon the scope of Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name.
A Grander Scale Awaits in 2025
RGG Studio's president, Masayoshi Yokoyama, revealed at RGG SUMMIT 2024 that the game's story and world will be a substantial 1.3 to 1.5 times larger than its Gaiden counterpart. This isn't merely an expansion; it's a completely new level of adventure. Yokoyama hinted at the expansive scale, mentioning Honolulu City (featured in Infinite Wealth), Madlantis, and other diverse locations, contributing to a game size far exceeding Like a Dragon Gaiden.
The increased size isn't limited to the world map. Expect a significantly enriched gameplay experience, brimming with the series' signature brawling combat, quirky side activities, and engaging mini-games. Yokoyama indicated a shift in the traditional understanding of "Gaiden" titles, suggesting this installment transcends the typical "spin-off" or "side story" classification, evolving into a full-fledged experience comparable to mainline entries.
Majima's Hawaiian Pirate Adventure
The charismatic Goro Majima, once again voiced by Hidenari Ugaki, takes center stage in this unique Hawaiian setting. The game begins with Majima mysteriously washed ashore, embarking on an unexpected pirate journey. While plot details remain shrouded in mystery, Ugaki expressed excitement while remaining tight-lipped about the specifics.
Adding to the intrigue, voice actress First Summer Uika (Noah Ritchie) teased a live-action scene featuring Ryuji Akiyama (Masaru Fujita), describing a humorous behind-the-scenes anecdote involving an aquarium and numerous "beautiful women" during filming. These "beautiful women" are likely the "Minato Ward girls," who will appear both in live-action and CG form, having been cast earlier this year through auditions. Ryosuke Horii expressed his appreciation for the applicants' passion and enthusiasm for the series. For more on the auditions, refer to our related article. In short, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii promises a thrilling, expansive experience that will redefine what a "Gaiden" title can be.
