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

Prepare for a swashbuckling adventure unlike any other! 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 Set Sail in 2025

A Pirate's Tale of Epic Proportions

RGG Studio's president, Masayoshi Yokoyama, confirmed that Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii will boast a game world 1.3 to 1.5 times the size of Like a Dragon Gaiden. This isn't just a slight expansion; it's a massive leap forward. Yokoyama hinted at the sheer scale in an interview with Famitsu, stating that even the city area alone is unexpectedly large, encompassing 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 wealth of content, from the series' signature brawling combat to a plethora of unique side activities and mini-games. Yokoyama suggested that the traditional "Gaiden" label, implying a smaller spin-off, is becoming obsolete, hinting that this title will be a full-fledged experience comparable to mainline entries.

The Hawaiian setting provides a dramatic change of pace, even more so than Like a Dragon Gaiden. The ever-popular Goro Majima, voiced again by Hidenari Ugaki, takes center stage in this unexpected pirate adventure. Majima's transformation into a pirate remains shrouded in mystery, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the narrative's twists and turns. Ugaki himself expressed his excitement while remaining tight-lipped about specifics.

"The game's information is finally out, but there's so much more to tell," Ugaki commented. "I'm usually quite talkative, but I've been sworn to secrecy!"

Intriguing teases have also emerged. First Summer Uika (voice of Noah Ritchie) hinted at a live-action scene featuring Ryuji Akiyama (Masaru Fujita). Akiyama added a cryptic clue: "During a recording session, I went to the restroom and found an aquarium with a clownfish...and there were a lot of beautiful women...It wasn't a dating show, but it felt strangely exciting!"

These "beautiful women" may be the "Minato Ward girls," who will appear both in live-action and CG form. RGG Studio held auditions for these roles earlier this year, attracting many passionate fans of the series. Ryosuke Horii expressed his delight at the enthusiasm shown by the successful candidates.

To learn more about the auditions, please see our related article!