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

The Yakuza/Like a Dragon series is set to expand dramatically with the upcoming release of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, which promises to be a significantly larger and more ambitious project than its predecessor, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name. At the RGG SUMMIT 2024, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's president, Masayoshi Yokoyama, revealed exciting details about the game, which is slated for a 2025 release.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Promises to be Bigger and Bolder

Diving into uncharted waters, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii takes the series into a realm of high-seas adventure that's both bigger and bolder than anything fans have seen before. Yokoyama announced that the game's world and narrative are expected to be 1.3 to 1.5 times larger than Like a Dragon Gaiden, offering a sprawling experience that will redefine what players expect from the series.

For those who found The Man Who Erased His Name to be a more compact journey, Pirate Yakuza aims to shatter those expectations. Yokoyama emphasized that this is not just a slight expansion but a full-scale adventure set in and around the Hawaiian islands. "We don’t even know the exact area of the city itself," he teased in an interview with Famitsu, hinting at the vastness of the game's setting, which includes Honolulu City from Infinite Wealth and new areas like Madlantis.

The game's content is equally expansive, promising a rich tapestry of brawling combat, quirky side activities, and mini-games that have become hallmarks of the series. Yokoyama also indicated a shift in the concept of "Gaiden," suggesting that the idea of a mere side story or spin-off is fading. Pirate Yakuza is poised to be a comprehensive experience that could rival the mainline entries in scope and depth.

Set against the backdrop of Hawaii, the narrative follows the charismatic Goro Majima, voiced by Hidenari Ugaki, who finds himself washed ashore and embarking on a pirate-themed adventure. While the specifics of Majima's transformation into a pirate remain a mystery, Ugaki expressed his excitement about the project, albeit with a playful restraint on details.

Adding to the intrigue, First Summer Uika, who voices Noah Ritchie, hinted at unique elements in the game, including a live-action scene featuring Ryuji Akiyama as Masaru Fujita. Akiyama shared an amusing anecdote about a recording session that included an aquarium with a clownfish, suggesting the game's blend of humor and unexpected moments. The mention of "beautiful women" at the recording session could refer to the "Minato Ward girls," who will appear in both live-action and CG formats. In July, the studio held auditions for these roles, with many participants showing a deep passion for the series.

To delve deeper into the auditions and what they mean for the game, you can read our detailed article below!