Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii: A Blend of Serious Drama and Comedic Chaos
RGG Studio promises a unique blend of intense drama and over-the-top humor in their upcoming title, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. This latest installment will push the boundaries of reality while delivering a compelling "manly drama," according to the developers.
While the Like a Dragon series is renowned for its comedic elements, and Majima is often cited as one of the funniest characters, director Masayoshi Yokoyama reveals a "more serious" side to Majima in this iteration, particularly at the story's outset.
Producer Ryosuke Horii elaborates, emphasizing the "manly drama" at the game's core. He highlights Majima's passionate pursuit of his goals and the bonds he forges throughout his wild adventure. "The goofing off isn't the main point – there's a manly drama at the center of things. Of course, there are some crazy parts, but overall, it's a straightforward tale about a passionate man."
Horii further explains the unique aspects of Majima that differentiate him from series protagonist Kazuma Kiryu. He states the need to leverage Majima's distinct personality, leading to a more reality-bending narrative compared to Kiryu's stories. The goal was to achieve a balance between the pirate theme, Majima's character, and the overall Like a Dragon feel, a challenge the team readily embraced.
The developers aimed for a balance between realism and extravagance, avoiding a mundane experience. Their commitment to a "wilder" gameplay experience, while maintaining a serious and compelling narrative, is evident.
To celebrate the upcoming release, RGG Studio is hosting Majima's Maji Festival across six Japanese cities. The tour, which began in Sapporo on December 1st, 2024, concludes with events in Nagoya (January 18th) and Tokyo (January 25th).
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, featuring Goro Majima as the lead, promises an unforgettable modern-day pirate adventure with thrilling combat, naval battles, a vibrant cast, and a captivating story.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii launches on February 21st for PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.