Prepare for a significantly expanded Yakuza/Like a Dragon experience! Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii promises to be considerably larger than its predecessor, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name. RGG Studio's president, Masayoshi Yokoyama, revealed at RGG SUMMIT 2024 that the game's world and story will be approximately 1.3 to 1.5 times bigger.
This isn't a simple expansion; it's a massive leap forward. Yokoyama hinted at the game's scale, mentioning Honolulu City (featured in Infinite Wealth) and various locations like Madlantis, contributing to a significantly larger game world than Gaiden. The sheer volume of content is also expected to be substantially greater. Expect a robust combat system, alongside an abundance of side activities and mini-games. Yokoyama even suggested that the traditional "Gaiden" spin-off classification is becoming less relevant, implying this title will feel more like a mainline entry.
Set in Hawaii, the game features Goro Majima (voiced by Hidenari Ugaki) as he unexpectedly finds himself embroiled in a pirate adventure. The details surrounding Majima's transformation remain shrouded in mystery, although Ugaki expressed his excitement while remaining tight-lipped about the plot. Even voice actor First Summer Uika hinted at a live-action scene featuring Ryuji Akiyama, adding another layer of unexpected intrigue. Akiyama playfully teased the presence of "many beautiful women" during recording, possibly related to the "Minato Ward girls" who will appear both in live-action and CG form in the game. These girls were cast earlier this year through auditions, with Ryosuke Horii noting the applicants' enthusiasm for the series.
In short, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii promises a bigger, bolder, and more expansive adventure than ever before, pushing the boundaries of the series and delivering a fully-fledged experience.
