Prepare for a swashbuckling adventure! The upcoming Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii promises a significantly larger and more ambitious experience 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 game.
RGG Studio President Masayoshi Yokoyama confirmed that Pirate Yakuza boasts a game world and story 1.3 to 1.5 times larger than Like a Dragon Gaiden. This isn't a simple expansion; it's a substantial leap in scale. Yokoyama hinted at the game's vastness, mentioning Honolulu (seen in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth) and other diverse locations, emphasizing the considerable increase in gameplay content.
The sheer volume of content is noteworthy. Expect the series' signature brawling combat, alongside a plethora of quirky side activities and minigames. Yokoyama indicated a shift in the "Gaiden" concept, suggesting these titles are evolving beyond simple spin-offs to become fully realized experiences comparable to mainline entries.
The game features the charismatic Goro Majima, voiced again by Hidenari Ugaki, in a surprising new role. The narrative sees Majima washed ashore in Hawaii, inexplicably becoming a pirate. While the specifics remain shrouded in mystery, Ugaki expressed his excitement and teased further unrevealed elements.
Voice actress First Summer Uika (Noah Ritchie) and Ryuji Akiyama (Masaru Fujita) offered intriguing hints. Akiyama mentioned a memorable live-action scene involving an aquarium and "many beautiful women," possibly referencing the "Minato Ward girls" who will appear in both live-action and CG form. These girls were cast earlier this year, with many demonstrating a strong passion for the series.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is shaping up to be a significant addition to the Like a Dragon franchise. Its expanded scale, intriguing storyline, and diverse content promise a memorable and expansive adventure.
