Prepare for a swashbuckling adventure! 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: A Grander Scale

RGG Studio president Masayoshi Yokoyama confirmed that Pirate Yakuza boasts a game world 1.3 to 1.5 times larger than Like a Dragon Gaiden. This isn't a simple expansion; it's a massive leap in scale. Yokoyama hinted at the sheer size, stating, "We don’t even know the exact area of the city itself," referencing locations like Honolulu (seen in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth) and Madlantis, indicating a diverse and expansive game world.

The game's scope extends beyond size. Expect a robust offering of the series' signature brawling combat, alongside a plethora of quirky side activities and mini-games. Yokoyama suggested the traditional "Gaiden" label as a smaller spin-off is fading, implying this title will stand as a fully-fledged, mainline-level experience.

A Pirate's Life for Majima

Set amidst the Hawaiian islands, Pirate Yakuza offers a significant departure from previous entries. The charismatic Goro Majima, voiced again by Hidenari Ugaki, takes center stage in this unexpected piratical adventure. While the specifics of Majima's transformation remain shrouded in mystery, Ugaki expressed his excitement, though remaining tight-lipped about the plot.

Adding to the intrigue, voice actor First Summer Uika (Noah Ritchie) teased a live-action scene featuring Ryuji Akiyama (Masaru Fujita). Akiyama himself offered cryptic hints, mentioning an aquarium scene and a surprising number of "beautiful women" during filming, adding a layer of unexpected humor and intrigue. These "beautiful women" are likely connected to the "Minato Ward girls," who will appear both in live-action and CG form, following auditions held earlier this year.

With its expanded world, engaging gameplay, and intriguing narrative twists, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii promises an unforgettable adventure. The game’s scale and unexpected plot points suggest a departure from typical spin-off expectations, hinting at a truly unique and memorable entry in the Like a Dragon series.