The launch ofLike a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaiiis almost here, and this upcoming title from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is getting attention for many reasons. Not only is the premise of the game quite unique, even by the standards of the wacky franchise of which it is a part, the project is also crucially centered around fan-favorite figure Goro Majima, who serves as the main protagonist.
This focus on Majima inLike a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaiimarks the first time the character has appeared as a main protagonist in the franchise since 2015’sYakuza 0, a game that is renowned for its captivating and layered narrative. While the wild premise ofPirate Yakuza in Hawaiiis set to offer some hilarious moments, it is important that Majima is not relegated to simply providing comic relief, a role that he often takes. It seems that developer RGG may be reluctant to lean into the seriousness of Majima’s character forPirate Yakuza, and that could lead to a missed opportunity for the title.
Majima’s Full Personality Can Still Shine in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
Thestory ofPirate Yakuza in Hawaiisees Goro Majima wash up on the shores of the tropical islands, confused by his situation due to a bout of amnesia. In classicLike a Dragonstyle, Majima quickly finds himself as the captain of his very own pirate ship, and with a tiger cub companion, which allows the title to offer ship combat, exploration, and customization.
Theland combat inPirate Yakuzagoes back to the classic beat-em-up mechanics of priorYakuzatitles. There are some more-supernatural special abilities, though, which are a testament to the mind-bending moves that Majima has used over the years. This respect for Majima’s history should extend across every aspect of his portrayal inPirate Yakuza, especially since the project could be the last time the character appears in such a prominent role.
With Majima being 60 years old during the events ofPirate Yakuza, it is possible that RGG could phase the character out of playable roles going forward, making a great portrayal in the forthcoming game all the more important.
Some fans have shown concern about recent statements that have been made by RGG, with the studio’s chief producer, Hiroyuki Sakamoto, suggesting that a “really rounded emotional story” cannot be made with Majima as the central focus. While Majima has always been well-suited to some of the more eccentric elements of the franchise’s gameplay and story, theextremely-positive response toYakuza 0was largely due to the spotlight that it shone on the raw and dramatic side of Majima’s character.
A Heightened Sense of Drama and Comedy Could Make Pirate Yakuza the Perfect Majima Game
A lot of Majima’s eccentricities are almost a way for him to escape from the suffering that he has experienced in the past, andYakuza 0found a fantastic way to balance the conflicting aspects of his personality in order to create a dramatic and captivating story with a fitting level of comic relief. The amnesia that Majima is experiencing inPirate Yakuzacould be an excellent vehicle for dramatic beats, and trailers for the game even portraya showdown between Majima and his sworn brother Saejimadue to the confusion caused by the former’s memory loss.
A slow recollection of Majima’s memories throughout the story ofPirate Yakuzacould be a fantastic way to give a level of grounded emotion to the game, and Majima could potentiallyrevisit his past like Kiryuhas in recent titles likeInfinite Wealth. It does make sense forPirate Yakuza in Hawaiito lean further into the comedic and outlandish gameplay elements of the franchise, yet the game should not be afraid to utilize the full breadth of Majima’s persona. Giving the story both dramatic flair and lighthearted moments would be the perfect way to do this.
