Prepare for a significantly larger adventure than its predecessor! Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, the latest installment in the popular Yakuza/Like a Dragon series, promises a scale far exceeding that of 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 will be approximately 1.3 to 1.5 times larger.
This isn't a minor expansion; it's a massive leap. Yokoyama highlighted the expansive setting, encompassing Honolulu (featured in Infinite Wealth) and various other locales like Madlantis, contributing to a significantly larger game volume compared to Gaiden. The sheer scope of content is equally impressive, boasting expanded brawling combat, numerous quirky side activities, and mini-games. Yokoyama hinted that the traditional "Gaiden" concept as a simple spin-off is evolving, suggesting this title will be a fully-fledged experience comparable to mainline entries.
The Hawaiian setting provides a unique backdrop for Goro Majima's seafaring adventure. Voiced once again by Hidenari Ugaki, Majima finds himself unexpectedly transformed into a pirate. While details remain shrouded in mystery, Ugaki expressed his excitement, hinting at much more to be revealed. Further intrigue comes from voice actor First Summer Uika (Noah Ritchie), who teased a live-action scene featuring Ryuji Akiyama (Masaru Fujita). Akiyama himself added to the mystery, describing a memorable recording session involving an aquarium and "a lot of beautiful women," possibly referring to the "Minato Ward girls" who will appear both in live-action and as CG characters. These girls were cast earlier this year through auditions, showcasing the dedication and passion of the cast. For a deeper dive into the auditions, check out our related article!
