Fans of Majima have been eagerly waiting for his grand return as the main character.
After starring in Yakuza 0 and making memorable appearances in Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2, Majima’s followers have kept themselves busy collecting every screenshot and video clip of him. But the wait is over because Ryu Ga Gotoku studio has unveiled a trailer for Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, where Majima takes the spotlight as the hero. This announcement took many by surprise, as fans didn’t expect another game so soon, let alone Majima returning as a pirate! And yes, the beloved beat-’em-up combat is back along with the best minigames. Exciting, right?
In the new game set six months after Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Majima finds himself on a beach with no memory of his past or even his name. A boy named Noah, along with his pet “cat” (which is actually a tiger), informs him they are on an island near Hawaii called “Rich Island.” Soon after, pirates confront them, leading Majima to meet Noah’s dad, Jason. They tell him about Nele Island, a polluted wasteland that somehow involves Majima and the yakuza.
To regain his memory and tackle the Nele Island issue, Majima must journey across various Hawaiian islands and a new area named Madlantis, a hideout for gangs led by Queen Michelle. In typical Majima fashion, he becomes the captain of a pirate ship and sets out to unravel these mysteries.
We love how unpredictable and wild the Yakuza games can be.
In true RGG style, the premise is as absurd as ever: Majima, with amnesia, becoming a pirate makes perfect sense given his history of odd jobs—from cabaret owner to construction manager to master of disguise. He already has an eye patch, so why not take to the seas?
After the trailer, I had burning questions about gameplay with a playable Majima. Luckily, I got a chance to try a demo.
Though turn-based combat seemed to be the new norm for Like a Dragon games, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii reverts to the classic beat-’em-up style, complete with iconic Heat moves. This suits Majima’s wild personality better. The demo introduced us to two of Majima’s fighting styles: the familiar Mad Dog style and a new Pirate “Sea Dog” style.
Even at 60, Majima dances around enemies like he’s still on Kansai streets. The combat is as over-the-top as ever, featuring jump attacks and a modernized Mad Dog style combining his fists and tanto. There’s also a new ability where Majima can create doppelgangers, handy for tackling large enemy groups.
The Sea Dog style is even sillier, turning Majima into a pirate with cutlasses, a flintlock pistol, and a wire hook. This style mimics the job transformations from previous games, allowing for fun combos. I can’t wait to see the Heat moves in this style!
RGG games are known for their side content and minigames, so naturally, I headed to the karaoke bar after the demo. The playlist included new songs like “The Sun at 36.5 C” and returning favorites like “As Long as You’re Happy.” Fans will be thrilled to see “24 Hour Cinderella” back, with Majima rollerblading and serenading us at 60 years old. It was so nostalgic, it brought a tear to my eye.
Another beloved minigame, Dragon Kart, returns too! I raced around Hawaii with new characters and items. Though a bit rough in some turns, it’s sure to be polished by the game’s release.
Exploring Madlantis felt like stepping into a neon-lit fantasy land for crime, filled with illegal gambling and shipwreck themes. The design impressed me, adding a unique flair to the game.
A cool new feature is the grappling hook, which lets Majima reach higher platforms for treasure and exploration. I loved using the spider grab in Like a Dragon Gaiden, so it’s great to see this mechanic enhanced. It also opens up new areas on the Hawaii map.
Though my preview was brief, I experienced many exciting new features and loved playing as Majima again. Running around as the Mad Dog felt nostalgic, and I’m sure longtime fans will feel the same.
I didn’t get to dive deeply into the story, so I’ll hold off on that analysis for now. But it’s been ages since we’ve seen Majima’s serious side, and I have high hopes. I wish for some heartfelt moments, perhaps references to Yakuza 0 side stories or reunions with old characters. Maybe even a touching encounter with Kiryu or another familiar face from overseas.
Whether this marks the end of Majima’s saga or not, fans will be thrilled with Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. The combat is exhilarating, the side content plentiful, and best of all, we get to see the Mad Dog shine once more.
