Prepare for a significantly larger and bolder adventure than its predecessor! Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, the latest installment in the acclaimed Yakuza/Like a Dragon series, promises a substantial expansion on the scale of its spin-off, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name.

A Hawaiian Pirate Adventure Unlike Any Other

RGG Studio's president, Masayoshi Yokoyama, revealed at RGG SUMMIT 2024 that the upcoming title boasts a story and game world approximately 1.3 to 1.5 times larger than its Gaiden counterpart. This isn't just a minor expansion; Yokoyama emphasized the sheer scope of the game's content, hinting that the traditional understanding of "Gaiden" as a smaller side story is evolving. This suggests a full-fledged experience comparable to mainline entries.

Yokoyama further teased the expansive setting, encompassing Honolulu City (seen in Infinite Wealth) and various additional locations like Madlantis, significantly increasing the overall game size. He even admitted uncertainty about the precise area covered by the in-game city.

Goro Majima's Unexpected Voyage

The charismatic Goro Majima, voiced again by Hidenari Ugaki, takes center stage in this unique Hawaiian escapade. The game begins with Majima mysteriously washed ashore, somehow transforming into a pirate. While the specifics remain under wraps, Ugaki expressed excitement while remaining tight-lipped about the plot details.

Expanding on the "Gaiden" Concept

The game's scale isn't limited to its world size. It promises a robust collection of content, from the series' signature brawling combat to a plethora of side activities and mini-games. This expansion extends to the cast, with hints of live-action scenes featuring Ryuji Akiyama, voiced by Masaru Fujita, and the inclusion of "Minato Ward girls," appearing both in live-action and CG form. The auditions for these roles, held earlier this year, attracted enthusiastic applicants passionate about the series.

In short, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is shaping up to be a massive and unforgettable adventure, surpassing expectations set by its predecessor in both scale and overall experience. Get ready to set sail in 2025!