Yakuza: Like a Dragon Gets Bigger with Pirate Expansion

Prepare for a significantly larger adventure than its predecessor! Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, the latest installment in the acclaimed 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 and story will be approximately 1.3 to 1.5 times larger.

This isn't just a minor expansion; Yokoyama emphasizes a dramatically increased scope. In an interview with Famitsu, he highlighted the expansive setting, including Honolulu (featured in Infinite Wealth) and locations like Madlantis, contributing to a significantly larger game volume than its Gaiden counterpart. The sheer scale extends beyond the environment; expect a wealth of content, from the series' signature brawling combat to a multitude of quirky side activities and mini-games.

Yokoyama also hinted at a shift in the perception of "Gaiden" titles. He suggested the traditional understanding of "spin-off" or "side story" is evolving, implying this installment could stand as a fully-fledged experience comparable to mainline entries.

The Hawaiian setting provides a refreshing change of pace, centering on the charismatic Goro Majima (voiced by Hidenari Ugaki) as he unexpectedly finds himself embroiled in a pirate adventure. While details remain scarce, Ugaki expressed excitement, hinting at numerous undisclosed elements.

Adding to the anticipation, voice actor First Summer Uika (Noah Ritchie) and Ryuji Akiyama (Masaru Fujita) teased intriguing aspects of production. Akiyama even mentioned a live-action scene and a memorable encounter with an aquarium during recording. The presence of "Minato Ward girls," featured in both live-action and CG, adds another layer of intrigue. These characters were cast following auditions earlier this year, attracting numerous applicants passionate about the series. For more on the auditions, a related article is available (link omitted as per original text). In short, get ready for a thrilling, expansive adventure in the sun-drenched, crime-ridden paradise of Hawaii.