Heads up, this piece includes SPOILERS for Yakuza 0 and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.
In the ever-entertaining universe of Like a Dragon, we’re about to see Goro Majima take center stage once again. But this time, he’s stepping into an amnesiac pirate captain’s shoes, navigating the Hawaiian seas. The quirky, lighthearted vibe of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii seems tailor-made for Majima, especially when you compare it to the more heartfelt narratives of the series predecessors, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. That said, just because Majima is known for his wild antics doesn’t mean a serious take on his story wouldn’t work. One particular installment in the franchise supports this argument.
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s chief producer, Hiroyuki Sakamoto, recently chatted with TheGamer, sharing the sentiment that crafting a serious Majima game is a tall order. According to him, any game featuring Majima veers into the realm of the outrageous. Majima’s eccentric reputation in the franchise is well-documented, but Yakuza 0 peeled back the layers to reveal a more grounded side of him, something that elevated his status to a beloved character among fans. Overlooking the depth provided by Majima’s journey in Yakuza 0 truly undermines his potential, and we shouldn’t rule out the possibility of revisiting a more serious storyline for him in the future.
Reflecting on Majima’s character evolution, Yakuza 0 portrayed him beyond just a comedic sidekick. In fact, before he embraced the Mad Dog of Shimano persona, Majima was seen as a suave cabaret club owner—a consequence of failing during the infamous Ueno Siwa Hit. This prequel setting showed Majima navigating the club scene, taking on the Lord of the Night persona—not by choice, but as a way to earn his way back into the Tojo Clan.
Though Majima initially appeared as a wacky addition through his Majima Everywhere side quest from the original Yakuza, the depth explored in Yakuza 0 demonstrated his capacity to be more than a one-dimensional wild card. In fact, his transformation stems from his decision to protect Makoto Makimura against orders. It’s this growth that cemented his place among fans. His Mad Dog persona was born from feeling trapped at the Grand Cabaret in Sotenbori, and brief glimpses of a more serious Majima have surfaced throughout the series.
The Mad Dog persona has been waning ever since the tumultuous times in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Majima, now older, working in Hokkaido alongside Saejima and Dojima as a fisherman, has changed considerably from his past zany self. In Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, Majima awakens on Rich Island with no memory, which presents the perfect scenario for his Mad Dog side to fade further. However, the game opts to highlight his outrageous side, which, while entertaining, skips an opportunity to explore another serious narrative arc for Majima.
Stripping Majima of his past awareness would have set the stage for an intriguing exploration of his pre-Yakuza 0 persona, a side of him not often visible to players. Even if Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii doesn’t delve into this opportunity, the potential for another prequel focusing on Majima’s serious character journey remains a thrilling possibility for the future.
Turn the page to a new saga with Goro Majima at the helm of a modern-day pirate escapade. Lost at sea and his memory wiped clean, Majima redefines himself amidst swashbuckling adventures and high-seas plundering. Commandeer your crew, ready the cannons, and sail toward a legendary treasure while wrestling with foes both on sea and shore. In Pirate Yakuza, the thrill of combat shifts seamlessly between “Mad Dog” and “Sea Dog” fighting styles, offering a spectacular action-packed experience. Whether it’s witty brawls or strategic swordplay, there’s always room for creativity as you chart a course through this pirate-packed escapade.
