Heads up, if you haven’t played Yakuza 0 or Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth yet, this discussion is packed with spoilers!
In the whimsical world of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, we find Goro Majima taking center stage again, this time steering the ship as an amnesiac pirate captain exploring the vibrant Hawaiian islands. The zany premise of this game feels just right for Majima’s eccentric character, offering a playful twist compared to the deeper, more emotional narratives fans witnessed in the previous titles, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. However, just because this game brings laughs doesn’t mean a serious Majima-led story wouldn’t work—an idea that’s already been successfully explored in a beloved entry in the series.
Recently, Hiroyuki Sakamoto from the Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio mentioned in an interview with TheGamer that crafting a serious Majima game is off the table, claiming it would naturally end up being over the top. While Majima indeed sports a flamboyant flair, Yakuza 0 offered a glimpse into a more subdued side of his character, which significantly contributed to his popularity and appeal. Dismissing the impact of his storyline in Yakuza 0 undercuts his potential, and it seems unfair to rule out the possibility of another serious Majima venture down the line.
Moving on to the intriguing portrayal of Majima in Yakuza 0, we see a different facet of him that’s far removed from his usual antics as the Mad Dog of Shimano. This prequel flips the usual script, placing Majima in the shoes of a cabaret club owner—a role thrust upon him as a consequence of failing during the notorious Ueno Siwa Hit. In this guise as the Lord of the Night, Majima expertly handles club operations and patrons to rake in cash, aiming to clear his debts and reclaim his place in the Tojo Clan.
Initially known as a comic relief character through the Majima Everywhere storyline in the original Yakuza game, Majima’s growth in Yakuza 0 unveils his potential to transcend the one-dimensional, over-the-top persona often associated with him. His commitment to safeguarding Makoto Makimura, instead of eliminating her as instructed, morphs him into a character far more layered and intriguing. The Mad Dog persona was initially a reaction to the constraints placed upon him at the Grand Cabaret in Sotenbori, but flashbacks in the series reveal glimpses of a more serious Majima, hinting at depths worth exploring.
Now, let’s focus on how the intriguing amnesia plot in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii could have served as fertile ground for a more intense, serious take on Majima’s character. With the fading of his Mad Dog persona following the Great Dissolution era witnessed in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Majima appears more mature, pursuing a simpler life as a fisherman with Saejima and Dojima in Hokkaido—a stark contrast to his wild past. In waking up on Rich Island devoid of memories at the onset of this adventurous title, the slate seemed ready for a deeper dive into Majima’s psyche. Yet, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii leans into the fun, missing perhaps a golden opportunity for storytelling depth.
Imagine if Majima, robbed of his memory, rediscovered his identity through a journey back to his pre-Yakuza 0 self—a narrative thread that’s rarely explored. Even if Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii skirts this potential, the door should remain open for a future Majima-focused prequel, allowing fans to explore his character further in a serious light.
In the end, while Majima’s new seafaring adventure promises high seas action and swashbuckling fun, fans of the series know there’s more to Majima than meets the eye. So, as we set sail into pirate waters, there’s hope that another future game might take another in-depth look at this iconic character’s profound story.
