A legendary yakuza pirate adventure unfolds across the Pacific in this unexpected spin-off title.
In short: Six months after the events of Infinite Wealth, Goro Majima washes ashore with total amnesia. He soon finds himself captaining a pirate crew, wielding dual cutlasses, and hunting for a mythical elixir. This action-adventure game blends classic brawling with naval warfare, taking players from Hawaiian shores to secret criminal islands.
Released in February 2025, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii marks a bold departure for Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio. The project originated from director Masayoshi Yokoyama’s desire to explore Goro Majima’s character following the success of the compact spin-off The Man Who Erased His Name. Development began shortly before the launch of Infinite Wealth, with the team aiming to expand the series' scope by utilizing Hawaii as a recurring setting while introducing fresh mechanics like ship-to-ship combat.
The gameplay retains the series' signature beat 'em up roots but introduces two distinct combat styles for Majima: the agile Mad Dog and the pirate-themed Sea Dog. Beyond land-based brawls, players manage the ship Goromaru, engaging in real-time naval battles and boarding enemy vessels. The narrative follows Majima’s quest to recover his lost memories while navigating a conspiracy involving the Palekana religious group, radioactive waste on Nele Island, and a search for the Esperanza treasure—a legendary hoard rumored to contain a universal cure.
Critical reception has been generally favorable, with OpenCritic reporting an 84% recommendation rate and Famitsu awarding the title a 36 out of 40 score. The game’s development was characterized by a rapid production cycle, with the release date moved forward by one week during the final months of 2024. By blending traditional yakuza drama with high-seas piracy, the studio successfully experimented with a larger adventure scale than previous spin-offs, ultimately tying the protagonist’s journey back to his long-standing bond with Kazuma Kiryu.
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