My Thoughts on Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

If you have played the Like A Dragon games (previously simply called Yakuza, in the US), then you are definitely acquainted with Goro Majima. This eccentric, eyepatch-wielding, ex-yakuza (at least since the game's 7th installment) has been a favorite among players since the game's inception. He's funny, he's charismatic, his fighting style is awesome (but frustrating for anyone who has to beat him in a boss battle), he's tough, and cool. Despite his rough appearance and his refusal to back down from a fight, he's also surprisingly warm, loyal, and protective of those he cares about.

Originally, Majima was introduced as a comic relief side character. But his antics quickly made fans crave more of this lovable, erratic gremlin. If we ignore the Yakuza: Dead Souls zombie AU (which for the sake of this article, we are), the first time players got the chance to play as Majima and really learn his backstory, was in Yakuza 0. However, in this prequel game we were also playing as series' main protagonist, Kiryu. So the focus went back and forth between the two of them. Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is the first game centered ENTIRELY around Majima.

When I found out the main story of the game was on the shorter side (five chapters in total, as opposed to the usual 12-15 in the other main games) I was a little bit disappointed. But after actually playing the game, I have no complaints.

First of all, yes there are far fewer chapters--but they are long and almost all of them introduce new game features. It is also the first time in the series players can use aerial and naval combat. There are also a ton of outfits you can unlock. Costumes range from the looks of a stylish hunk to absolute weirdo. (You can even unlock a Goromi costume set; if you know you know.) Not to mention, you are accompanied by an adorable tiger cub, also named Goro. You can equip tiger Goro with a pirate hat, a bow, or an eyepatch.

Majima's True Nature

Let's rewind really quick and take a look at Majima's arc in Yakuza 0. In this prequel to the main series, young Majima was revealed to have been a generous person: he was manager at a cabaret who was always a gracious host, but also didn't tolerate abuse or harassment of his employees. He's also revealed--much to the surprise of many--to be someone that loves very deeply. A huge chunk of his plotline only happens because he can't bring himself to perform a hit he was ordered to carry out--the target being an innocent blind girl--whom he instead swears to protect and ends up falling in love with instead.

When something terrible happens to her, something in his brain snaps and years of suppressed rage bubbles up to the forefront. This event is essentially what sparks his "Mad Dog" persona in the yakuza: He puts on an act of a ruthless, unforgiving mobster. It's a defense mechanism to 1) keep people from trying to take advantage of him like they used to when he was younger, 2) distance himself from his emotional pain by pretending to be someone completely different, and 3) keep people from wanting to get too close to him--as he feels something bad always happens to people he cares about. Turns out, the funniest character in the series, is also the most tragic and multilayered.

This "Mad Dog" act he puts on is who he is for a good chunk of the series. He's not evil, but he is definitely an anarchist: He loves chaos, he loves to fight, he will go to hilarious--albeit sometimes morally questionable--lengths to goad people whose strength he admires into a fight, he follows no rules except for his own, he loves to push boundaries and buttons, and does all of this with a grin and crazed look in his one eye. But even through all of that, shreds of his humanity still come out here and there.

In Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, the slate is wiped entirely clean as Majima is washed up on the beach with absolutely no memory of who he is or where he comes from. A young boy named Noah saves him, offering him some water and leads him to his home where Majima can take shelter. However, the two are confronted by a group of pirates who start beating up on Noah. Though appearing somewhat shaken from the sight at first, Majima's instincts kick in and he beats up all of these guys to defend Noah. After the fight he has a quick revelation where he briefly recalls some of his less savory actions as a member of the criminal underworld. He regretfully informs Noah that he is probably not a great person, and should probably steer clear of him--once again ready to resign himself to loneliness so his new friend will be safe. However, Noah assures Majima that he must be a good person: If he wasn't, he wouldn't have protected him just now.

Majima realizes that not remembering who he is, means he can essentially start over with a clean slate. Make no mistakes, the Majima in this game is still funny and wacky, but he also shows a lot more of the warmth and gentleness that he showed in Yakuza 0--which I believe is his true nature. He forms a bond with Noah, treating him as if he's a nephew--or even a son. It's truly heartwarming to see how sweet and paternal he acts towards the boy. Majima, unfortunately, never got the chance to become a dad (there is a story behind that, but it's a whole other can of worms)--and it's a real shame too, because this game proves he would have been great at it.

Not to spoil anything, but all of his motives in this game--even before losing his memory--are completely selfless and pure. He truly just wants what's best for everyone around him. The game tackles the problem of greed in society, and makes a plea for those in positions of power to leave a better world for the kids and the dreamers. It really is a very wholesome game, and it's great that we get to see Majima's softer side throughout.

Unreliable Narrator?

This may be the first time in the series that we have an unreliable narrator. Kiryu's stories are always told from a third person objective point of view. Kasuga is just as wacky and expressive as Majima, but his stories are presented in more or less the same fashion. However, this game is being narrated by Majima six months from when the events of the game take place.

Because 1) Majima was a medical amnesiac during the events of the game, and 2) because he is very manic and theatrical by nature, we do have to wonder how much of what happens in the game is actually canon--and how much was exaggerated or made up in his goofy little head.

The general canon consensus seems to be: Yes, Majima did get shipwrecked and wash up on the Hawaiian shores with no memory and met Noah. He also became a boat captain and lead a gang of pirates. A lot of other things though...Open to interpretation. But it's hard to talk about this aspect of the game without just spoiling everything.

I could be wrong and everything in this game is entirely canon. But I think any chance of objectivity was thrown out the window when the opening credits start with the characters all suddenly breaking out into a musical number. Which yes, for new players, this is the only time this has happened in the series (so far.)

Just Pure Fun!

There's still good storytelling and character development to be had in what few chapters we have. Yes, there are parts that are a bit more emotional than others--but the game never gives you that "Okay, I need to take a break for my own mental health" feeling that some (e.g me) may get from other games in the series. What I like about this series is that it puts the characters through hell and back, but at the end, there's always a message of hope and optimism. It differs from game to game, but the point is that there's always something good to be found amidst all the bad stuff. But even so, these games will still break your heart at every opportunity they can.

This game wasn't quite as heart breaking. There are still sad parts, and parts that will punch you hard in the gut. Yes, you may even tear up a few times. It wouldn't be a Dragon game without any of that. But overall, it assures you that the world is beautiful, everything will be okay, and that life is fun and worth living. Amnesia can be quite an angst ridden trope, and I had imagined this game was going to milk every ounce of angst out of it. But it didn't do that as often as expected. It's mostly just a good old fashioned adventure game with killer combat, plenty of substories, and pretty much all of the same mini-games that were so popular in Infinite Wealth--along with new ones!

As Good As The Man Who Erased His Name?

In 2023, a similar short game was made, following the life of Kiryu after faking his death for the safety of his children. This game was pretty good, and it punched you hard right in the feels. It also had substories and mini games and a new map to explore.

Is Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii as good as this game was? I would argue it's better, honestly. Not just because I love Majima, but it's objectively got a lot more content for the same price as Man Who Erased His Name. In the latter game, you get explore Sotenbori and a new pleasure district--but Sotenbori is a much smaller map, and so is the pleasure district. In Pirate, you get to explore Honolulu (which is a HUGE map), the pleasure district Madlantis, Rich Island, and the WHOLE OPEN OCEAN.

Also, compared to the other games, the ending of The Man Who Erased His Name was definitely one of the less uplifting ones. Makes sense, as Kiryu is the loneliest he's ever been in his life and misses his kids terribly. It's hard to wrap that up in an encouraging message. Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is legitimately the most feel-good ending you can ask for in this series.

In Conclusion

The concept of this game was incredibly creative. The Like A Dragon games often have goofy substories and are definitely not devoid of humor, and this shone through tenfold in this game. Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is nonstop fun, humor, and energy. But still with a lot of heart and sincerity. I honestly don't even think you need to be a fan of the series to enjoy this game. There isn't a whole lot to say other than it's just fun and I love it!