Yakuza 0 Demonstrates the Potential for a Serious Majima Game

Just a heads up, this article contains spoilers for both Yakuza 0 and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.

Goro Majima is about to take center stage in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, but with an intriguing twist: he’s an amnesiac pirate captain cruising the Hawaiian islands. The game’s wacky premise suits Majima perfectly and offers a fun departure from the more serious narratives seen in Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Nevertheless, this doesn’t entirely rule out the possibility of a more solemn Majima-focused game in the future, especially considering the success of a particular fan-favorite title in the series.

In a recent chat with TheGamer, Hiroyuki Sakamoto, the chief producer at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, mentioned that creating a serious game around Majima is a tough sell, given his larger-than-life persona. However, Yakuza 0 took us by surprise by unveiling a more nuanced side of Majima that endeared him to fans everywhere. Disregarding what Yakuza 0 achieved with his character seems unfair, and perhaps Majima deserves another shot at a serious storyline down the line.

When we think of Majima, it’s hard not to picture his antics as the Mad Dog of Shimano. Yet, Yakuza 0 introduced us to a different Majima, a man playing the role of a cabaret club owner—a far cry from his usual self. This time, as he masquerades as the Lord of the Night, working to clear his debts and rejoin the Tojo Clan, we get a glimpse of a more sophisticated side.

Although Majima is often portrayed as an eccentric sidekick in the series, the character development we witness in Yakuza 0 proves he’s capable of much more depth. His growth, particularly through his determination to protect Makoto Makimura, adds layers to his character that go beyond his usual over-the-top demeanor. It’s this complexity that makes Majima so compelling.

Now, with the latest game setting up an amnesiac Majima, the potential for a poignant narrative seems ripe. The amnesia storyline in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii could easily have been molded into a serious take on Majima’s character. It would have been fascinating to watch Majima navigate his past without the overbearing shadow of the Mad Dog persona, even if Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii steers clear of this angle. I’m all for seeing a future prequel focusing on this other facet of Majima.

As Majima’s story unfolds on Rich Island with no recollection of his past, the door was wide open to explore his pre-Mad Dog identity. Such an approach might have brought to light the vulnerability and depth that lies beneath his fierce exterior—something we don’t often see. While Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii might not tackle this side of Majima, there’s still hope for future games to delve into these untapped areas of his character.

In the end, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii doesn’t shy away from its humorous vibe, inviting players to embrace Majima’s pirate journey in all its chaotic glory. Yet, amid the roguish charm, the possibility for a narrative grounded in the complexity of Majima remains a tantalizing prospect. One can only hope Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio eventually explores this untold story.