Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii and LAD Gaiden Embrace Their Unique Narratives

When Goro Majima first encounters the pirates on Rich Island, he amusingly misjudges them for a group of cosplay enthusiasts. Yet, he soon finds himself swept up in the pirate lifestyle. This premise is at the core of the adventure in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. It forms the backbone of gameplay that immerses players in what it truly means to be a pirate. As you navigate the open seas, hunt for treasure, and have intense cannon battles, it becomes clear that the essence of piracy is deeply rooted in community. Majima’s journey showcases this as he rapidly builds a crew to support his cause, setting a stark contrast with Kiryu’s solitary existence in LAD Gaiden.

From the very beginning of Like a Dragon Gaiden, it’s hard to miss Kiryu’s stark loneliness. While Majima deals with a gap in his memory, Kiryu’s separation is a physical and emotional chasm. His life within the confines of the Daidoji has isolated him from those he treasures. Despite his efforts to withstand this reality, his isolation eats away at him. His role as a secret agent doesn’t just serve as a novelty for tech-enhanced combat; it’s a poignant reflection of Kiryu’s personal journey. The solitary nature of espionage parallels his emotional solitude perfectly.

Right from the outset, it’s evident that Majima, unlike Kiryu, isn’t alone in Pirate Yakuza. When he first meets Noah, a simple gesture of kindness—offering a sip of water—sparks a bond. Majima’s spirited defense of Noah against Keith and his crew through dazzling aerial moves and sharp dagger skills further cements his place within the island’s community. Despite the initial skepticism, this stranger becomes a respected figure among new friends like Masaru and Jason, thanks to his charisma and combat prowess. Majima’s natural leadership and ability to build trust make him an ideal pirate captain.

The camaraderie between Majima and Noah takes a central role in this tale of piracy. Still, Pirate Yakuza cleverly weaves in stories of those who admire Majima from his past, even those he struggles to remember. News of his return to Nele Island sees Saejima dropping everything to join him, and members of his old Tojo clan faction, including Minami the karaoke enthusiast and the sly Nishida, are notably affected by his memory loss. Despite the gaps in his recollection, Majima’s sense of belonging as a pirate is undeniable and fitting.

In stark contrast, Like a Dragon Gaiden thrives on themes of isolation. Although Kiryu does find some companionship with characters like Akame and the somewhat ambiguous Hanawa, his loneliness is palpable and impacts the player deeply. Tasked with maintaining secrecy, Kiryu persists in his undercover mission—a role born more out of circumstance than choice. This role as a covert agent is key to the emotional depth of Gaiden, underscoring the restraint he must endure in personal interactions.

At first glance, the roles of pirate and secret agent might seem like simple setups for exciting combat. Kiryu gets to dash around in rocket-boosted footwear, taking down foes with cigarette bombs, while Majima wields dual cutlasses and commands a ship’s cannon. Yet, these roles fulfill far more than gameplay mechanics; they echo the characters’ internal struggles, showcasing the divide between their past and present lives. These elements work together to create rich, engaging stories that highlight each character’s unique journey.