Yakuza 0 Demonstrates the Potential for a Serious Majima Game

Before diving into the details, a quick heads-up: this write-up contains spoilers for Yakuza 0 and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.

Now, let’s jump in. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is getting set to place Goro Majima in the spotlight once more, this time as a pirate captain with no memory, sailing around the picturesque Hawaiian islands. This quirky narrative is tailor-made for Majima’s character, providing a refreshing change from the more intense and heartfelt tales featured in previous series entries, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. But, that doesn’t mean we should shy away from seeing a serious side of Majima eventually—a perspective that fans have already resonated with in one of the series’ well-loved installments.

Hiroyuki Sakamoto, chief producer at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, recently mentioned in an interview with TheGamer, "you can’t make a serious Majima game" and that any game about him needs to be extravagant. While Majima indeed stands out for his flamboyant personality, Yakuza 0 showcased a more nuanced and grounded aspect of him, which played a big part in him becoming a fan favorite. Overlooking the impact of Majima’s storyline in Yakuza 0 undervalues the character’s depth, and it’s worth considering the potential for a serious Majima-centric game again down the line.

While Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii’s Wacky Nature is Welcome, a Serious Majima Game Shouldn’t Be Off the Table

Majima’s portrayal in Yakuza 0 illustrates how he can truly shine under a serious narrative lens. Despite the "Mad Dog of Shimano" title making Majima synonymous with craziness, Yakuza 0 unfolds as a prequel that reveals his past as a cabaret club owner, a consequence of his failed mission in the notorious Ueno Siwa Hit. Here, his alternate persona, the Lord of the Night, shines through as he morphs into a charming club owner, placating patrons in a bid to clear his debts and rejoin the Tojo Clan.

Despite his introduction as a comedic side character seen in Yakuza’s Majima Everywhere side mission, Yakuza 0 allows his character to grow, underscoring his potential to be more multi-faceted than the series’ frequent caricature of him. His efforts to protect Makoto Makimura, defying orders to eliminate her, allow Majima to evolve into a beloved character by fans. The iconic Mad Dog persona emerged as a reaction to being trapped by his own responsibilities in Sotenbori’s Grand Cabaret, and other serious glimpses of him appear sporadically across the series.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii’s Amnesia Plot Could Have Been Ideal for a Serious Majima Game

Fast forward to Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, where Majima’s irreverent antics have begun to wane. Now, he is seen embracing a quieter life as a fisherman alongside Saejima and Dojima in Hokkaido, diverging from the quirky figure from earlier games. With Majima waking up sans memory on Rich Island in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, one might expect his Mad Dog persona to dwindle further. Yet, the game opts to dive deeper into those frenzied aspects, serving a slice of fun but bypassing another opportunity for a compelling Majima narrative.

Seeing him devoid of his past’s madness could lend a fascinating layer to his character—we’re not often presented with this opportunity. Should Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii skip over this alternate portrayal, there surely remains hope for another prequel delving deeply into Majima’s serious side—fueling vast possibilities for the future.