One of Sega's most successful franchises in recent years has been Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's Like a Dragon, and 2024 was one of the biggest years for the series yet. In addition to the release of the latest mainline installment in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, this past year also saw the release of a live-action TV adaptation of the series from Amazon Prime. However, 2025 could be in a great position to top this year's stream of content, as the Like a Dragon series will be celebrating its 20th anniversary with all eyes on where the franchise will be headed next.
The franchise already has one title slated to release in 2025, with Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii launching in February. However, a recent video message from RGG Studio Director and Executive Producer Masayoshi Yokoyama teased that fans can expect even more from the franchise next year as its 20th anniversary looms. With a lot to look forward to on the horizon, Like a Dragon fans are set to have another huge year in 2025.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is Set to Launch in February
Majima Dons the Mantle of Protagonist Once Again
After the success of 2023's Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, fans are being treated to another side adventure, this time putting fan-favorite character Goro Majima at the helm. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii follows up on the events of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth with an amnesiac Majima washing up on the shores of a Hawaiian island, where he becomes embroiled in a conflict surrounding a group of local pirates and the remnants of the Palekana religious group. The game will feature a more traditional action-based combat system similar to Like a Dragon Gaiden— rather than the turn-based combat of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth—with an emphasis on pirate weaponry via Majima's new Sea Dog Style.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is slated for a February 21, 2025 release.
Although Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is said to be more akin to Gaiden in its scope, fans can still expect plenty of mini-games and side attractions to dig into. Mini-games confirmed to appear in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii include:
- Crazy Delivery
- Karaoke
- Dragon Kart
- Masaru’s Love Journey - My Dream Minato Girl -
One of the most exciting prospects of Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is the ability to recruit and build a pirate crew to sail the high seas. The game promises naval combat as players face off against rival pirate crews in gameplay that sounds reminiscent of Ubisoft's 2013 hit Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag.
Project Century Could Be the Like a Dragon Series' Next Step
The Roots of the Tojo and Omi Could Be Explored in Project Century
Revealed during The Game Awards 2024, Project Century is a new title in development from RGG Studio that seems to take the classic Like a Dragon action-brawler combat to a new historical setting of 1915 Japan. While few details about the game are available, it appears as though players can expect an even more brutal take on the harsh criminal underworld of Japan, this time in a historical context. However, it's not clear how Project Century connects to the Like a Dragon series—if it does at all.
While there are theories that Project Century could follow the founding of the Tojo Clan and the Omi Alliance—the two major factions at the core of the Like a Dragon universe—there isn't enough information yet to determine if this is the case. It's possible Project Century will follow in the footsteps of RGG's Judgment series and act as a standalone title that loosely connects to the larger Like a Dragon universe. Whether this new title is connected to Like a Dragon or not, it's sure to scratch the itch of fans looking for more brawler action.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Can't Be Majima's Swan Song
If LAD: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii follows in Kiryu's footsteps, it could be Majima's swan song, and I'm not sure if I'm ready for that.
RGG Summit Will Likely Return in Fall 2025
Fans Could See Their First Glimpse of Like a Dragon 9
In keeping with the trend of recent years, fans can likely expect to see another RGG Summit event sometime in Fall 2025. The developer typically uses these events to give fans an in-depth look at its upcoming projects, and has been the source for many major Like a Dragon series reveals and announcements in the past. With this precedent set, it stands to reason that RGG Summit 2025 will be the place to see where the franchise will be headed beyond 2025.
While it's unclear at this point what could potentially be revealed at the 2025 RGG Summit, an official reveal for Like a Dragon 9 could be in the cards given the franchise's current yearly release schedule and the significance of 2025 being the series' 20th anniversary. Although it may seem too soon for the next mainline entry to be revealed with Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth only having just come out in 2024, a tease of Like a Dragon 9 in the latter half of 2025 could still happen even if the game is still a ways from release.
The Like a Dragon Series Celebrates its 20th Anniversary
RGG Could Have More Anniversary Surprises in Store
The biggest question mark on the Like a Dragon franchise in 2025 is what RGG Studio has in store to celebrate the series' 20th anniversary. The 10th anniversary of the series was celebrated with the release of the now-beloved Yakuza 0 back in 2015, along with extra releases like a series encyclopedia and other merch. While it's unlikely that fans will see another major release outside of Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii in 2025, there could be room for RGG to announce other exciting projects on the same level as this year's Like a Dragon: Yakuza Amazon Prime series or dive deeper into what players can expect from Project Century.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 81 /100 Critics Rec: 84%
- Released
- February 21, 2025
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ // Blood, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
- Publisher(s)
- Sega
WHERE TO PLAY
A new legend begins as you step into the steel toe boots of Goro Majima, a man who has lost his memory and reinvents himself as a pirate on the open sea.
Embark on an over-the-top, modern-day pirate adventure with an ex-yakuza, now pirate captain and his crew as they engage in exhilarating combat on land and sea in the hunt for lost memories and a legendary treasure.
PIRATE YAKUZA ADVENTURE AHOY!
Goro Majima, a notorious ex-yakuza suddenly finds himself shipwrecked on a remote island in the Pacific. Unable to remember even his own name, he sets sail in search of clues to his lost memories, accompanied by a boy named Noah who saved his life. Before long, they’re caught up in a conflict between cutthroat criminals, modern-day pirates, and other scoundrels over a legendary treasure.
GET YOUR SHIP TOGETHER
Assemble a one-of-a-kind crew while upgrading your ship as you explore the open sea and forge your legend in the cannon fire of foes, unexpected friendships, and immense riches made along the way.
When an enemy pirate ship catches you in their sights, an exhilarating real-time cannon battle breaks out. Quickly maneuver into position while avoiding fire, then deliver devastating damage to board the enemy ship and take down the captain in all-out crew vs. Crew brawls. Conquer the seas, discover hidden islands and acquire loads of loot like a true yakuza pirate!
KICK ARRRSS WITH CREATIVE COMBAT
Dynamically switch between the “Mad Dog” and “Sea Dog” fighting styles to mix-up attacks and deliver explosive combos, juggles, and aerial takedowns that reward your creativity with over-the-top action.
With “Mad Dog” style, utilize speed, agility, and flair to deliver precise yet powerful blows that stun your enemies into submission. Or make enemies walk the plank with the “Sea Dog” style that has you dual-wielding short swords and deploying tricky pirate tools to kick some serious booty.
- Engine
- Dragon Engine
- Franchise
- Yakuza
- Number of Players
- Single-player
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Unknown
- PC Release Date
- February 21, 2025
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- February 21, 2025
- PS5 Release Date
- February 21, 2025
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
