Summary
- Noah is the catalyst for Majima's transformation, enhancing his character and challenging perceptions.
- The relationship between Majima and Noah deepens the storyline, offering unexpected growth and vulnerability.
- Majima's mentorship of Noah reveals a caring side, exposing a childlike innocence in his character.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii introduces a sizable cast of new characters, but none may be more vital to the overarching narrative and that of Majima's personal journey than Noah. After an amnesiac Majima washes up on a beach at Rich Island in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, he is greeted by Noah Rich, a 10-year-old kid who quickly takes on the role of guide for Majima as he attempts to get his bearings. However, it quickly becomes apparent that Noah is much more than a mere guide to Majima, as he ultimately serves as both the gunpowder and the barrel for the beloved Yakuza character's transformation.
While a major part of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is the thrill of being a pirate in modern-day Hawaii, the true purpose of this Like a Dragon spin-off boils down to its ability to show fan-favorite character Goro Majima in a different light than the series has ever been capable of. Thanks to Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii's amnesia trope, the game has an unprecedented opportunity to explore a different side of Majima's character, and Noah is a significant part of what makes this happen. As such, without Noah, Majima's character development throughout the game might not be as deep or as compelling as it is.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Proves the Series Can Still Innovate
The Like a Dragon series has been more iterative, but Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii introduces some innovations that take it to new heights.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii's Noah Plays a Key Role in Majima's Evolution
It is true that Noah is initially only a guide for Majima — a compassionate child who simply wants to help Majima when he appears helpless. Noah's personal connections and knowledge of the island are necessary for Majima's quest to recover his memory and any local challenges he faces. However, Noah is the catalyst for Majima's journey of growth, and that is made more evident as their relationship evolves throughout Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii's amnesia-driven story.
Noah Is Ultimately the Catalyst for Majima's Journey of Growth
More or less, Noah is used as a narrative device in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii as his companionship with Majima brings out a different side to his character than the series has ever seen. Since Noah is a child, Majima, being much older than Noah, naturally takes on the role of mentor to the child, which allows his character to evolve beyond where the series has been able to take him before.
Noah is the catalyst for Majima's journey of growth, and that is made more evident as their relationship evolves throughout Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii's amnesia-driven story.
Majima has never really been shown as wholly selfish in the Like a Dragon/Yakuza series, as his defining moments have shown him to be a man who is willing to sacrifice everything for those he cares about. He is still that same way in his relationship with Noah as a mentor, but it is Noah's childlike innocence that ultimately exposes any innocence left in Majima that has largely been overshadowed by his notorious reputation throughout the series. In a way, Noah's unassuming presence makes Majima somewhat of a child, as he is provoked to see the world primarily through the eyes of his travel companion.
In the end, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii succeeds in offering a fresh perspective on Goro Majima, using Noah and the relationship that the two of them share to accelerate and fulfill his transformation. Through Noah, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii deepens Majima's journey and challenges the established perceptions of who he is beneath his chaos and stage presence. The dynamic between the two is more than just a mentor-mentee relationship, and is instead a transformative bond that reveals Majima's capacity for care, responsibility, and even emotional vulnerability. In doing so, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii ensures that Majima's evolution continues in ways that feel both unexpected and entirely fitting for one of the series' most beloved characters.
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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
