Summary
- Samoa Joe will appear in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, set to release on February 28, 2025.
- The former WWE superstar and AEW champion has appeared in multiple wrestling games over the years.
- The Yakuza series is known for featuring real-life wrestlers, with stars like Kenny Omega and Hiroshi Tanahashi appearing in past games.
Former WWE superstar and AEW champion Samoa Joe will appear in the newly announced Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio just revealed the latest spin-off in its Yakuza series, which will be centered around Goro Majima losing his memory on a tropical island near Hawaii. From there, he must team up with a young boy named Noah to get to the bottom of a plot involving the yakuza and a radioactive waste dump, even becoming the captain of a pirate crew in the process.
The recent Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii trailer featured plenty of action, with Goro battling pirates with both sword attacks and martial arts moves. While there didn’t seem to be any shown in the trailer, it wouldn’t be surprising if Goro unleashes some wrestling-inspired finishers in his latest adventure, as past Yakuza games have allowed players to defeat enemies using powerbombs and suplexes worthy of the squared circle. Real-life champions of the ring like Kenny Omega, The Great Muta, and Hiroshi Tanahashi have also appeared in the Yakuza series, with Yoshiaki Fujiwara even having a recurring role as The Florist of Sai.
Now it looks like another wrestling legend is making his way into the Yakuza series, and he’s someone who may be quickly recognizable to WWE and AEW fans. As pointed out on the r/AEWOfficial Reddit forum not too long after Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii was revealed, Samoa Joe can be seen briefly toward the end of the trailer. While his role in the game isn’t entirely clear from the short time he was shown, it looks as if he may be an enemy pirate whom Goro and his friends may need to seek counsel at some point.
Samoa Joe Will Be in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
Like many modern-day wrestlers, Samoa Joe has been a playable character in multiple wrestling games over the years, having been featured in the WWE 2K series during his tenure at the company. He was also added to last year’s AEW Fight Forever as part of its Season 4 DLC wave back in April. Outside of wrestling, Samoa Joe starred as the physical actor for Sweet Tooth in the live-action Twisted Metal series, and most recently voiced King Shark in Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.
Samoa Joe will join the growing list of wrestlers who have had their digital likeness featured in the Yakuza series when Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii sets sail on February 28, 2025. Fans don’t yet know if he will be an ally to Goro or a boss that players will have to square off against, but seeing the Samoan Suplex Machine in the latest Yakuza game will be a major treat for those who enjoy both pro-wrestling and Ryu Ga Gotoku’s beloved series of action RPGs.
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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
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Unknown
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
