Yakuza: Why Everybody Loves Goro Majima
Because who says a snakeskin blazer with no shirt isn't everyday attire.
Yakuza first hit our PS2s back in the early 2000s, and has since spawned an impressive eight game main series, including five remastered games, as well as numerous spinoffs. The game’s storyline follows the protagonist Kazuma Kiryu, an ex-Yakuza who tries to keep on the straight and narrow, but can't help getting sucked back into his old life.
What makes the Yakuza series so good is the in-depth storyline, hilarious side quests and fantastic characters - and no character is better than Goro Majima.
Majima becomes a playable character in Yakuza 0, and is also playable in the Majima Saga of Yakuza 2 Kiwami. He's also an NPC throughout most of the series. He acts as the anti-hero to Kiryu's hero status, agreeing with Kiryu on multiple occasions throughout the story, but allies himself with opposing families.
There is always a method to Majima's madness - and he's got plenty of it. As one of the series' more unhinged characters, he's endlessly fun to watch, and even more fun to play as.
The best thing about Goro Majima is his character development, as he's so much more than your typical secondary main character. He has his own storylines, a defined personality and many enviable traits.
10. He Changes But Always Stays True To His Character
It’s great to see a character grow and change for the better, whilst also keeping the original intentions in mind. He remains loyal and his original goals of staying a Yakuza don’t change. He just becomes a better developed character, meaning the fans can stay connected to him throughout the entire storyline.
Whilst it remains a question as to why Majima becomes so crazy, a lot of players subscribe to the idea that Majima isn’t really mad at all. At the end of Yakuza 0 he makes a conscious decision to live how he wants. Meaning his personality doesn’t change, he’s just free to show it off more. He realises in order to survive he has to be ruthless, and even come across as insane.
Does he go crazy after Yakuza 0? Yes, but there's a reason. Players like to see characters grow, learn, and become better versions of themselves. Majima does this and so he resonates with the player. This new crazy mentality also makes for some great scenes in later on in the story when the player gets to see The Mad Dog Of Shimano in full force.