CGN Network Beat Mar '25 Newsletter v.1 by cgn_editor

Happy March, CGN,

NotefromtheEditor-in-chief

While the chills have yet to lose their grip on Charlotte, plans within the Charlotte Gaymers Network community are starting to heat up a bit! Whether it be conventions being visited this year, or special events coming only to our home in the Queen City, there will be a lot to look forward to in 2025!

While that news is still cooking among the leadership of CGN, what’s in store for this month is already out of the bag. In addition to our mainstay events of Gaymer Gathering, Board Game Bash, and Sapphic Social, the Level Up Drag Brunch makes its return, honoring Lady Gaga with a whole host of Charlotte stars you’ll not want to miss.

In this issue, we also explore one of the first major games out this year, Pirate Yakuza! Jump in for a taste of Goro Majima’s history, as well as what makes this game stand out from the pack. In the Avance Corner, get a few tips on how to avoid a bad time nutritionally while taking full advantage of what the year will offer.

Saddle up, turn the page, and check out what’s new at The Network Beat!

Take care, and hope to see you at an event soon!

Sincerely,

Jonny Golian

Table of Contents

Page 1 - Opener From Charlotte Gaymers Network

Page 2 & 4 - Game Review: LAD - Pirate Yakuza

Page 6 to 7 - Dr. Rhett’s Corner: Topic - Dangers of Poor Nutrition

Back Cover - CGN’s Monthly Calendar: March ‘25

GAME GAME GAME

REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW

FEATURE FEATURE FEATURE

Majima Takes on the High Seas On his First Solo Adventure in Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza

By Jonathan Golian

Since the initial start of the Yakuza (Like A Dragon) franchise back in December of 2005, most of the player audience’s main focus has been on Kiryu Kazuma, the former Dojima Family lieutenant who left his life in Japan’s underworld behind through a series of circumstances. While a few mainline entries have divided that attention on his life to look at other characters, as of the sixth game, Kiryu again became the sole main driver of the story in what was to be potentially his final starring role.

It was a year before that title came out that, in 2015, fans got to really get to know another core character in the franchise that would drive massive parts of the storylines told but remained part of the supporting cast Ten years ago, audiences got to truly fall in love with Goro Majima, the Mad Dog of Shimano, an irresistible psychopath that is the yin to Kiryu’s yang

While Majima did get a playable role in 2011’s Yakuza: Dead Souls, it wasn’t until Yakuza 0 that the occasional antagonist got a thorough examination of his nuances, as depicted in massive emotional detail by his main voice actor, Hidenari Ugaki. Shockingly, despite the character’s fanfare, it wouldn’t be until 2025 that Majima would finally score his sole main protagonist role in Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza.

The story is set six months after the previous game, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth. One day, after an accident at sea, Majima washes up on Rich Island with amnesia. Having been discovered by a boy named Noah Rich, the former yakuza bonds with him and his family as they sail the waters of Hawaii, searching for a long-lost treasure as well as a way to bring back Majima’s memories.

Majima Takes on the High Seas On his First Solo Adventure in Like

A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza (Cont.)

What follows is a game that feels the least like a Yakuza title, but still ends up entertaining in its own ways. By this, I don’t mean that the familiar beats of the series aren’t hit, as the usual crime drama antics do ensure with betrayals and twists galore. Where Kiryu’s world is laced with a serious tone, outside of any side stories that completely go off the rails in hilariously off-beat ways, Majima’s is lively and bouncy. Sure, the character does have his sharp streaks, but he is the series Joker-archetype in many ways, and his moves throughout the Pacific mold to his need for a more erratic atmosphere, if nothing else than to kill his boredom.

In that way, the game truly hits. Outside of common street brawls, having shifted back to the original button-mash gameplay mechanics the series is known for, Majima is given a ship galleon to traverse the open seas with. This highlights the need for players to interact with the game’s settings, divided among four main areas, for crewmates in order to man various roles on the vessel. As much fun as street brawls can be, I had a literal blast taking out enemy ships with a variety of cannon options, whether freezing them, setting them on fire, or going sci-fi with laser guns.

While the sailing sections are made use of within the main story, a sizable side adventure pits player’s skills and ship combinations against a pirate gang that hold sway over many of the treasures in the game. Additionally, one of the core settings, Madlantis, a flashy pirate paradise, brings its own coliseum experience to the game with both sea and deck battles to take advantage of. While, after a few ship upgrades, much of the main traversing started to feel easy, it was this games version of the side antagonists & the post-game ship battles that kept the new game mechanics challenging and worth continuing to build on.

Majima Takes on the High Seas On his First Solo Adventure in Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza (Cont.)

Another new addition to the game is a brand-new style of fighting for Majima While Majima maintains his signature moves that fans have used and been at the receiving end of throughout the franchise in his “Mad Dog” form, Pirate Yakuza gives us a “Sea Dog” style to play with as well. Equipped with cutlasses, wooden pistols, and a grappling hook, players get to menace both gangs and pirates alike in over-the-top combos & finishing moves.

If Majima’s new-found skills weren’t deadly enough, the “Sea Dog” move set also allows players who’ve discovered cursed instruments through playing the side-adventure to summon spectral beasts to wipe out enemies with Having these attacks at the ready can turn the tide of battle, especially when Majima is the only one left standing after his crew gets demolished.

While there’s a lot to play with that is new, there is also a ton of familiar staples in the game that will delight both newcomers and series veterans Along with the return of Hawaii’s Waikiki map from Infinite Wealth, many of the mini games also make another appearance. Players can make friends with people all over the island, go nuts on a bike in Crazy Delivery, and put their driving skills to the test in the second coming of Dragon Kart, a Mario Kart-isc game from the seventh main title, Like A Dragon.

Game Centers also make a return, giving opportunities to play retro titles like Virtual Fighter 3, Fighting Vipers 2, and The Ocean Hunter in its first appearance outside arcades. Adding onto this is the ability for Majima to play Sega Master System titles in Hawaii’s main resting area on the second floor of Revolve Bar, all of which can be bought at shops across the island. And, of course, the side stories section of the game are back, pitting our main character in numerous situations that break up the tone just a bit, all while adding that much depth to the world laid out for fans of the series.

Yakuza/Like A Dragon franchise, Pirate Yakuza gives a ton in terms of world building, as well as uplift a fan favorite character with his own game, a request that fans have asked about for years Personally, I don’t want to see this as Majima’s swan song as a main playable character, even if that means sharing the stage like in Yakuza 0, but if that is to be the case, Pirate Yakuza is a great note to go out on, simply because the game does to much to represent him in the most stylistic and personal ways possible.

Dr. Rhett's Health Corner TheHidden DangersofPoor Nutrition March’s Topic:

Presented By

Many people think of nutrition in terms of weight loss or maintaining a healthy appearance, but the truth is, what you eat plays a critical role in your overall health. Poor nutrition isn’t just about gaining weight it can increase your risk for chronic diseases, weaken your immune system, and even affect your mental health. The good news? At Avance Care, your primary care provider can connect you with an onsite registered dietitian to help you build a diet that supports long-term wellness and prevents disease.

The Impact of Poor Nutrition on Health

1.) Increased Risk of Chronic Diseases

A poor diet, one high in processed foods, added sugars, and unhealthy fats, can lead to serious health conditions, including:

Heart disease: Diets high in saturated fats and sodium contribute to high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Type 2 diabetes: Consuming too many refined carbohydrates and sugars can lead to insulin resistance.

Obesity: Excess calorie consumption from nutrient-poor foods increases the likelihood of weight-related conditions.

Colorectal cancer: A diet low in fiber and high in red or processed meats has been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

2.) Weakened Immune System

Nutrient deficiencies, especially in vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and iron, can impair immune function, making it harder for your body to fight infections and illnesses.

3.) Cognitive Decline and Mental Health Issues

Studies show that poor diet choices can contribute to depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. A lack of omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and antioxidants can affect brain function, memory, and mood regulation.

The Hidden Dangers of Poor Nutrition (Cont.)

How Your Dietitian and Doctor Can Help

If you’re experiencing any of these health concerns, or if you simply want to improve your nutrition, working with a dietitian and your primary care provider can help you develop a sustainable and balanced diet plan.

1.) Personalized Nutrition Plans: A dietitian can assess your current eating habits, health conditions, and goals to create a personalized nutrition plan tailored to your needs.

2.) Preventive Health Screenings: Your doctor can recommend blood tests and screenings to check for vitamin deficiencies, cholesterol levels, blood sugar control, and other indicators of nutritional health.

3.) Managing Chronic Conditions Through Diet: For those already diagnosed with chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, or digestive disorders, a dietitian can help manage symptoms through dietary changes, while your doctor monitors medical progress.

Simple Nutrition Changes for Better Health

If you’re unsure where to start, consider these easy ways to improve your nutrition:

Increase fiber intake: Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support digestive health. Reduce processed foods: Cut back on fast food, sugary snacks, and refined carbs. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water aids digestion and overall bodily functions. Incorporate healthy fats: Opt for sources like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. Balance your plate: Aim for a mix of lean proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats in every meal.

Conclusion

Your diet is a powerful tool in disease prevention and long-term health. By making informed food choices and working with your doctor and dietitian, you can reduce your risk of chronic illnesses and improve your quality of life. If you’re ready to take control of your health, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider today, or learn more about Avance Care Nutrition Services at their website, https://www.avancecare.com/service/nutrition-services/.

For More Information, consultation, and to make an appointment for you or your partner, please visit: