A few days ahead of its official release, early reviews for Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii are flooding in. The PS5 version currently holds a Metacritic average of 79 out of 100.
Reviewers agree that Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has crafted perhaps the most outlandish entry in the series yet. The return to a fast-paced, action-oriented combat system—a style reminiscent of pre-2020 titles—has been widely praised, especially the exciting addition of naval battles. This seafaring combat significantly enhances the gameplay's variety and keeps the action fresh.
While protagonist Goro Majima has garnered considerable acclaim, the narrative has received a more mixed reception. Some critics found the story less compelling than the mainline entries. Similarly, the game's environments were criticized for a degree of repetitiveness.
Despite these shortcomings, the consensus is that Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii will undoubtedly resonate with both veteran fans and newcomers alike.
