Ahead of its official launch, gaming journalists have shared their reviews of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. The PS5 version currently holds a Metacritic score of 79/100.
Reviewers describe the game as a wildly entertaining, albeit unconventional, addition to the series, hailing Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's return to a fast-paced, action-focused combat system reminiscent of earlier titles. The inclusion of dynamic naval battles is a significant highlight, adding considerable depth and variety to the gameplay.
While protagonist Goro Majima receives widespread acclaim, the narrative has drawn mixed reactions, with some critics finding it less compelling than previous mainline entries. Similarly, the game's environments have been criticized for a degree of repetitiveness.
Despite these shortcomings, the consensus is that Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii will resonate with both established fans and newcomers to the franchise.