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 adds a welcome layer of strategic depth and prevents gameplay from becoming stale.
While protagonist Goro Majima has garnered positive feedback, the narrative has received mixed reactions, with some critics finding it less compelling than mainline entries. Similarly, the game's environments were noted for a degree of repetitiveness.
Despite these shortcomings, the consensus is that Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii offers a fun and engaging experience that will resonate with both veteran fans and newcomers alike.