Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii scored 79/100 on first reviews

Days before its official release, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii garnered attention with reviews flooding in from various media outlets. The PS5 version currently holds a Metacritic average score of 79 out of 100.

Reviewers widely agree that Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has crafted perhaps the most unconventional entry in the series. A return to the fast-paced, action-oriented combat system that defined the franchise pre-2020 is a highlight, further enhanced by the addition of exciting naval battles. This ship-based combat successfully diversifies the gameplay, maintaining consistent engagement.

While protagonist Goro Majima received considerable praise, the narrative itself drew mixed reactions. Some critics found the storyline less compelling than 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 established fans and newcomers alike.