Ahead of its official launch, gaming journalists have released their reviews of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. The PS5 version currently holds a Metacritic score of 79/100.
Reviewers generally agree that Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has delivered a wildly entertaining, if somewhat unconventional, addition to the franchise. The return to a fast-paced, action-focused combat system, similar to pre-2020 titles, has been well-received, particularly the inclusion of dynamic naval battles which add significant gameplay variety.
While protagonist Goro Majima's portrayal earns high marks, the narrative itself has drawn mixed reactions, with some critics finding it less compelling than mainline entries. The game's environments have also been cited as somewhat repetitive.
Despite these shortcomings, the consensus is that Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii will likely resonate with both established fans and newcomers to the series.