A few days ahead of its official release, gaming journalists across various media outlets began publishing reviews of Like a Dragon: Pirate of the Caribbean Yakuza in Hawaii. 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 outlandish entry in the Like a Dragon franchise. The return to a fast-paced, action-oriented combat system, reminiscent of earlier titles in the series (pre-2020), coupled with thrilling naval battles, earned considerable praise. This seafaring combat element is lauded for its success in diversifying gameplay and maintaining consistent engagement.
While protagonist Goro Majima received positive feedback, the narrative itself faced some criticism, with several journalists deeming it less compelling than the mainline entries. The game's environments also drew criticism for a perceived repetitiveness.
Despite these shortcomings, critics largely concur that Like a Dragon: Pirate of the Caribbean Yakuza in Hawaii will undoubtedly resonate with veteran fans and newcomers alike.
