A few days before its official release, Like a Dragon: Pirate of the Caribbean – Yakuza in Hawaii garnered significant media attention, with journalists publishing reviews across various outlets. The PS5 version currently holds a Metacritic average score of 79 out of 100.
Reviewers widely agree that Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has delivered perhaps the most unconventional entry in the series. The return to a fast-paced, action-oriented combat system— reminiscent of earlier franchise titles—earned considerable praise, particularly the addition of engaging naval battles which provide welcome gameplay variety.
Protagonist Goro Majima received positive feedback for his portrayal. However, the narrative itself drew mixed reactions, with some critics deeming it less compelling than mainline entries. Similarly, the game's environments were criticized for a degree of repetitiveness.
Despite these shortcomings, the consensus among critics is that Like a Dragon: Pirate of the Caribbean – Yakuza in Hawaii will likely resonate with both established fans and newcomers to the franchise.
