A few days ahead of its official release, gaming journalists across various media outlets began publishing their reviews of Like a Dragon: Pirate 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 delivered perhaps the most outlandish entry in the franchise's history. The return to a fast-paced, action-oriented combat system— reminiscent of earlier titles before the shift in 2020—has been lauded, particularly the exciting addition of dynamic naval battles. This seafaring combat significantly enhances the gameplay variety and keeps the experience consistently engaging.
While protagonist Goro Majima received considerable praise, some critics found the narrative less compelling than the mainline Yakuza entries, describing it as relatively unremarkable. 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 Yakuza in Hawaii will undoubtedly resonate with established fans and newcomers alike.
