Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

WayTooManyGamesLeo Faria

9.5/10

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. I had to start off this review by simply rewriting the game’s (absurd) title because… well, they ain’t lying. RGG Studio decided to make a freaking pirate game set in the Yakuza / Like a Dragon universe, with as much absurdity and self-awareness one could muster… and it works. It works so freaking well it’s downright remarkable. They didn’t simply jump the shark when making this Majima-led spinoff (or sequel? Who knows or cares), they jumped...

GameGrinAndrew Duncan

9/10

Another great entry to Like a Dragon, just don’t rely on it for hard-hitting canon lore (just hard-hitting cannon balls)!

GameLusterNirav Gandhi

9/10

Pirate Yakuza is never subtle, boring, or less than ostentatiously campy. Everyone should enjoy this perfect pirate adventure from a studio at the top of their game.

The Nerd StashNat Collazo

9/10

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii proves that Ryu Ga Gotoku can make an exciting and well-rounded game that doesn't need to be 100 hours long at the expense of reusing assets and locations again and again.

CBRJenny Melzer

9/10

And you will miss things. Even though RGG's games are set in easy-to-explore locations, there are always hidden gems that require a careful eye or second playthrough to unearth. That alone is what makes the Like a Dragon games a worthwhile franchise to lose yourself in. I will be hanging out in Hawaii and Madlantis for a long time, just having fun, which is exactly what Majima would want, especially considering the grim future awaiting his longtime friend, and the series' main protagonist, Ka...

GameTyrant Noah Cochrane

9/10

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is pure, over-the-top fun. From the moment Majima washes ashore and decides, “Screw it, I’ll be a pirate,” the game delivers a wild mix of hilarious storytelling, heartfelt moments, and chaotic action. The combat is fast, flashy, and completely unhinged, makin

Game InformerKyle Hilliard

8.5/10

Developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio (RGG) have committed to a breakneck pace for its Like a Dragon series since it finally began to find its global audience and the results have been consistently impressive. Upon reveal, it seemed Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii might be a smaller sidequest taking place alongside the primary franchise. That is generally true (don’t expect any gigantic character or story revelations), but protagonist Goro Majima’s adventure is deeper and denser than I ex...

Analog Stick GamingJeff Young

8.5/10

As RGG has made a career of bringing life to the same location for over 20 years, Yakuza in Hawaii is a solid entry that can feel thin on its own ideas but nonetheless has some incredibly fun moments and some strong combat that allow this new adventure to set sail. 

Capsule ComputersTravis Bruno

8.5/10

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii shows a new side of Majima while delivering quick action packed combat and satisfying ship battles that break new ground for RGG even with its simple story.

Gamer EscapeAaron Botts

8/10

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii proves to fans and newcomers alike that you can step out of your comfort zone in more ways than one as a player or developer. Not only does a fan favorite finally get the spotlight he righteously deserves, he shines in a way that only Goro Majima can. I had a blast being a right scallywag with the Goro Pirates, and I’m confident that anyone that picks this up will likely feel the same about their high seas shenanigans. If Secret Agent Majima somehow be...

Press StartHarry Kalogirou

7.5/10

Despite feeling somewhat inconsequential for a majority of its runtime, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a whacky and welcome romp with Majima and his motley crew of buddies. Between RGG's signature action combat, a plethora of worthwhile side content, and surprisingly robust ship systems, this swashbuckling adventure is one worth undertaking.

TheSixthAxisAran Suddi

7/10

Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii might seems like an incredibly outlandish idea at first glance, but once you think about it for a minute, you realise just how easily it slots into the Yakuza/Like A Dragon universe. Sure, the series is a serious crime drama, but each game has wacky encounters and over the top characters. Goro Majima, our protagonist in Pirate Yakuza, is probably the most outlandish of the main cast of the franchise, to the point that sticking him on a pirate ship and making him a captain barely even raises an eyebrow.