Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza is a wonderful new addition to the series, offering a huge game with plenty to do, all while allowing players to dive into the mind of the anti-hero and Mad Dog himself, Goro Majima.

Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a stellar and truly fun game that poses as a testament of Ryu Ga Gotoku’s Studio's excellent gameplay design and writing. Even though it is riddled with minor issues and is effectively a spin-off title, it is truly worth your time, at least for scratching that pirate gaming itch.

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

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii takes the series to the high seas while staying true to its signature formula. Packed with side quests and mini-games, it delivers everything fans expect from a Like a Dragon game. The core gameplay remains as content-rich as ever, and with smooth, fast-paced combat both on land and water, the final package is a must-buy for longtime fans.

If the next evolution of the Yakuza franchise is more of these thematic crossovers, smaller, experimental titles and playful spin-offs, I’m all for it. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii proves that the previous Like a Dragon Ishin was no fluke. Ryu Ga Gotoku is clearly comfortable bringing these iconic characters to any creative setting and location, and going forward the sky’s the limit. Perhaps literally. I wouldn’t put it past them to have Goro Majima waking up on a moon base next.

Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is totally bonkers in places, but don't let that put you off; there's a surprising amount of heart in its narrative, and the game effortlessly captures the thrill and spirit of adventure. With tons of content, rewarding and cinematic combat, and a memorable cast of characters, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is nothing less than a triumphant spinoff.

Like a Dragon Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is one of the best Like a Dragon/Yakuza spin-offs, joining the likes of Judgment and Like A Dragon: Ishin. It's a fast and frenetic pirate adventure that constantly calls the player back to its high seas, and it's an adventure you won't want to miss.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is an over-the-top spin-off packed with absurdity, minigames, and endless chaos. While Majima’s limited fighting styles and occasional camera issues hold it back, the game’s compact length and lower price make it a fun, wild ride for Like a Dragon fans.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is one of the best Like a Dragon spin-offs to date, and we are eagerly looking forward to Majima's next adventure.

It's Goro Majima's time to shine, and shine he does in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. This ridiculous adventure has the typical Like a Dragon gameplay you've come to expect, as well as fast-paced real-time combat that's more electrifying than ever. Add in being able to sail across numerous maps, engaging in naval battles and disembarking to plunder legendary treasures, and you have the most varied entry in the series yet.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a swashbuckling adventure that longtime fans and newcomers alike can treasure. The spotlight on fan-favorite Goro Majima is sure to be a treat, even though the game can feel padded out at times. I’m a sucker for the Yakuza series, and even after numerous spin-offs, RGG Studio still has plenty of surprises up their sleeve.

Don’t be put off by its absurd name or ridiculous premise; Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii provides a sincere and heartfelt adventure that successfully marries the series’ penchant for engaging power struggles with high-octane swashbuckling action. For existing fans, it’s a superb follow-up to Infinite Wealth. And for newcomers, it’s an excellent onboarding experience thanks to its myriad of fun and accessible gameplay systems.

Pirate Yakuza goes all in on making Majima the most charming, endearing, and downright loveable rogue he’s ever been, taking everything 'Majima' and ramping it up to a million.

We are sure that the next Like a Dragon will offer a proper quantum leap for the franchise but, meanwhile, this game will offer hours of unleashed fun. It's crazy, It's intense... It's Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio going full sail once again.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is another step in the right direction for RGG and SEGA on their quest to make the former yakuza saga a global hit. After a couple of great games and pretty nice TV show, the new entry of the franchise is bold enough to make a few changes to become even more fun and enjoyable, with a great pirate setting, awesome naval combats a huge comeback for the fan-favorite Goro Majima.

Ahoy, me hearties! All aboard the hype ship, for RGG be chartin’ a course to pure treasure with Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza! This be a tale as grand as the seven seas, tellin’ the legend of an ex-Yakuza turned swashbucklin’ scallywag! With a story and adventure ye won’t soon forget, this be a voyage filled with plunderin’, brawlin’, and enough high-seas hijinks to make even the saltiest sea dog grin! Yo-ho!

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a game that fully accomplishes its task of entertaining and offering various activities. At first, it may seem like a straightforward experience, but as the story progresses, it becomes a complete game with a high level of fun that few games can offer.

A Like a Dragon a little bit different from the usual. A fun adventure starring the mad Goro Majima. All the elements of the previous chapters return in a Caribbean version, but the rate of madness reaches unprecedented levels.

With an engaging story, endless minigames, always-entertaining characters, and a great blend of series mechanics old and new, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is an excellent entry into the franchise. Now we just need a patch for that lighting issue…

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza is a love letter to Majima's loyal fanbase, who've been in awe of his character since his original appearances. RGG has done a marvelous job capturing the old-school Pirate era with naval combat that feels arcade-like and simplistic to have fun with and sea exploration to get lost in for a few hours. Despite some reused stuff from Infinite Wealth, there's enough unique nuance to be found here from its plethora of well-written substories and the Madlantis Pirate Coliseum. Although the main story falls victim to some pacing setbacks, Majima's incredibly charismatic character, along with his merry band of Goro Pirates, keep you hooked until the end of this whimsical adventure and proves to you how he's truly special when compared to the likes of Kiryu Kazuma or Ichiban Kasuga.

Majima's return as the protagonist has never been so good and at the same time unusual. Once again, RGG Studio maintains its seal of quality and goes further with the addition of naval combats along with gameplay that is a true delight, providing hours of fun. Even though it has a simple, unpretentious story on the surface and some moments that could be dispensed with, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii carries in its depths an ode to friendship, dreams and, above all, life.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is an entertaining spin off where we will know a new facet of one of the favorite characters of the Yakuza saga, besides being able to live a pirate adventure, with all the craziness that can lead both the character and the surreal idea that proposes, getting a game more focused on adventure than in the usual drama of the saga.

Despite a few shortcomings in traversal and some repetitious elements, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is an enjoyable way to ‘tide’ oneself over until RGG can put together the next main series entry.

In the overall view of the saga, we would place this chapter somewhere in the middle. Without the emotion and drama of the best Kiryu episodes, without the novelty effect of Ichiban's JRPGs, but it surpasses The Man Who Erased His Name in ambition and can be taken as an entertaining nonsense that is perfectly acceptable as a spin-off that prepares the ground for the next great adventure.

While buccaneer fans continue to desperately wait for a remake of Assassin's Creed Black Flag, Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio are launching a pleasantly entertaining spin-off to Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth that more than lives up to its name and will easily keep fans of the series entertained for 20 to 30 hours. Narratively, the spin-off is a bit weaker than Infinite Wealth, the recycling of locations like Hawaii can be annoying at times and here and there important dialogues don’t feature voice overs. Despite those flaws it’s still one of the most fun pirate-themed games in recent years.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a fantastic spin-off and a great Epilogue to Infinite Wealth. The decision to put Majima in the captain’s chair is inspired and has allowed the team at Ryu Ga Gotoku to create one of the most unique and off-the-will games in the long-running series. Much like its beloved lead, Pirate Yakuxa in Hawaii is a little crazy, a little random, but incredibly charming.

I’m impressed with what RGG Studio created here, since Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii experiments with ideas I never thought would be considered for a Like a Dragon game, most notably pirate ships and sea exploration. A 60-year-old Majima still has a lot of tricks up his sleeves, and this game does well to respect his character, too. If this is the send-off to Honolulu before the next Like a Dragon game eventually comes, then this was a great one at that.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is the least pretentious game you'll play this year. The gameplay is extremely varied as you alternate between sea-based activities and land exploration; it features the series' signature humor, and the exploration is highly enjoyable. However, its most noteworthy feature is its complete genuineness; it perfectly expresses the series' legacy and underlying message of honor, blending it with bizarre humor to create a unique tone.

Like a Dragon is the rare video game that’s enjoyable even when the core gameplay isn’t because of everything around it, and that’s worth celebrating. But I’d be lying to you if I said that I didn’t wish it played better or did more with the pirate conceit or was better able to marry the inherent conflict of “dudes sailing around on a tall ship in 2024.”

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a bizarrely unique experience. Addressing many of the main concerns players had about the previous Gaiden, Ryu Ga Gotoku did an excellent job of creating a soulful adventure for what is certainly one of the most beloved characters in the fan community.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii takes time to pick up, but it’s a solid entry in the series. Controlling Goro Majima again is a highlight that fans will enjoy.

Madness, chaos, and Majima – the perfect combination for Yakuza fans! This installment may not be ideal for newcomers, but longtime Yakuza veterans are in for an unforgettable high-seas adventure.

For the most part the game's worldview is surprisingly progressive. [Issue#409, p.108]

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii successfully marries the core elements of the Yakuza series with a captivating pirate theme. For newcomers and seasoned fans alike, it offers a compelling adventure that is both familiar and refreshingly new. As someone who had not fully embraced the series before, this instalment provided an accessible and enjoyable entry point, solidifying its place as a standout title in my gaming experience. Its blend of engaging combat, diverse side activities, and a vibrant setting make it a noteworthy addition to the franchise.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is an extremely fun spin-off, packed with content and mini-games, which brings back many elements already seen in the Yakuza saga and tries to vary them, as well as adding mechanics related to pirate activities. It’s hard to talk about new features, but the fact remains that everything works perfectly, except for some camera issues in the more crowded situations. What’s disappointing is the story, even though it was clear from the start that the project had a “crazy” tone. Like A Dragon has always been known for mixing serious and lighthearted moments, but this time the dramatic component is so underdeveloped that it feels almost negligible. From a technical standpoint, the Ryu Ga Gotoku team did an excellent job, really squeezing the power of their graphics engine and delivering another great soundtrack, but the fact remains that the path taken in this episode must remain a unique one, not affecting the themes of the main chapters. It was reasonable to expect a better balance between the two narrative lines, but the truth is, despite being derivative, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a spin-off that works and entertains for many hours, especially if you let yourself get carried away by the many side activities. Put on a funny hat and join Captain Goro Majima’s crew.

Goro Majima takes the lead in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. This is an action-adventure game with a unique setting in which fan favorite Majima becomes a pirate in modern-day Hawaii. Fans can finally use his iconic fighting style during battles, while an all new combat system that incorporates the game’s pirate theme is added as well. Although the main story doesn’t utilize the game’s spacious field to the max, the game packs in a lot of content to enjoy.

A highly entertaining yet utterly bonkers adventure set in the familiar but refreshed Hawaiian backdrop. Once again, the Ryu Ga Gotoku team nailed it—just be ready for plenty of exaggeration, absurdity, and humor that feels over-the-top even by this series’ standards.

Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii takes almost all the parts of previous main games, adds ingredients from other Like a Dragon titles, and blends them into a fresh swashbuckling adventure.

I too could not have predicted that the most fun pirate game in years would be a Yakuza spinoff. Fine for once. Let's hope that RGG leads the franchise to quieter, deeper waters.

All in all, Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii is another stellar entry in what is fast becoming gaming’s most consistently entertaining series.

An adventure that incorporates and renews many of the action and exploration elements of the Like a Dragon series, but with more irreverence on the high seas, where pirate clashes take us back to the Age of Discovery.

This is a Yakuza game through and through, filled with both raucous absurdity and heart-crushing emotion.

Does Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii reinvent the wheel? Certainly not. But it doesn’t have to. Ryu Ga Gotoku firmly remains in their wheelhouse with this follow-up to last year’s Infinite Wealth. They’ve absolutely done enough to warrant your swift return to Honolulu. Naval combat is a blast; hand-to-hand encounters are still satisfying in that old-school beat-em-up sort of way, and the setting is a pleasure to explore. If there was ever a game I didn’t know I needed, this is it.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is an addictive, fun and an absurd experience. But most importantly, it is a complete blast to play through.

If you're a fan of the Yakuza series, simply for the sake of enjoying a complete adventure for Majima, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is worth your time. It's also as packed with quality content as ever, although this time, due to its structure, it sometimes encourages us to delve a little too hard into it. Of course, you have to be very aware of how a title like Yakuza's total focus on absurdity and combat affects it; whether that's a good or bad thing is up to you.

Without the, ahem, near-infinite wealth of content of its predecessor, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is unlikely to be anyone’s favorite Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio game. But as a side story? It’s a great time.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii succeeds in making the return trip to Hawaii worthwhile. While smaller than the mainline games, Pirate Yakuza is still loaded with content to provide hours of entertainment beyond the main story campaign. The premise of Goro Majima becoming a swashbuckling captain of a pirate ship after suffering amnesia is a bit contrived, but it does create the environment for a highly-entertaining side story. The story doesn't reach the highs of the best Yakuza/Like a Dragon games, but provides the opportunity for a popular supporting character to take on a starring role. It may not have everything one would get from one of the mainline Like a Dragon entries, but one would be hard-pressed to get more enjoyable content from a spin-off. Pirate Yakuza is a welcome addition to the series. While it may be a shorter story than one would hope for, it isn't lacking in quality.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii gives players exactly what they expect from the title. It's a rollicking, funny, and enjoyable side story that lets fan favorite Goro Majima shine in a way he hasn't since Yakuza 0. The main plot is a little thin, and the pirate mechanics are bare bones, but beneath that, it's a darn fun Yakuza adventure, and it contains perhaps the best iteration of the game's brawler mechanics to date. Any complaints boil down to, "It's more of Like a Dragon," and that's always good.

Mixing new systems with tried and tested gameplay mechanics, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a weird game, but it's also full of life and character, and it will rarely leave you bored.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii isn't a perfect game, and I'd even say it falls short of Gaiden as a spin-off. Still, this is an experience that will delight all fans, especially those who have been waiting for a Majima-led adventure for a long time. However, if you're hoping for the next big chapter in the series, and a resolution to Kiryu and Ichiban's problems with the yakuza in Japan, you won't find that here. Instead, you'll find an adventure that reminds us that dreaming is the greatest treasure in this treasure chest we call life.

As it turns out, the Mad Dog of Shimano is a natural leader, by land or by sea. It’s interesting to see those same drives for justice and honour to come out, like the series’ other protagonists, but with all the safeguards off in Majima’s case. Anything goes on the high seas, and it makes for a fun victory lap through Hawaii for the Like A Dragon series.

I feel like we’re at a point now where “that’s just how the series goes” is wearing thin as an excuse for the more disappointing parts of a Like a Dragon release. And yet, I can’t help but lap it up every time. Slapping a pirate hat on the Best Boy, dropping him in the waters of the last game and calling it a day might not be moving the needle forward in any meaningful way, but god damn does it work. I think that if there’s a future in LaD, the next entry is going to have to really turn a corner, but for now, you can peg my leg and call me cap’n because I’m headed back out to sea.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii might not do much to reinvent the wheel, in particular with this series but it’s no less a blast. Developers Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio knows exactly what fans want and how to deliver the most enjoyable experience possible. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a jolly adventure and it’s a delight seeing Goro Majima shining once more in the gorgeous sunny Aloha state.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a swashbuckling adventure fans will love to dive into. Despite some hiccups with the story and graphics, there’s a lot to like with the title. RGG Studio continues its success story, putting Majima in the well-deserved spotlight for what is one of 2025’s most eccentric yet charming games so far.

Its story may not have as much of an impact as franchise fans are used to, but Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is still an entertaining pirate adventure. I would love to see Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio explore the concept in a larger-scale game because Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii shows that there is a ton of potential for a Like a Dragon game that fully embraces the pirating life.

While the pacing did pull the momentum to a halt on occasion, Pirate Yakuza is a fantastic action-adventure game and a worthy addition to this iconic franchise...The bond between Majima and Noah gives it a surprising amount of heart, and the time you spend with the Goro Pirates is utterly joyous. Whether you’ve played every Yakuza entry or are just looking for something a little different, this over-the-top adventure is certainly a success.

While Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii retreads some familiar ground, it is hard to deny what a joyful experience it is. It’s as though Ryu ga Gatoku Studio knew gamers needed a bit more stupidity in their lives, decided One Piece and Like a Dragon should have a baby, and boom — you get this delightful oddball spinoff that is just fun. Much like Monkey D. Luffy in One Piece, Majima is no thoughts and just vibes, on the adventure of a lifetime, and while finding treasure and becoming a pirate king would be a great reward, it really is more about the friends we make along the way. Everything in Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is exactly what we’ve come to expect from the Like a Dragon series dialed up to a hundred, and while other series would long ago have gotten stale, sometimes injecting a large dose of stupidity can go a long way.

Like a Dragon Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is the exact image of its protagonist: funny, out of its mind and light on serious content and story beats. Long-time fans of the franchise will remember this as a Majima extravaganza, while newcomers as the perfect entry point in this long-running series.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a spin-off that focuses on action, eccentricity and pirate life. With a Majima more unleashed than ever and endless activities to do, the game offers a good number of hours of fun to fans of the saga.

Like a Dragon: Pirate King in Hawaii delivers a tasty and surprising trip with some new heavy features. Back in Hawaii with a mix of Yakuza and Pirate style for several hours of pure fun. A must have for all LaD fans or for those who wants to discover this universe.

A raucous, absurd spin-off that manages to still feel like a first-rate Yakuza game despite the leftfield setting and delightfully unhinged plot.

Propelled by a breezy and often completely bananas treasure-hunting tale, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a delightful spin-off that seamlessly shifts between street thuggery and skulduggery. Majima’s Sea Dog stance is one of the most fun and flexible fighting styles I’ve enjoyed in the series to date – at least in its classic, combo-based form – and I welcomed the challenge of carefully balancing my crew lineup in order to survive the many turbulent naval battles. While its overworld maps feel a little padded out with recycled island settings, Honolulu itself is jammed with unpredictable substories and overhauled activities that meant every moment of shore leave was full of surprises. Absolutely heaving with buried treasures and varied pleasures, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a consistently captivating voyage that kept my timbers shivering whether on land or at sea.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii takes the franchise into new waters, putting players in command of a pirate ship and crew, blending beat 'em up action with naval combat. It retains the signature mature and irreverent style that fans love. While it feels somewhat toned down, possibly due to being a spin-off, it still offers an entertaining experience.

The return of beat 'em up combat and Goro Majima are great, while new ship combat refreshes a wealth of side content. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii feels like RGG Studio's most worthwhile spinoff game to date – sun, surf, and treasure hunting takes the series to new places at the right time.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii won’t take up as much of your time as Yakuza 6 or Infinite Wealth, but it’s most certainly a fun and exciting way to pass the time with our favorite Mad Dog of Shimano while we wait for RGG’s next big thing.

Giving Goro Majima his own game to do whatever the hell he wants and it turning into a pirate adventure on the high seas might sound like an amazing combination, but this is one boat ride that's trapped in the conventions of the Like a Dragon series and doesn't take enough risks to be a must-play standalone title.

Like a Dragon Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is not a simple side adventure. It has managed to take the right gameplay elements from Infinite Wealth, and then give a healthy refresh to the package with the effective navigation component, between exploration, battles at sea and brawls based on two valid fighting styles. The various pieces of the secondary offer support what is a valid progression system, which encourages the player to have a lot of fun and discover everything the world has to offer. In other words, whether you are a veteran of the series or a newbie, in terms of gameplay the game has what it takes to entertain you for dozens of hours, but there is a rule. You have to keep your brain strictly turned off, because when you turn it on during the plot, the "all you can eat" effect appears: big laughs and abundance, but little substance.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is still pretty great overall, but this was one case where the devs should have pulled out all the stops to offer something truly different and unique within the series, and it didn’t quite get there.

In a time when many game studios are playing it safe, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii proves once again that the Like a Dragon series thrives on reinvention. With its engaging pirate theme, deep mechanics, and classic Yakuza charm, this is an adventure that will keep players hooked for countless hours. Whether you're sailing the high seas, brawling in the streets, or belting out sea shanties at karaoke, one thing is certain—this is one voyage you won’t want to miss. Fair warning for hardcore fans though: while still fun and over the top it still feels like the lightest and thinnest entry in the series.

The overly boisterous tone of the narration might unsettle purists, but overall, the "Yakuza formula" of this spin-off works quite well.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii feels like a sidequest of the main series: absurd at times, often reusing old content and settings in a new way. It features fan favorite madman Majima but feels less epic and wild than it could have been. Especially sailing feels more arcadey than grandiose.

Ryu ga Gotoku sets sail in 2025 to better surprise Like a Dragon fans with a spin-off that has bite. Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii puts its heart into it and has enough new features to justify an ultimately rather short epic. The piracy theme is one of its main strengths, but can sometimes be detrimental to the adventure, as it takes precedence over everything else. However, the more dynamic combat than ever and the enraged presence of Majima Goro make it an experience not to be missed for anyone who loves the Yakuza saga and the Mad Dog of Shimano.

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.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a thoroughly enjoyable sea-faring adventure filled with delightful ship combat and hectic brawling and swordplay encounters. Though it might rank somewhat lower in the series thanks to its weaker story and somewhat disappointing substories, it won’t bother players all that long when they merely engage in some of the open-world chaos that comes with living out a pirate’s life. Yo-ho, Yo-ho, a Mad Dog’s life for me.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is an okay spin-off of the Yakuza series. The story is fine, but my biggest issue is that it doesn’t really feel inventive, which is usually what Yakuza and Like a Dragon games have in spades.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii offers a fresh, naval-themed take on the well-established series template, with some enjoyable new additions and some of the series’ greatest hits when it comes to side activities. It’s a pleasure to play as Goro Majima again, even if the story here isn’t as compelling as mainline entries. It’s a must-play for those who already enjoy the series, and offers something different enough to encourage a look from those who don’t (yet).

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii offers a hefty dose of content and undeniably fun gameplay, packed with the over-the-top charm the series is known for. However, it struggles to leave a lasting impression due to a near-absent storyline and a heavy reliance on recycled filler content. While it's still an enjoyable ride for fans looking for lighthearted chaos and mini-game mayhem, it ultimately lacks the narrative depth and originality needed to make it truly memorable.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii exemplifies the pure thrill of being a hugely entertaining pirate themed adventure. What it loses in gameplay water depth and broadside storytelling, it makes up for with a streamlined approach to the Yakuza formula, an often times hilarious tone and a willingness to let the player go utterly wild. Goro may not achieve Blackbeard infamy in his pirate antics, but the blast from his cannons causes enough of a splash to make Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii worth a trip to Honolulu.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a fun spin off that has allowed RGG Studio to indulge in silliness. Majima as a pirate captain is a perfect fit, and the new characters are a good addition. But the actual piracy can quickly become a bit too repetitive and unsatisfying.

Some minigames are better than others, and if we're being really strict: quite a few are recycled from previous Like a Dragon games. But there are so many of them, and they are so varied, that Pirate Yakuza never has a chance to get boring. With one major exception: the part at sea also belongs in the category of minigames, except that you spend quite a large part of your playing time with it. But those who buy Pirate Yakuza primarily to unleash the Jack Sparrow in themselves will be disappointed. After all, the ship battles are disappointingly simple, and the promised sea would be more like a collection of lakes. Throughout the time we spent with Goro Majima, we laughed hard far more often than we sighed deeply. So we gladly turn a blind eye. Where is our eye patch again?

A great pirate adventure that - despite some weaknesses - shows the competition how to do it right.

Majima is a great character and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth fans have plenty of reasons to give it a chance, but it's a minor, repetitive game with side quests that not reach the usual quality within the franchise.

A thoroughly enjoyable side game that looks to offer familiar Like a Dragon action with a swashbuckling twist, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a flamboyant distraction between mainline entries. The story doesn’t compare favourably to the mainline entries and the new island areas quickly become repetitive, but the novelty of Goro Majima at the helm of a pirate ship never quite wears off. Stay for its frenzied action and jolly pirate ship battles and you’ll have a good time.

Like a Dragon's swashbuckling adventure welcomes all for seafaring silliness. Whether you're beating up landlubbers or storming the deck, modern day marauding proves surprisingly easy - and difficult to put down.

Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii isn’t as creative as its subtitle suggests. Nearly all environments and activities feel familiar. This is often the case with Yakuza games—especially now that it’s become an annual franchise. Other entries in the series at least make up for it with a compelling plot, but Pirate Yakuza stumbles in that regard. The only things it can rely on are the usual Yakuza systems, the pirate setting, and the main character. Admittedly, all of those elements are fantastic. I sincerely hope that Majima gets another chance to set sail in a better-written adventure.

A chaotic yet charming pirate adventure that blends Like A Dragon-style madness with engaging seafaring gameplay. The start of the game however is a bit slow, before the story gets interesting.

While a fun game like the others in the franchise, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii doesn't do much to justify its existence in a series where plot and character development are among the main draws. It's a good pirate adventure, but I can't say for sure it is a good Yakuza game.

It may not match the ambition of Like A Dragon, the polish of Yakuza 0, or the emotional heights of Yakuza 6, but it's not a throwaway spinoff, either. It brings its own brilliant twists to the franchise formula, and even if it doesn't execute them all perfectly, it succeeds more often than not. Suffice it to say that Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii can stand on its own sea legs.

Neither the charisma of Goro Majima, both violent and imbued with a sense of honor, but also now tinged with paternal benevolence and open-mindedness, nor the few flashes of directing from an increasingly uninhibited RGG Studio, can make us forget the weakness of the narrative stakes of this spin-off, nor the general lack of interest in all the phases at sea. Certainly very generous and often funny, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii always knows how to make us have a good time and keep the satisfaction cursor on the right side. But its empty passages also offer us the opportunity to reflect on the general state of a franchise that has elevated recycling to the rank of art and that vigorously shakes its totem of immunity as soon as we dare ask it to ease off a little, to take the time to correct its technical flaws, to review its aging structure and to treat its filling and hyperstimulation disorders.

A semi-successful pirate take on the Like A Dragon formula, held back by its lack of focus, drawn out length, and surprisingly weak story.

The beefy spinoff of last year’s Infinite Wealth is an act of cosplay. While most of the pieces that make the long-running series so beloved are there, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio trades in strong writing for pirate pastiche with mixed results. Majima’s nautical adventure is at its best when flashes of memory break through its amnesia, reminding me that there’s more to Like a Dragon than its memeable moments.

Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii masterfully wastes the player's time with endless menial tasks and boring dialogue, while completely failing to tell the great stories the series is known for.