Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

 Xbox Series X
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. IGN Brasil
    Feb 20, 2025
    100
    Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's new game brings back the best of the Yakuza franchise and pirate games. Humorous, unusual, with frantic combat and full of extra content, the crazy experience of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii shows that the game doesn't know the words “limits” and “boredom” and provides an extremely entertaining journey for new and old fans alike.
  2. Daily Star
    Feb 18, 2025
    100
    Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii may not be what anyone expected, but it's a fitting entry in a series that delights in surprising long-term fans and casual admirers alike. Whether you're interested in building your perfect pirate crew for hours on end, or just want to see the story through, there's a ton of things to do and with Majima around, it's a riot. It trades in some of its sentimentality for the bizarre and the brash, but finally having Majima playable again after so long feels like a breath of fresh sea air.
  3. ZTGD
    Feb 18, 2025
    95
    This was a genuinely touching story and there is a ton of payoff for players who are caught up with the series; especially the ending, while I have not played all the latest games, I am aware of the things that occurred in the last two games. I honestly can’t recommend this game enough for newcomers and longtime fans alike.
  5. Xbox Tavern
    Apr 7, 2025
    91
    Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is everything I thought this game was going to be and I enjoyed the ride immensely. It’s possible purists may not like the tone of the game too much but as a fan I can always get behind Majima being the main protagonist. His attitude and antics from previous games suit the farfetched nature here and you don’t even need to have played any of the previous game to dive in and enjoy this title.
  6. Generación Xbox
    Mar 5, 2025
    88
    Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a different installment of the saga, but it certainly has nothing to envy from the previous titles. In fact, it is possible that the new mechanics and the atmosphere of the game in general will make it a favorite of many, or the starting point for others who, through this title, are encouraged to explore the rest of the franchise.
  7. Game Informer
    Mar 25, 2025
    85
    An absurd tone with surprising pockets of earnest pathos, fun characters, and bombastic action are all present and accounted for here.
  8. XboxEra
    Feb 18, 2025
    84
    Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii brings about solid 3D brawling combat back to the series alongside tonnes of minigames, fun pirating sections, and intense set piece battles the series is known for. It's more Yakuza---are you going to say no to that?
  9. Xbox Achievements
    Feb 18, 2025
    81
    On paper, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii sounds like a step too far into unfettered silliness for RGG Studio's crime saga, until you remember the series has always revelled in daftness. Submit to the game's enjoyable pirate fantasy, and you'll find that there's a lot of fun to be had here.
  10. MondoXbox
    Feb 18, 2025
    75
    Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii alternates heavy doses of madness, a charismatic protagonist and fast-paced, satisfying gameplay with bare-bones naval exploration and heavy recycling of activities and situations, nevertheless managing to deliver a worthwhile experience.
  11. GameMAG
    Mar 16, 2025
    70
    An addendum to Infinite Wealth, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii feels like a vacation after a vacation, a small and silly adventure, a fun time with your crazy friends and not a care in the world. But only up until the ending, where Like a Dragon makes a sharp turn, and remind you of how much of a heart this franchise really has.
This publication does not provide a score for their reviews.
This publication has not posted a final review score yet.
These unscored reviews do not factor into the Metascore calculation.

In Progress & Unscored

?
  1. Polygon
    Feb 18, 2025
    If Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii accomplishes anything, it’s this: It asks what the developers at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio are going to do with this franchise now that they have moved beyond focusing only on the Yakuza. And I think the answer is now quite simple and clear. They’re going to do anything they want, and it’ll probably be a blast.
  2. Xboxygen
    Feb 18, 2025
    Like a Dragon Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is an absolute treasure trove filled with a thousand and one wonders, nevertheless, our young sailors regret that it did not focus more of its activities on piracy considering it is the very thing that sets it apart from previous titles in the licence. The game remains enjoyable, varied and true to the Yakuza DNA, while offering a real adventure on the seas. A mix of uninhibited humour, open camaraderie and heightened emotions, with a final chapter full of epic and explosive action, in keeping with all the best pirate adventures. As always, the game is excellent entertainment, which has the luxury of besting most productions of the genre in the same universe. As always, Ryū ga Gotoku Studio has produced something imperfect but no less excellent.