Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Reviews
The impression left by Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is that of a pleasant "injection" that the series needed.
Review in Greek | Read full review
This game is a true tribute to Goro Majima and a wonderful gift for fans of this character. It’s also a perfect example of how spin-offs of well-known series should be created. It draws the best elements from the franchise while introducing plenty of innovations and successful experiments that give it its own unique style.
Review in Polish | Read full review
Given how quickly RGG can turn around a game, especially as this is the sixth Yakuza game in five years, you sort of get what RGG has done here if you are aware of their history. Visually, the game is fine enough for what it is doing. It’s not a next-gen masterpiece, but the series faithful know what they are getting here. Similar to previous entries like “The man who erased his name”, this is a small side story that looks to expand upon key moments the series is fleshing out, given the fall of the Yakuza in Like a Dragon. And, with where this story wraps up, I’m interested to see how Majima and those present in the game’s final moments, look to play out their respective futures.
This spin-off serves as the perfect showcase for the series' most charismatic character, whose eccentric antics are always funny, but this time we also get to see the narrative depth of his personality.
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 becomes a thing, you better believe I’ll be there enjoying every second of it. Turns out you can teach a Mad Dog new tricks.
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.
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, Kazuma Kiryu.
I've had an exceptional time playing Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii and even after 60+ hours I still feel like I could put in an equal amount of hours to tick off every last task within the game. There is no getting away from the fact these games are always packed with content and things to discover and explore. The storyline is rock solid and having Noah by my side throughout genuinely made me want to protect him as if he was my own. Admittedly I was a little anxious of whether they would pull a game that focuses on being a pirate off. Somehow they have managed to strike a fine balance of retaining the serious nature of a great story whilst also having those wacky moments still ever present. Whilst the game bears many similarities to Infinite Wealth, there is more than enough here to warrant your hard earned cash. It is oar-inspiring to see pirate ships in a Yakuza game, and its the greatest pirate title we have seen since Sea Of Thieves gained popularity.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is an uncompromising and charming game. It's not perfect, but it's a game that made me genuinely happy after finishing it, it's like watching an adventure movie.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
With its great pirate flair, its great main characters, its impressive graphical backdrop and its sometimes very humorous, sometimes really touching story, the title managed to win me over from the very first second. With the exception of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, no other game has managed to pack the pirate theme into a story so well and also hit the mark on an emotional level. Pirate Yakuza may not win any innovation awards for its combat system, but the fast-paced, beat-em-up-style brawls are still a lot of fun and bring the Yakuza feeling to Hawaii.
Review in German | Read full review
Besides having 5 game crashes during cutscenes, I completely enjoyed my time playing as Majima again. Not since Yakuza 0, have players been able to play as him. In fact this is the reason why I designed my ship with the sign of the Grand cabaret! Being able to choose his hairstyle from zero again was another great touch for me. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is honestly a great pirate game in this dry age of pirate games. And having Majima be the centre of focus was the best choice I can ever see. I give Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii a Thumb Culture Platinum Award
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii comes with a tasty mix of the original games in this series and Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, bringing an appropriate dose of refreshment to the time-tested brand.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii doesn’t move the franchise forward, in fact it’s a treat for fans who want to see their favorites back in the spotlight. That said the studio didn’t exactly phone it in with a carbon copy iteration and called it the day either.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii offers a thrilling blend of classic Yakuza brawling and pirate-infused chaos, and whilst it might be a side adventure, it still manages to stand out as one of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s best. With an engaging story, diverse and thrilling combat, brilliant show-stealing naval antics, and plenty of side content, it’s an easy recommendation for both long-time fans and newcomers alike. And sure, it does have a bit of slow start and some minor naval combat quirks, but Majima’s adventure on the high seas is still an absolute blast from start to end.
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.
All in all Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a great package much like just about every other game in the franchise is. It shows that RGG can still add to the old formula while keeping things enjoyable and they make a great case for Majima taking a more staring role in future games, especially if Kiryu’s arc is done after the events of Infinite Wealth. I hope for a Majima/ Ichiban team up in the future and that it’s the most wild entry in the franchise yet.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii reuses the Infinite Wealth setting that still feels fresh and exciting for many and is packed with an absurd pirate theme that reminds us that the Yakuza series can go anywhere it wants and still find ways to entertain. Goro Majima is liked for many reasons and his latest adventures just reinforce why he’s one of the most cherished characters in the series.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is everything I hoped for in a Like a Dragon game and more, presenting incredible action, impressive cinematography, and irreverent humor that kept me hooked all the way through.
The Mad Dog of Shimano is back, and Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is one ship you should not let sail by.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is recommended for being a very fun spin-off that preserves all the essence of the saga. Majima as the protagonist is pure show for his comic moments and his combat skills. In addition, the introduction of the pirates allows for a touch of originality in this new installment. Undoubtedly, an excellent choice for those looking for an action adventure.
Review in Spanish | Read full review