Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Reviews
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
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has crafted a thing of beauty here. Managing to send the already finely balanced franchise into the land of absurdity with the pirate theme, the studio still pulled together a tight enough experience that’ll have you laughing, shouting, crying, and enjoying every single moment. More Majima moving forward, please.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii throws Majima into a pirate adventure with naval combat, treasure hunts, and chaotic brawling. Ship battles and exploration bring fresh mechanics, while the story blends absurdity with heartfelt moments. Some ship encounters feel repetitive, and visuals show their age, but the combat, side content, and wild setting make for a fun, unpredictable experience.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii isn't the best game in the Like a Dragon series, or of pirate games in general, but it offers a solid representation of both. It features one of the best protagonists in the series, tells a fairly compelling story, and fills in many of the gaps left by Infinite Wealth.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
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?
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.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
After tackling its most serious story, the latest Like a Dragon embarks on its most lighthearted adventure. Majima and the pirates are a perfect match, and the narrative ties up neatly in a single installment. Pirate ship battles may feel light, but Majima’s determination to fulfill a ten-year-old boy’s dream is anything but.
Review in Korean | Read full review
It’s fair to say that following up Infinite Wealth was always going to be a difficult task and one that RGG Studios have neatly sidestepped with Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. It’s offbeat premise and relative brevity make it an easy game to like for Yakuza/LaD veterans but much like the similarly asset reusing Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask, it would make an odd place to begin the series given how much it does differently.
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.
Review in German | Read full review
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.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
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.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
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. Reviewed on PlayStation 5.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a fantastic entry in the series, and while it doesn't reach the heights of Infinite Wealth, it's still a joy to play. The story is filled with great moments and a cast of memorable characters, along with solid gameplay mechanics and a ton of activities to partake in. The progression systems were okay, with ship navigation and crew formation feeling a little underwhelming, but the choices you have and activities to do make up for it. For a spin-off entry in this franchise, RGG Studio succeeded in creating an engaging, gripping experience that paid off in the end. And while there are some compromises needed, Pirate Yakuza is a fantastic time on the Steam Deck. It is optimized enough to be very versatile, whether you want a high framerate for smooth gameplay or the highest quality settings with upscaling, all while retaining its visuals. I am so glad it runs as well as it does, and I can happily recommend it to anyone who would mainly play this on the go.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is, in part, exactly what was expected from the moment it was announced: a completely over-the-top title that doesn’t take itself too seriously, allowing Majima—one of the series’ most beloved characters—to steal the spotlight and shine on his own. This departure from the main Yakuza storyline makes the game an excellent entry point for newcomers eager to discover what makes the franchise so entertaining and iconic, all while offering a gameplay experience packed with engaging elements that remain consistently enjoyable. On the other hand, however, the game suffers from the same narrative shortcomings as Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, with questionable writing choices from the development team—one that has, since the very inception of Yakuza, set a high standard for exceptional storytelling.
Review in Italian | Read full review