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Previews:

IGN

Based on everything I’ve played so far, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is definitely shaping up to not only live up to the high standards of the Like a Dragon series, but it also has the potential to become one of the better pirate games released since Black Flag. With its fun and creative combat, intuitive ship warfare, and genuinely interesting and wacky world, you’re going to want to pack your Hawaiian shirt.

The Gamer

• Pirate Yakuza offers new mechanics to the series, such as naval combat, crew management, and ship customization.
• RGG Studio is known for pushing boundaries with bold choices in gameplay and mechanics and continues this tradition here.
• Pirate Yakuza is jam-packed full of islands to explore, substories, minigames, and all the comedy and drama fans love from the series.

Game Rant

There are still many fine details to learn about Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, particularly around its plot. I'm most curious about the direction RGG is taking a much older Majima now, especially after how The Man Who Erased His Name treated Kiryu. These Gaiden games are really a great way to deliver more of the world of Like a Dragon and focus on these beloved characters, continuing their tales while the mainline series focuses on Ichiban. Fans will likely be kept on the hook waiting for these story developments until release, especially given how narrative-heavy these games tend to be.

However, there is no question in my mind about the gameplay supporting it. It is a bonafide Like a Dragon take on the AC4: Black Flag gameplay formula, while featuring its classic action combat and iconic mini-games. Assuming the narrative holds up to past RGG games, then it seems Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii could be firing on all cylinders.

Sports Illustrated

Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is set to be of similar quality to the last Gaiden game. It has well-thought-out combat styles and a large section of the game is dedicated to having fun with them. I’m excited to see the tantalizing tidbits of story RGG Studios has in store for us, and there were hints of something a bit deeper beneath the surface. However, if Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii just ends up as little more than a swashbuckling adventure with Majima at the helm then that’s quite alright with me too. I’m not worried about it. It’s Majima.

GamesHub

The combat system in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is of the free-form beat ‘em up Yakuza variety, not the turn-based RPG mechanics of Like a Dragon. Sakomoto explained to us that the slow and deliberate nature of the latter just didn’t fit Majima as a character in the team’s eyes.

Majima can freely switch up on the fly between two quite different combat styles: Sea Dog and Mad Dog. As one might expect, Sea Dog is centred around Majima’s new pirate vocation, and sees him dual-wield cutlasses, fire pistols, and dart around with a grappling hook. When Majima’s ‘madness gauge’ fills up in this form, he can bust out one of four different musical instruments and jam out a quick power solo to summon a ‘dark god’ animal, (shark, bird, monkey, or jellyfish) to wreak havoc among his foes. Again, don’t think too hard on the logic.

Screen Rant

There's a lot to be impressed with by Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii . The graphics are gorgeous, even when compared to the rest of the already-beautiful series. The compelling imagery and bizarre touches make it a game that's hard to look away from. The combat is easy to pick up and fun to master, allowing every small skirmish to take on a certain level of sheer enjoyment. The wealth of gameplay avenues to discover and experiment with is genuinely staggering, even for longtime fans. More than anything, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is just fun.

There's an absurdist touch that makes the game just self-aware enough to be kooky without being too ridiculous. The characters are larger than life but grounded by real touches and elements. It feels like a part of the overall Yakuza tapestry while also remaining powerfully unique and entertaining. It's also just a blast to run around as a pirate and fight sumo wrestlers to a standstill with a cutlass, chain, and flintlock pistol. That is the underlying core of the game, and it's a key reason why Like a Dragon: Yakuza Pirate works as well as it does. From my time with the game, I'm certainly looking forward to the full release - and you should be too.

 

[jshackles]

I'm still plowing through Infinite Wealth, will probably pick this up later in the year when it's cheaper, and I've had a break from the franchise for a bit.

 

[HRK69]

Excited for this one

 

[struggler_guts]

IS MY GODDAMN HOSTESS CLUB MANAGEMENT MINI GAME BACK YET!?

 

[Nankatsu]

Still won't be there day one. I'm not sold.

 

[Nitty_Grimes]

Yes, this is on my watch list.

 

[Orbital2060]

1998 model 3 arcade game Ocean Hunter being revived for Pirate Yakuza

In Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, RGG Studio painstakingly resurrects another arcade game that’s never been ported before - AUTOMATON WEST

RGG Studio’s technical lead Yutaka Ito shares insights about The Ocean Hunter's inclusion in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii.

automaton-media.com

 

[Grildon Tundy]

Looking forward to it. I went on a Yakuza/Judgment game run recently though, so maybe in a couple months I'll play it.

 

[Mattyp]

Looks great, but if anything wish they would slow up on the releases a bit due to length of the games