79
MONSTER
A new legend begins as you step into the steel toe boots of Goro Majima, a man who has lost his memory and reinvents himself as a pirate on the open sea. Embark on an over-the-top, modern-day pirate adventure with an ex-yakuza, now pirate captain and his crew as they engage in exhilarating combat on land and sea in the hunt for lost memories and a legendary treasure.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
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78
A breezy, humorous romp with charming characters and inventive pirate quests, but its shallow narrative and lack of emotional weight make it a forgettable, style-over-substance entry in the franchise.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
78
Positive Reviews (80-100)
57%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
42%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
1%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
A breezy, humorous romp with charming characters and inventive pirate quests, but its shallow narrative and lack of emotional weight make it a forgettable, style-over-substance entry in the franchise.
Gameplay Mechanics
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86
Fresh pirate twists and dynamic combat elevate Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, blending classic Yakuza flair with naval chaos—though repetitive mechanics and underdeveloped systems slightly mar the adventure.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
86
Positive Reviews (80-100)
80%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
20%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Fresh pirate twists and dynamic combat elevate Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, blending classic Yakuza flair with naval chaos—though repetitive mechanics and underdeveloped systems slightly mar the adventure.
Graphics and Visual Design
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75
Vibrant visuals and smooth performance highlight Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii’s charm, but outdated tech, repetitive design, and technical flaws create a mixed experience—prioritizing whimsy over modern polish.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
75
Positive Reviews (80-100)
37%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
61%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
2%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Vibrant visuals and smooth performance highlight Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii’s charm, but outdated tech, repetitive design, and technical flaws create a mixed experience—prioritizing whimsy over modern polish.
Music and Sound Design
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80
Acclaim for vibrant, nostalgic soundscapes and genre-blending audacity, but repetitive tracks and underdeveloped motifs slightly dilute an otherwise stellar audio experience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
80
Positive Reviews (80-100)
64%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
36%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Acclaim for vibrant, nostalgic soundscapes and genre-blending audacity, but repetitive tracks and underdeveloped motifs slightly dilute an otherwise stellar audio experience.
Voice Acting
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81
Voice acting in Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii shines, with Hidenari Ugaki’s Goro Majima hailed as a tour de force, while the Japanese cast elevates immersion. English dub earns praise but lags in charm, and other dubs face minor critiques—yet overall, stellar performances and localization dominate, making the Japanese option the clear choice despite manageable flaws.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING
Acting Score
81
Positive Reviews (80-100)
69%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
31%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
Voice acting in Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii shines, with Hidenari Ugaki’s Goro Majima hailed as a tour de force, while the Japanese cast elevates immersion. English dub earns praise but lags in charm, and other dubs face minor critiques—yet overall, stellar performances and localization dominate, making the Japanese option the clear choice despite manageable flaws.
Technical Performance
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73
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii delivers polished, stable performance on Xbox and PS5 with smooth frame rates and minimal bugs, but PC struggles with crashes, DLSS instability, and aging engine flaws, highlighting a tech foundation that’s solid yet hamstrung by its limitations.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
73
Positive Reviews (80-100)
37%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
53%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
9%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii delivers polished, stable performance on Xbox and PS5 with smooth frame rates and minimal bugs, but PC struggles with crashes, DLSS instability, and aging engine flaws, highlighting a tech foundation that’s solid yet hamstrung by its limitations.
Replay Value
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80
Praise for extensive side content, mini-games, and New Game Plus boosts replayability, but recycled mechanics, repetition, and shallow side stories undermine long-term appeal—still, fans may revisit for quirky exploration and post-game thrills.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
80
Positive Reviews (80-100)
56%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
43%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
1%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Praise for extensive side content, mini-games, and New Game Plus boosts replayability, but recycled mechanics, repetition, and shallow side stories undermine long-term appeal—still, fans may revisit for quirky exploration and post-game thrills.
Overall Verdict
79
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
79
Positive Reviews (80-100)
81%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
19%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
Praise for Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii highlights its wild humor, slick brawler mechanics, and fresh pirate twists on the series’ formula, with critics calling it an "invigorating spin-off" and "best brawler yet." But flaws abound: a shallow story, repetitive side quests, and derivative gameplay undermine its potential, leaving many to call it a fun but unremarkable diversion—less ambitious than Yakuza’s best, more chaotic than its worst.
79
MONSTER
Reviews
190 reviews found100
Digital Chumps
Feb 18, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game is praised for reimagining the Yakuza formula with new content and features, making it the most enjoyable Yakuza game to date. It is highly recommended for both new and returning players.
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100
Daily Star
Feb 18, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game is a fitting and surprising entry in the series, providing a fresh experience with Majima. It balances bizarre elements with engaging gameplay and a humorous story, earning a perfect score.
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100
Try Hard Guides
Feb 21, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game exceeded the reviewer's expectations, delivering incredible action, humor, and engaging gameplay, making it a strong entry point into the franchise.
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100
IGN Brasil
Feb 20, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a humorous and engaging spin-off that successfully combines elements of the Yakuza franchise with pirate themes, providing a fun experience for both new and returning players.
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100
VG247
Feb 18, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Overall, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is described as a fun and engaging experience that successfully blends Yakuza elements with a pirate theme, despite some minor flaws.
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96
Hooked Gamers
Feb 19, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Overall, the game is described as a fantastic experience that blends fun and chaos, appealing to both Yakuza and pirate fans.
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95
Loot Level Chill
Feb 18, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is praised as an excellent addition to the series, with engaging combat, a rich story, and a fulfilling pirate experience, making it a must-play for fans.
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95
ZTGD
Feb 18, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The reviewer highly recommends 'Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza' for both newcomers and longtime fans, praising its engaging story, gameplay, and nostalgic elements.
91
Xbox Tavern
Apr 7, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The reviewer enjoyed the game, appreciating its fun and farfetched nature, despite missing the complex storylines of previous entries. It is recommended for fans of the series.
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90
PCGamesN
Feb 18, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a standout entry in the series, combining engaging storytelling, refined gameplay, and a rich world, making it a must-play for fans.
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