Hawaii's 'Like a Dragon' Yakuza Game Earns 79/100

A few days before its official release, Like a Dragon: Pirate of the Caribbean—err, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth—garnered early reviews from various gaming publications. The PS5 version currently holds a Metacritic score of 79 out of 100.

Reviewers lauded Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's creation of perhaps the most delightfully absurd entry in the Yakuza franchise. The return to a fast-paced, action-oriented combat system, reminiscent of pre-2020 titles, was a significant highlight, further enhanced by the addition of thrilling naval battles. This seafaring combat significantly diversifies the gameplay, maintaining consistent engagement.

Protagonist Goro Majima received widespread praise for his performance. However, some critics found the narrative less compelling than mainline entries, describing it as somewhat unremarkable. Similarly, the game's environments drew criticism for a perceived repetitiveness.

Despite these shortcomings, the consensus among critics is that Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth will undoubtedly resonate with longtime fans and newcomers alike.