Lost Judgment Reviews
RGG Studio's broadest, most packed open world is matched by mediocre additions and an ill-fitting story.
Lost Judgment disappoints with its main story and simplistic detective work, but excels with its substantial school-based side quests.
There's so much reused content it barely feels like a new game at times but the storytelling in Lost Judgment is some of the best, and most thoughtful, the Yakuza series has ever known.
Lost Judgment is more of the same, with better detective work, great side cases, and fast-flowing combat.
I found a lot to love in the game, but its sloppy handling of sexual assault left a bad taste in my mouth. After a run of great games from developer RGG, Lost Judgment isn't quite up to snuff
There is just so much to do in Lost Judgment, both to its benefit and detriment. The story felt so bloated by the time it hit its climax that I was relieved to see it end. Ultimately, this is another case of one step forward, two steps back for Ryu ga Gotoku Studio, just like Yakuza: Like a Dragon and its presentation of topical issues in Japan. Even though Lost Judgment tries to open a conversation about bullying and sexual harassment, those themes end up taking a back seat in favor of bombastic drama. Lost Judgment succeeds in its emulation of a Japanese legal drama, but it's a mediocre one that would have benefited from a smaller scope, or at least, a better grasp on what it's trying to comment on.
Detective Yagami returns for another scintillating mystery that suffers from the same problems as before.
This game’s biggest fault is that it has too much going on that detracts from the main plotline. I’m hoping Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio keeps taking risks with exploring gameplay outside of the Yakuza norm, and our next outing with Judgment (or another spinoff) will go further toward distinguishing itself as a unique property.
Judgment may have been an acquired taste in many ways, but the sequel makes some of the bitterness go down easier. Given that you can basically dive in here and feel sufficiently caught up with a new case as the focus, it’s for the best. I really hope we haven’t seen the last of this subseries, because the creators seem to really care about it.
While I really enjoyed Lost Judgment, the mishandling of some of the core, and incredibly sensitive themes really did reduce the experience. I still think it's a good game, but my feelings about it have definitely diminished since the opening hours, which I'm rather disappointed about. Still, if you like the Yakuza series and its spin-off games in general, you'll probably love this.
Lost Judgment adds new mechanics and minigames to the Yakuza formula, although it is still a conservative approach. We loved the story, the characters and the realistic streets of Kamurocho in Tokyo and Ijincho in Yokohama.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
When I take a step back from Lost Judgment and look at all the individual parts, it feels more like a self-serve buffet rather than a specific meal that a chef made for me. There is a time and place for tossing everything you have at the wall and seeing what sticks, and there are also times when using restraint would be a better option. I am sure that my lack of experience in Japanese culture works against how I perceive many of the sequences in Lost Judgment and I’m sure series fanatics will eat it up. Sega is clearly capable of making a compelling mystery game that could stand in league with the work we see out of studios like Naughty Dog, but that will require a more focused, better-paced approach that Lost Judgement seems eager to avoid.
Lost Judgment is the best work without discussion by Toshihiro Nagoshi. What began with Shenmue and Yakuza takes on special importance in a delivery that polishes all the details to become something very special whose criticism and argument will conquer your complicity as a player.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
A sequel overflowing with content, well-written and scripted, and with a varied, deep and satisfying combat system.
Review in Italian | Read full review
And hopefully, the Judgement series will get to act as a continuation of that formula for a long time to come, as Lost Judgment proves time and time again that it's worthy of carrying the traditional, action-heavy direction of the series. Its detective elements may be lacking and its third act is slow, but it more than makes up for it, offering spectacle-heavy set pieces, an engrossing mystery, and a bounty of fantastic side missions. Whether a diehard fan of the Yakuza franchise or a newcomer looking to see what all the fuss is about, Lost Judgment is a thrilling adventure that shouldn't be missed.
Lost Judgement is a small leap forward for the Yakuza spinoff series. While I would have expected a bit more from a sequel, what's here is still just as enjoyable as the first game, if not more so. The highschool additions are a novel look at the often used Japanese setting, while still focusing on the crime drama and investigation fans love.
Lost Judgment delivers another fantastic thriller that ups the ante when it comes to its intricately woven plot and interesting cast of characters, all while making you question where the line is drawn between the law and true justice. And when all is said and done, you can sit and celebrate with some sushi.
Lost Judgment is a great mystery game with the signature Yakuza flair. If you're a fan, or even if you're not, you'll have a fun time with this game despite its dark subject matter.
If Lost Judgment is considered the second knife in the Yakuza series, it does not have to be ashamed of the comparison, especially since if the latter has chosen to take a new direction, it remains faithful to the initial spirit. With its dynamic and beautifully choreographed fights, it is a focus on the show with even more fighting styles. And the investigation part has also improved with much more pace.
Review in French | Read full review