Lost Judgment Reviews
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 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.
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.
Lost Judgment is more of the same, with better detective work, great side cases, and fast-flowing combat.
If you exclusively follow the main narrative then you’ll find that in Lost Judgment, Ryu Ga Gatoku Studio has delivered something every bit as compelling and interesting as anything Raymond Chandler ever wrote. The central crime story is a riveting and often uncomfortably poignant reflection on society (and also Japan’s legal system). If, on the other hand, you’re more interested in more Yakuza-style zany side-styles and a deep collection of highly playable mini-games, the Lost Judgment has you covered there, too. I can’t see how anyone could fail to love this game.
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 disappoints with its main story and simplistic detective work, but excels with its substantial school-based side quests.
Lost Judgment is a mechanically sound Yakuza spin-off, but its convoluted story makes it feel like a TV show that's gone on a few seasons too long.
Lost Judgment is a high quality sequel. It's fun to play, despite the few gameplay changes compared to its predecessor, and has a very engaging and well-acted story. There is never a moment of boredom when playing in the role of Takayuka Yagami, moving between Kamarucho and Yokohama in search of the truth, with a thousand doubts in mind, a thousand enemies to defeat and a thousand extra activities to try.
Review in Italian | Read full review
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
A sequel overflowing with content, well-written and scripted, and with a varied, deep and satisfying combat system.
Review in Italian | Read full review
For those who have played and enjoyed Judgment, the decision to pick up Lost Judgment should be a no-brainer. With a brand new story that’s just as engaging (if not more so) than the first, as well as many gameplay improvements and a bucketload of new content, it’s a fine example of a sequel done right. It’s like a lucky dip where every time you load it up to play you’re never sure what you’re in for – but you’ll rarely, if ever, be disappointed. Variety is the spice of life, they say, and Lost Judgment might just be the spiciest game I’ve played this year.
In short, Lost Judgement takes everything that was great about the original and makes it that much better. It’s got a magnificent story, great characters, an enormous amount of side characters, and great combat all in one package. It’s just one of those games that you won’t want to put down for bed while also being the reason you get up early for work in order to play just a little bit more. Lost Judgment is simply a perfect sequel.
Lost Judgment is a phenomenal improvement over its prequel and becomes a must-have for all Yakuza series fans out there.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Judgment was already very good. Lost Judgment is much better. It's as simple as that. The Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has built a titanic adventure on the already very solid pillars of the first episode. Basically, the game features a captivating main story that shows Japan like few games have done. In parallel to this, he unfolds a second plot at least as dense that really plunges into a Japanese high school. And on top of that, the title has the luxury of offering dozens of quests and side business. All helped by improvements to the gameplay and sprinkled with new mini-games. Rumors claim that Lost Judgment could be the last episode of the series because of disagreements between SEGA and Takuya Kimura's agency.
Review in French | Read full review
The best game of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio till the date. A masterpiece that every gamer shall play without no doubt.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
The Ryo Ga Gotoku Studio establishes itself as one of the most consistent and fittest development teams today. Lost Judgment is an authentic work of craftsmen in which not only have all the mechanics of its predecessor been polished and refined, but also have been expanded to provide the game with an endless amount of content wrapped in a story that, despite the slowness of some sections is unforgettable and will make us reflect on the true meaning of the word "justice". A round sequel.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
If you need additional proof that developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is a master of its craft, then look no further. Though slightly flawed in places, Lost Judgment is, nonetheless, yet another deeply compelling detective story, brimming with murder, mystery, intrigue, and more twists than a bag of pretzels.
It was time to follow the good streak and is that Lost Judgment is, without a doubt, one of the most colorful games and with better graphics that I have played on my Xbox Series X. And that I have used the mode that prioritizes performance, but already in that mode the modeling, lighting and textures are wonderful. Yes, we still find some element in the scenario that squeaks, but the real-time modeling is a real madness.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Yakuza games have been arriving thick and fast over the years, but Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio still hasn't lost its touch. It's hard to think of another series with such regular entries that manages to constantly evolve at this level. While most don't add too much to alter the formula, Lost Judgment throws just about everything it can into its world without feeling over-saturated. With the main story, side quests, school stories, mini-games, exploration and other distractions, it's hard not to be impressed with what's on display. There's still an element of hand holding in the detective sections we'd love to see worked on and the lip-syncing may not be the best, but the team's first attempt at delivering a simultaneous worldwide release for the series is a gamble that has paid off and perhaps offers the best entry in the franchise so far.