Lost Judgment Reviews
A fantastic action adventure that taps directly into the root DNA of the Yakuza franchise, Lost Judgment not only manages to simultaneously boast both the darkest and the goofiest storylines of any title in the series to date, but it also stuns the player with an absolute avalanche of hugely entertaining side quests and activities. More than that though, Lost Judgment also provides solace for those who found themselves turned off by the turn-based combat system that the mainline Yakuza series now seems to favour, while welcoming newcomers to one of the best new Japanese franchises of the last two decades.
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 is a brilliant detective story that explores controversial subject matters to express a clear message about societal issues. Whilst there is a possibility that this could evoke some painful childhood memories, the considerate telling and satisfying conclusions to stories make them easier to digest. Although the game’s structure closely follows the path paved by its predecessors, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has refined and developed its conventions to create one of their finest releases to date.
Lost Judgment is a big step forward, with many updates based on audience reception of the original title. Sega released a game that elevates the Judgment franchise to a whole new level.
Review in Russian | Read full review
A weaker overall story and some serious pacing issues prevent Lost Judgment from reaching the excellence of its predecessor, but this is still a fantastic character-driven detective drama. Crunching combat and a frankly ridiculous amount of impressively in-depth side content make this one of the most robust Yakuza-style offerings ever - and that's more than enough to outweigh the game's often obvious flaws.
The story is gripping yet I feel all the best twists and surprises happen in the earlier part of the game, with things really slowing down as you progress. But Lost Judgement is a great game with lots of different elements that make it engaging from start to finish.
Lost Judgement is a step up from the original in almost every way with improved pacing, a more polished combat engine and a laundry list of fun side activities to get lost in. If not for the pedestrian detective elements, this could’ve been a new classic in the genre, and despite its notable flaws, it is still a story well worth experiencing.
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
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.
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
Ultimately, cancel your weekend plans and step into Yagami’s detective shoes for a stimulating saunter around Japanese streets, and don’t forget to experience the games-within-a-game arcade because, let’s face it, work can wait.
Ultimately, Lost Judgment is a great sequel, characterized by inspired writing and a great deal of irreverence. A second chapter more courageous, more refined and extremely more elegant, which offers the possibility of being played by all those who have never had direct contact with the first episode or with the Yakuza saga.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Lost Judgment is nothing short of stunning. It's tightly-packed narrative never fails to enthrall, while its gameplay systems make navigating to each of its engrossing narrative beats an exciting experience in its own right. While Judgment felt a bit more like a proof of concept for how a Yakuza spin-off could be done, its sequel is evidence there needs to be more. Lost Judgment is a defining release from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, one of 2021's best games, and the rare sequel that preserves its series' identity while improving on nearly every element of its predecessor.
Lost Judgment is a subtle improvement on the original, and continues the fun of seeing the seedy sides of Kamurocho and Ijincho while staying mostly on the good side of the law. A new combat style combined with a few more tricks up Yagami-san's sleeves provide more entertaining ways to dispatch or get the upper hand on enemies, and of course the usual slate of minigames offer a much-needed respite from the main campaign's twisted story. It may tread a lot of the same ground as the previous game, but that is absolutely a good thing.
Lost Judgment is the most captivating, dramatic and transfixing story of the year, and that should be no surprise to fans of RGG Studio’s output.
Lost Judgment endies its predecessor. It is only through the unfocused story and technical shortcomings that the Japanese drama stumbles.
Review in German | Read full review