Judgment Reviews
Overall, there really isn't much to say about the improved version of Judgment. It has some of the same shortcomings, such as a rather slow story, with performance being substantially better. I would say anyone holding off for those reasons should strongly consider the upgraded version, with current owners gaining very little. Yes, the experience is more refined, the world looks so much more real and models were improved substantially, it just isn't different enough to warrant double-dipping.
If you're a Yakuza fan, you've probably already bought Judgment in your head. If you're not, then this is a great place to start, Yagami's hardboiled crime saga a remarkably engaging, surprising, and rousing journey from beginning to end.
Judgment is a truly gripping detective thriller, and it plays better than ever on PS5. As a standalone adventure, it's an excellent action RPG, boasting some outstanding storytelling and a brilliant cast of characters. And as a Yakuza spinoff, it's arguably the perfect gateway into SEGA's stellar series.
If you’ve not yet experienced the game — or just thoroughly enjoyed the original release — then the Judgement PS5 version – and I imagine the Series X|S versions – are the absolute best way to experience Kamurocho through the eyes of a detective. The visuals are better than ever, the 60fps framerate really amplifies the fluidity of Dragon Engine and combat, and load times are near non-existent. It may take a little while to get going, but once it has got its claws in you, it’ll be difficult to put down.
Judgment is a research thriller with an elaborate dark-themed plot that never ceases to amaze us with script twists, involving everything from criminal organizations to the Japanese government itself. This new version with improved graphics and 60fps performance enhances a game that was already remarkable.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Judgment is a great spin-off of Yakuza, and is an excellent starting point for those interested in the series. However, the new detective elements don't go as far as they need to and end up feeling like scene dressing.
Perhaps it is not an especially remarkable version for the new generation. Beyond the resolution itself, the 60 frames per second and some improved lighting touch, it does not seem that much care has been put into showing that we are facing a different generation from that of its version of PlayStation 4, although where else we will notice the improvement is in the loading times. We miss that they have tried to take advantage of the possibilities of Dual Sense, for example. Still, in itself, Judgment is a great game, essential if we are fans of the Yakuza saga or good stories while we beat left and right.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
This new enhanced version of Judgment is the definitive way to experience the dark and gritty mystery on the current-gen machines. The game is essentially the same as the 2019 PS4 edition, albeit with a few arcade machines swapped out, but it feels new and fresh thanks to the smoother framerate, updated textures and lighting, and increased resolution. You’ll easily lose over a hundred hours if going for the platinum, becoming absorbed within the engrossing narrative and solid gameplay mechanics. The only negative is that the game didn’t offer a 4K/30 mode as we saw in Yakuza: Like a Dragon, but the 60fps mode is very stable and never buckled at any point.
Judgment for PS5 is even better: a great detective story set in Kamurocho, with 4K resolution, 60 FPS and small changes in minigames It also includes every DLC (items for Yagami Office and consumables).
Review in Spanish | Read full review
If you’ve already played the game on PS4 then there’s little here to warrant a replay. But if not, you should definitely consider picking Judgment up now that it’s available on more formats whether you’re a Yakuza fan or not.
Judgment is proof that the Yakuza formula works even with a fresh set of faces. I really hope we get to see more of these characters in a sequel or future spinoff, especially if the detective side content gets a little more love the next time around.
By and large, if you already have Judgment on the PS4, its remaster is hard to recommend. There isn't much that's new here, after all, and spending additional money on a nearly identical experience doesn't make much sense. That said, if you've never played Judgment before, this is an extremely easy recommendation. It tells an excellent story, offers a ton of varied and enjoyable content, and delivers an extremely polished take on the classic Yakuza formula.
Judgement is a fine and serviceable port of the PS4 game, but apart from enhanced visuals and 60 FPS gameplay, the overall experience doesn't feel that much more enhanced than what you saw on PS4. This is definitely the way to play for newcomers but those who have already seen Yagami's journey through shouldn't worry about missing much here.
Judgment remastered is a fine return for 2019's Yakuza spin-off. Though all of its changes are purely technical, it's the best version of this detective thriller.
With how much there is to do in Judgment, this is a game that looks like it could easily turn into a 60- or 70-hour experience even if you don't see yourself as a completionist. It's a crime drama for people who don't just want to smash square and triangle for endless combos and it's an adventure-driven brawler for people who don't just want to spend all day cracking cases. Judgment might have ridden on Yakuza's success to get people's attention, but with everything this game accomplishes, here's hoping we get another game in order to see more of Judgment and Tak in the future.
Judgment is a very good game that could have been great, if not for its uninspired detective gameplay mechanics. Aside from that one negative, it offers great drama, addictive action and a variety of activities that rank Judgment as one of the best the Yakuza series has to offer. It’s also a good introduction to the Ryu Ga Gotoku universe without having to play all 7 games of Kiryu’s story, making it a recommended title for new fans as well.
In sum, Judgment on the PS5 is a must-have for those that haven’t already paid or played through it on PS4. Unfortunately, previous owners cannot get a free upgrade, but, at least the MSRP for Judgment on PS5 is $40. This release does not offer anything new as far as gameplay, but, it is complete, runs like silk, and reminds us all how good of a game this was two years ago and still is today. Not to mention, its arrival is likely foreshadowing the imminent announcement of a sequel.
Judgment shows us once again the quality of the titles developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio. A mature and exciting plot moved by a fun and spectacular gameplay, all surrounded by the myriad of activities available in Kamurocho make the game a complete and successful package, giving us new motivations to return to the Japanese streets to launch flying kicks.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Spin-off of the popular Yakuza series leaves this review with its head held high. The developers did a solid job and offered us an interesting detective story, great characters and plethora of entertaining side activities. It's a shame that the atmosphere suffers greatly due to unattractive and simple evidence search, eventually tedious combat and dubbing absence in many cut-scenes. Judgment is an ideal starting point for those unfamiliar with Yakuza.
Review in Czech | Read full review
In the end, the developers have made a decent game. It is by far not the best but certainly not the worst. With over 20 hours of main content to go through, with even more side content to pull through, the $59.99 price tag is dependent on how you value your purchase. In terms of raw content, it is definitely worth it. As far as quality content goes, however, I recommend waiting for a small drop before purchasing. For fans of the developer, it will most likely be satisfactory. Yet, for those unfamiliar with their style, it might be a more difficult bar to pass.