Judgment Reviews
Judgment proves that Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's gameplay approach works with a new set of realized and charismatic characters. While it was a shame to see Kiryu's journey came to an end last year, Yagami and his former Yakuza buddy Kaito may be my new favorite duo. The narrative is highly engaging, and whether you use the Japanese or the English voices, the performances are outstanding. There is so much to see and accomplish between main story missions, that it is hard to list even a small portion of what you can do.
Judgment on the new generation of consoles might not be a must-play for anyone who already enjoyed it on the PS4, but it's absolutely the best way to play the game and still represents a fantastic jumping off point for anyone keen to dip their toes into the Yakuza franchise. Playing as Yagami feels better than ever at 60FPS, and Kamurocho and its many faces come alive with improved detail and a fantastic new lighting treatment. There's no argument here: Judgment is a winner, case closed.
Simultaneously fresh and familiar, Judgment is an excellent first step forward for the Yakuza universe after the conclusion of Kazuma Kiryu's story.
Detective gameplay mixed in with Yakuza DNA wrapped up in an engaging crime thriller story with superb voice acting and memorable characters.
Although I did not get to play through the original version of the game, I took the time to compare it to its original release. The developers have definitely taken the time to enhance the graphics, sounds, and gameplay. Going through, Judgment on the Xbox Series X felt like a truly polished enhancement of its original predecessor; the rerelease made me thankful that I waited rather than playing the game at launch because I was able to experience the game how the developers intended. If you have yet to try Judgment, it is worth picking it up on the Xbox Series X. If you have but it’s been a while and you are considering playing through Lost Judgment then it is something to consider picking up as well.
Though there are some hiccups along the way, Judgment proves without a doubt that Ryu Ga Gotoku studio doesn't need Kazuma Kiryu to sell a great game.
Altogether, it’s a thoroughly delightful detective adventure.
Even though this is not a Yakuza game and we are still running around same old Kamurocho, Judgment still is a fantastic game with an exciting story. Thanks to new gameplay mechanics and some interesting ideas, the game feels fresh and will appeal to both Yakuza veterans and the new audience.
Review in Russian | Read full review
The gameplay is massively fun, and there is a positively absurd amount of things to do. For Yakuza fans this is a must buy. For those new to the franchise, this is the perfect opportunity to jump in.
All in all, if you love to play detective, but also have a soft spot for kicking people in their soft spots Yakuza Style, you should get your hands on Judgment right away.
Judgment packs an amazing story with great fleshed out and unique characters in the tried and tested Yakuza mold while improving the semi-open world mechanics and still keeping things fresh.
Judgment is an excellent game that reminds me a bit too much of its origin. Yakuza fans will get a different, but familiar experience, while newcomers will have a great starting point to know the work of one of SEGA's best development team.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
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.
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
If you've never played Judgment before, what are you waiting for? The remaster is one of the best next-gen exclusives to play right now and has never looked better. If you've already played it, it may be hard to justify the price tag at this point, but the substantial upgrades ensure it's the best the game has ever been. There's nothing in the way of new content outside of all previously released DLC, but Yagami's adventure is just as compelling and original as it once was.
The definitive version of Judgment is here! It is an almost perfect blend of incredible details and mechanics reinforced by a huge technical upgrade. A long and impressive title that takes the Ryu Ga Gotoku game design and maxes it out for a new side story while their main game goes in another direction. Heartily recommended!
Judgment is by far one of the better entries in the Yakuza franchise. It is a gritty detective story, with a killer in it that is legitimately scary, thanks to the performances. The Dragon Engine getting a boost from the new generation of consoles shows how Judgment was meant to be played, with extremely short load times and buttery smooth 60 frames per second that is unwavering. Judgment may be second to Yakuza: Like a Dragon, but being second to the best is a great place to be.
Judgment is a game that anyone will love playing through from the beginning to the end. I was completely immersed in Judgement’s world and could easily spend more time running through the streets and hanging out with the friends I’ve made along the way.
If you enjoy Yakuza games, action games, or detective games like Heavy Rain or LA Noire, you have to pick this one up.
Judgment is a fun game, with many diversified aspects to discover, with a story that once again hits the mark and a huge amount of activities with which to delight. A little déjà-vu could be felt, but it is blown away after a few hours. The question we asked in the introduction finds an answer: yes, Judgment manages to make itself loved as a title with its own soul and nature and does not remain in the shadow of Yakuza.
Review in Italian | Read full review