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MONSTER

Lost Judgment

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Lost Judgment
Item: Lost Judgment
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2021

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Comedy, Crime, Open World, RPG, Single Player

AvailableSep 21, 2021

PlatformPlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4

DeveloperSegaSoft, Ryu ga Gotoku Studios

Overview

Lost Judgment once again puts players in the sneakers of lawyer turned street-fighting detective Takayuki Yagami. Joined by his partner, ex-yakuza Masaharu Kaito, the crime-fighting duo is called on to investigate a seemingly perfect crime whose lead suspect has an airtight alibi. What starts out as a tale of revenge reveals a tangled web of conspiracy involving several unlikely factions taking advantage of a broken law system. But as victims pile up and Yagami unravels the truth, he must choose between defending the law or exacting justice.

Elsewhere

8.5

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

77%

Mixed (50-79)

23%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Lost Judgment are quite diverse. Many critics praise the game for its handling of heavy themes such as bullying, suicide, and sexual assault. Hey Poor Player commends the game for its ability to balance lighthearted moments with dark twists, while CGMagazine highlights the exploration of justice and the struggles of the protagonist, Yagami. Comicbook.com, on the other hand, expresses disappointment with the story, citing pacing problems. On the negative side, But Why Tho?? criticizes the handling of the sexual assault plotline, finding it gratuitous and missing the mark at times. Game Informer also points out mishandling of sexual assault, which casts a shadow over the rest of the playthrough. Video Chums mentions that the story starts slow and takes a long time to become interesting. TheSixthAxis describes the story as messy and all over the place. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Lost Judgment tackles heavy and important subject matter with varying degrees of success. It is praised for its exploration of themes such as bullying, suicide, and justice, with some critics mentioning the thought-provoking and uncomfortable nature of the narrative. The intriguing and complex nature of the story is also acknowledged by critics such as Softpedia and Worth Playing. However, there are criticisms regarding pacing issues, mishandling of certain plotlines, and a lack of personal connection for the protagonist. Despite these flaws, the majority of critics find the story engaging, compelling, and capable of delivering emotional moments and surprises.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on Lost Judgment's story. Praise for tackling heavy themes like bullying and justice, but criticism for pacing issues and mishandling of sensitive topics like sexual assault. While some find the narrative engaging and thought-provoking, others feel it is messy and lacks emotional depth for the protagonist.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

68%

Mixed (50-79)

32%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Lost Judgment, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects highlighted by the reviewers. Starting with the positives, several critics praised the combat system in Lost Judgment. Hey Poor Player, Game Informer, and Pure Xbox all mentioned that the combat is fluid, fast-paced, and enjoyable. They appreciated the inclusion of different fighting styles, such as Crane, Tiger, and Snake, which added variety and depth to the gameplay. The range of combat maneuvers and the ability to switch between styles were also commended by DualShockers and Player 2. Additionally, the inclusion of brutal heat actions and the refinement of the combat system were mentioned by Game Informer and COGconnected as highlights of the gameplay. Moving on to the negatives, some critics expressed concerns about certain aspects of the gameplay. But Why Tho?? and Siliconera mentioned that the new stealth and parkour mechanics, as well as skateboarding, felt unoriginal and unnecessary. The implementation of stealth and parkour was criticized by Game Informer and Slant Magazine, who found it to be poorly implemented and tedious. Shacknews also felt that the hand-to-hand combat felt dated compared to other games in the genre. Additionally, Comicbook.com and Metro GameCentral mentioned that the gameplay lacked variety and ambition, feeling overly familiar and predictable compared to previous games. Taking into account the overall consensus of the critics, it is clear that the gameplay of Lost Judgment received mixed reviews. While the combat system was generally praised for its fluidity and variety, the new mechanics such as stealth and parkour received criticism for their implementation. The inclusion of different fighting styles and the refinement of the combat system were seen as positive aspects by multiple critics. However, the lack of innovation and variety in gameplay, as well as the dated feel of certain aspects, were mentioned as drawbacks. Overall, the gameplay of Lost Judgment seems to have improved upon the traditional Yakuza style, but with some areas that could have been executed better, according to the critics' opinions.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on the gameplay of Lost Judgment. The combat system is praised for its fluidity and variety, with different fighting styles and brutal heat actions being highlights. However, new mechanics like stealth and parkour are criticized as unoriginal and poorly implemented. Some critics found the gameplay lacking in innovation and variety, feeling familiar and predictable. Overall, Lost Judgment improves upon the traditional Yakuza style but falls short in certain areas, according to critics.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

In terms of the graphics and visual design of Lost Judgment, the majority of critics had positive opinions. The game was praised for its highly detailed characters and world, with authentic clothing and realistic environments, as mentioned by COGconnected and Shacknews. The landscapes of Kamurocho and Isezaki Ijincho were particularly highlighted as visually appealing and a joy to explore, with Destructoid noting that the development team recreated the cities with authentic knick-knacks. The graphics were described as colorful, pin-sharp, and rich in culture by DualShockers, with staggeringly realistic character designs. The game's graphics were also commended for being impressive, especially on the PlayStation 5, as mentioned by Impulsegamer. The vibrant visuals of Yokohama and Kamurocho were particularly praised, along with the detailed and realistic character models. However, there were some negative opinions regarding the graphics and visual design of Lost Judgment. Some critics, such as Metro GameCentral and Softpedia, mentioned that there were many reused assets in the game, which made it feel more like an expansion pack rather than a separate game. Softpedia also noted that while some scenes were gorgeous and detailed, others lacked finesse. The visual style was consistent with the Yakuza series, but close-up scenes during dialogues could have been improved, according to Softpedia. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Lost Judgment has impressive graphics and visual design. The game received praise for its highly detailed characters, realistic environments, and vibrant visuals. The recreation of Kamurocho and Isezaki Ijincho was particularly commended, with critics enjoying the exploration and attention to detail in the cities. While there were some criticisms regarding reused assets and certain scenes lacking finesse, the overall sentiment leans towards positive opinions about the graphics and visual design of Lost Judgment.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Lost Judgment wows critics with highly detailed characters, vibrant visuals, and realistic environments, earning praise for its authentic design of Kamurocho and Isezaki Ijincho. Despite some complaints about reused assets, the game impresses with rich culture and colorful graphics, especially on PlayStation 5. Overall, critics agree that Lost Judgment delivers impressive graphics and visual design, making it a joy to explore.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

56%

Mixed (50-79)

44%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Lost Judgment are mostly positive. App Trigger and COGconnected both praise the voice acting in the game, with App Trigger specifically highlighting the fantastic voice acting in both English and Japanese. But Why Tho?? and Shacknews also commend the English and Japanese voice acting options, emphasizing their quality during serious moments. This consistent praise for the voice acting suggests that the performances effectively bring the characters to life and enhance the overall experience of the game. In terms of the music, DualShockers notes that the somber and reflective music contrasts with the upbeat buddy-cop cutscenes, creating a nuanced tone. This indicates that the music successfully sets the mood and adds depth to the game's narrative. Screen Rant mentions that each mini-game in Lost Judgment has its own soundtrack, highlighting the variety and quality of the game's music. However, it is worth noting that Screen Rant does not explicitly mention the overall sound design of the game, which suggests that it may not have stood out as a particularly noteworthy aspect. Noisy Pixel's opinion provides a minor critique regarding the Japanese battle grunts and phrases from NPCs, suggesting that there were some issues with the localization in these aspects. Worth Playing also points out that there are untranslated side dialogues in some mini-games, which can feel weird. These criticisms indicate that there may be occasional inconsistencies or missed opportunities in the sound design and localization of Lost Judgment. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Lost Judgment are strong. The praise for the voice acting, particularly in both English and Japanese, suggests that it is a standout aspect of the game. The contrasting music and the variety of soundtracks for the mini-games are also appreciated. While there are some minor criticisms regarding localization and untranslated dialogues, these do not overshadow the overall positive reception of the sound design and music in Lost Judgment.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics largely praise the voice acting in Lost Judgment, noting its effectiveness in bringing characters to life. The music sets a nuanced tone, with varied soundtracks for mini-games adding depth to the narrative. Some minor critiques include issues with localization and untranslated dialogues, but overall, the sound design and music are considered strong aspects of the game.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

92%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Lost Judgment has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the critics. Many critics praised both the English and Japanese voice acting, highlighting the fantastic performances that brought the characters to life. App Trigger and But Why Tho?? both described the voice acting as excellent and compelling, while CGMagazine specifically mentioned the strong performances by Takuya Kamura and Greg Chun. The voice actors were able to handle the melodrama well, according to CGMagazine, and Softpedia commended the English voice actors for their ability to bring the characters to life even in the most over-the-top moments. The well-acted cutscenes, as mentioned by Game Informer, added to the immersive storytelling experience. The voice acting, particularly for the protagonist Yagami, was also praised by DualShockers for adding to the character's cool-headed persona. Overall, the positive opinions of the critics highlight the high quality and effectiveness of the voice acting in Lost Judgment. While the majority of critics had positive opinions about the voice acting in Lost Judgment, there were no specific negative comments mentioned in the given reviews. This suggests that there were no major flaws or issues with the voice acting that stood out to the critics. The absence of negative feedback indicates that the voice acting was consistently good throughout the game, leaving little room for criticism. In conclusion, the overall consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Lost Judgment is of high quality and greatly enhances the gaming experience. The positive opinions of the majority of the critics, such as COGconnected, Metro GameCentral, and Worth Playing, reinforce the notion that the voice acting in both English and Japanese was well done and brought the characters to life. The lack of negative comments further supports the notion that the voice acting was consistently strong throughout the game. Overall, the voice acting in Lost Judgment has been highly praised and is considered a significant positive aspect of the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics unanimously praise the exceptional voice acting in Lost Judgment, with standout performances in both English and Japanese. The actors bring characters to life with compelling and skillful portrayals, handling melodrama and intense moments with finesse. Cutscenes enhance the immersive storytelling experience, particularly highlighting protagonist Yagami's cool-headed persona. The absence of negative feedback underscores the consistent high quality of voice acting, making it a standout feature that greatly enriches the gaming experience.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

60%

Mixed (50-79)

40%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The opinions of the critics regarding the technical performance of Lost Judgment on different gaming platforms are as follows: For the PlayStation 5 version, the critics generally had positive opinions. The game was praised for its smooth performance and minimal load times. Critics like Destructoid and Impulsegamer specifically mentioned the smoothness and lack of technical issues during their playthroughs. DualShockers highlighted the game's 60 FPS frame rate, which provided fluid control movements. Player 2 also noted the boost to 60fps on the PlayStation 5, contributing to an improved experience. Overall, the PlayStation 5 version of Lost Judgment seems to deliver a solid technical performance, with smooth gameplay and fast loading times. On the other hand, the Xbox Series X version of Lost Judgment received mixed feedback. Pure Xbox mentioned that the game performs similarly to the original game and Yakuza: Like A Dragon on the same platform. While there were options to prioritize resolution or performance, there were a few frame stutters. However, no major technical issues were mentioned. It seems that the technical performance on Xbox Series X is generally satisfactory, but there is room for improvement in terms of frame rate consistency. In terms of the overall consensus, the critics' opinions lean towards positive when it comes to the technical performance of Lost Judgment on both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. The game was praised for its smoothness, minimal load times, and improved experience on the PlayStation 5. However, there were occasional issues mentioned by some critics, such as collision detection problems and hiccups during cutscenes. Despite these minor drawbacks, the technical performance seems to be solid overall, with no major technical issues reported. The game runs smoothly on both platforms, providing an enjoyable gaming experience. It is worth noting that there were no specific opinions mentioned for the PC version of Lost Judgment, except for The Mako Reactor's comment on discussing the technical performance and stability of the game on PC. Therefore, it is difficult to provide a comprehensive analysis of the technical performance for this platform based on the given information.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praised Lost Judgment on PlayStation 5 for its smooth performance and fast load times, with a solid 60 FPS frame rate. Xbox Series X version had mixed feedback, with some frame stutters but no major issues. Overall, both versions offer a smooth gaming experience with some minor drawbacks. PC version technical performance remains unclear.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

37%

Mixed (50-79)

63%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Lost Judgment are generally positive. Multiple critics, such as Hey Poor Player, Destructoid, DualShockers, Noisy Pixel, GamesRadar++, Siliconera, Stevivor, Video Chums, Worth Playing, GameSpew, Pure Xbox, and TheSixthAxis, highlight the game's abundance of side quests, activities, and mini-games that provide hours of gameplay and entertainment. These additional content options, including school stories, collectibles, and playable video games, contribute to the game's replay value by offering players a variety of experiences and opportunities for exploration. The presence of seemingly never-ending mini-games and side content, as mentioned by Hey Poor Player, is particularly praised, as it adds depth and longevity to the game. The inclusion of arcade machines and retro games, as noted by TheSixthAxis, also adds to the replay value by appealing to players' nostalgia and providing a different gameplay experience. However, there are some criticisms regarding the replay value of Lost Judgment. Player 2 mentions that the lack of pressure to participate in side stories may result in an oddly paced experience, potentially affecting the game's replayability. Additionally, Player 2 points out that additional content is locked behind DLC, which may limit the overall replay value for some players. Slant Magazine raises concerns about the side stories, describing them as curiously protracted and requiring players to replay certain mini-games multiple times. This repetition may diminish the enjoyment and replayability for some players. Furthermore, Slant Magazine suggests that the detective mechanics are not improved enough to efficiently carry the game, which could potentially impact the overall replay value. Overall, the majority of critics agree that Lost Judgment offers substantial replay value. The game's wide range of side quests, activities, and mini-games, as well as the inclusion of school stories and additional content, provide players with ample opportunities to engage with the game beyond the main story. The positive sentiments expressed by critics such as The Mako Reactor, App Trigger, Comicbook.com, DualShockers, Game Revolution, GamesRadar++, Noisy Pixel, Stevivor, Video Chums, Worth Playing, GameSpew, Pure Xbox, and TheSixthAxis highlight the game's ability to entertain players for hours and keep them engaged. While there are some concerns raised by Player 2 and Slant Magazine regarding pacing, DLC content, and repetitive side stories, the overall consensus is that Lost Judgment offers a satisfying amount of replay value through its diverse range of content and immersive gameplay experiences.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise Lost Judgment for its abundant side quests, mini-games, and activities that offer hours of entertainment and gameplay variety. The game's replay value is enhanced by the diverse experiences it offers, including school stories and retro games. While some critics express concerns about pacing and DLC limitations, the majority agree that Lost Judgment provides ample opportunities for players to engage beyond the main story, making it a highly entertaining and engaging experience with substantial replay value.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

82%

Mixed (50-79)

18%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Lost Judgment has received a generally positive response from critics, with many praising its improvements over its predecessor and its engaging narrative. Hey Poor Player describes it as a "fantastic example" of what the Yakuza series can be, stating that it is a must-play for fans and players should get lost in this game. The Mako Reactor recommends Lost Judgment on PC, highlighting its smooth combat and amazing cities to explore, although noting that the price may be higher than expected for a late port. App Trigger hails Lost Judgment as one of the best games of 2021, commending its smooth combat, amazing cities, and great story. CGMagazine also praises the game as a "damn good time" that effectively uses twists and turns to provide an enjoyable experience. However, there are also some criticisms and mixed opinions among the critics. Game Informer mentions the mishandling of sexual assault and the lack of standout gameplay mechanics as factors that prevent Lost Judgment from reaching the impact of other games in the series. Shacknews points out dated gameplay, missed opportunities with mini-games, jarring tonal shifts, and uneven direction and pacing as areas where the game falls short. Slant Magazine describes Lost Judgment as not particularly exciting and mentions the potential for a more daring and experimental game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Lost Judgment is a solid sequel that improves upon its predecessor and delivers an engaging narrative. It is praised for its smooth combat, amazing cities to explore, and a compelling story. Critics like COGconnected, Power Unlimited, and Screen Rant recommend the game highly and consider it one of the best releases from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio. However, there are criticisms regarding certain aspects such as the mishandling of sensitive topics, lack of innovation, and some gameplay shortcomings. Despite these criticisms, Lost Judgment is generally regarded as an enjoyable experience that offers a variety of activities and keeps players engaged throughout.

TL;DR

Critics praise Lost Judgment for its engaging narrative, smooth combat, and amazing cities to explore, calling it a solid sequel that improves upon its predecessor. However, some critics point out issues like mishandling of sensitive topics and lack of standout gameplay mechanics. Overall, Lost Judgment is recommended as a must-play for fans, but it falls short in some areas according to certain critics.

MONSTER

Reviews

166 reviews found

100

Screen Rant

PlayStation 5

Sep 16, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

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.

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App Trigger

PlayStation 5

Sep 16, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Lost Judgment is easily one of the best games of 2021 with a smooth combat, amazing cities to explore, and a great story. Highly recommended for fans of the Yakuza series.

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Player 2

PlayStation 5

Oct 7, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Lost Judgment is an engaging experience that builds upon its predecessor and delivers a sequel that hits more than it misses.

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Power Unlimited

PlayStation 5

Sep 21, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Lost Judgment is a contender for Game of the Year and is recommended for both Yakuza veterans and newcomers.

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GameSpew

Xbox Series X

Sep 16, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Lost Judgment is a sequel that improves upon its predecessor in every possible way. With a compelling story, improved gameplay, and a wealth of content, it is a sequel done right. The game offers variety and keeps the player engaged throughout.

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Hey Poor Player

Sep 14, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Lost Judgment is a fantastic example of what the Yakuza series can be. It improves on its predecessor in almost every way and is a must-play for fans. While a few issues remain, players should absolutely get lost in this one.

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Noisy Pixel

PlayStation 5

Sep 16, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Lost Judgment is a home run for RGG Studio, with an engaging narrative, addictive gameplay, and a sturdy identity.

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Pure Xbox

Xbox Series X

Sep 16, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Lost Judgment impresses with its world, offering a mix of main story, side quests, school stories, mini-games, and exploration. Some areas could be improved, but it is considered the best entry in the franchise so far.

The Mako Reactor

Sep 14, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review recommends Lost Judgment on PC, but mentions that the price may be higher than expected for a late port of a year old game.

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Siliconera

PlayStation 5

Sep 16, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Lost Judgment is a fun game with a well-executed central narrative and smooth technical performance, but the minigames and activities could be more impressive.

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