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MONSTER

Lost Judgment

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

2021

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

AvailableSep 21, 2021

PlatformPC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X

DeveloperRyu 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

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Lost Judgment shines with a gripping narrative and deep exploration of themes like bullying and justice, earning praise for character development and emotional depth. However, it suffers from pacing issues and occasional convoluted storytelling, with some predictable conclusions. Despite these flaws, critics largely agree that it offers an engaging and thought-provoking experience, blending serious topics with humor.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

81%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

19%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The story of Lost Judgment has garnered a largely positive reception from critics, with many praising its engaging narrative and exploration of serious themes such as bullying, justice, and the complexities of human relationships. Reviewers like IGN France and Vandal highlighted the compelling nature of the plot, noting its depth and the well-crafted twists that keep players invested. Critics such as Digital Chumps and Gaming Age emphasized the emotional weight of the story, appreciating how it tackles sensitive topics with care and maturity. The character development, particularly of the protagonist Takayuki Yagami, has been noted as a strong point, with reviewers like GameCritics and SECTOR.sk commending the intricate web of relationships and motivations that enhance the narrative experience. However, the story is not without its criticisms. Several reviewers pointed out pacing issues, particularly in the early hours of the game, which can detract from the overall experience. Comicbook.com and Game Rant noted that while the narrative has compelling elements, it sometimes lacks the depth and unpredictability expected from a sequel. Digital Trends and TheSixthAxis described the story as convoluted and messy at times, suggesting that it struggles to balance its ambitious themes with coherent storytelling. Additionally, some critics, like IGN and Gamer Escape, felt that the conclusion was somewhat predictable, which may leave players wanting more from the resolution of the plot. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Lost Judgment presents a strong narrative that effectively explores important social issues, despite some pacing and coherence challenges. While a few reviewers expressed disappointment in certain aspects of the story, the majority found it to be engaging and thought-provoking, with many praising its ability to blend serious themes with lighter moments. Critics like VGC and PlaySense particularly appreciated the balance between humor and drama, indicating that while the game may not reach the heights of its predecessor, it still offers a compelling and worthwhile experience for players.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Lost Judgment impresses with its engaging combat and diverse activities, featuring multiple fighting styles and fluid mechanics that enhance the traditional beat-’em-up gameplay. However, critics are split on the new detective, stealth, and parkour elements, citing poor integration and repetitiveness that detract from the overall experience. While the combat shines, the game struggles to balance its various mechanics, leaving room for improvement in player engagement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

66%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

34%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Lost Judgment has received a mix of praise for its engaging combat and diverse activities. Critics like Power Unlimited and Game Informer highlight the combat system as a standout feature, with multiple fighting styles—Crane, Tiger, and the newly introduced Snake—offering players a robust and enjoyable experience. Many reviewers, including WellPlayed and Gamer Escape, commend the fluidity and responsiveness of the combat mechanics, noting that the game retains the traditional beat-’em-up style while introducing new elements like parkour and stealth. Additionally, the inclusion of various mini-games and side activities, as noted by Worth Playing and Xbox Tavern, adds depth and variety to the overall gameplay experience, making it feel rich and engaging. However, the reception of the new gameplay mechanics has not been universally positive. Critics such as RPG Fan and Shacknews express frustration with the detective elements, describing them as poorly integrated and linear, which detracts from player engagement. The stealth and parkour mechanics, while introduced as new features, are often criticized for being underutilized or poorly executed, as noted by RPGamer and GameSpot. Many reviewers, including IGN Japan and Game Rant, also point out that some investigative tasks feel repetitive and lack depth, leading to a sense of fatigue as the game progresses. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Lost Judgment succeeds in delivering a compelling combat experience and a variety of engaging side activities, it struggles with the integration and execution of its new mechanics. The combat is widely praised, with many reviewers like TheGamer and Vandal appreciating the improvements made since the first game. However, the detective work and stealth elements appear to be significant points of contention, with several critics highlighting their shortcomings. As a result, while the game offers a rich and entertaining experience, it also leaves room for improvement in certain gameplay aspects, particularly in balancing the various mechanics to enhance player agency and engagement.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Lost Judgment shines with stunning visuals and detailed environments, earning praise for its immersive graphics, especially in nighttime settings. Critics laud the smooth performance on next-gen consoles, but some issues like washed-out textures and reused assets hint at its cross-gen roots. While it falls short of a bold design, most agree it marks a significant technical leap for the franchise, making it a standout in the Yakuza series despite some graphical shortcomings.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

77%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

23%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of Lost Judgment is predominantly positive, with many critics praising the game's impressive visuals and attention to detail. Reviewers like NME and Xbox Achievements highlight the stunning graphics, intricate animations, and vibrant environments, particularly in the nighttime settings of Kamurocho and Ijincho. Critics such as Hey Poor Player and DualShockers also commend the improved textures and lifelike character models, emphasizing the immersive experience that these visuals create. The technical performance is noted to be solid across platforms, with many reviews mentioning smooth framerates, especially on next-gen consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X, contributing to a visually appealing experience. However, several critics pointed out some shortcomings in the graphics and visual design. GamePro Germany and Wccftech mentioned graphical issues such as washed-out textures and a sterile appearance in certain lighting conditions, suggesting that the game shows signs of being a cross-gen title. Additionally, some critics, including Siliconera and GamingTrend, felt that while the visuals had improved since the first game, they still lacked a bold style and distinct design. The presence of reused assets and minor inconsistencies in texture quality were also noted by Metro GameCentral and Multiplayer.it, indicating that while the game looks good, it may not fully capitalize on the capabilities of next-gen hardware. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Lost Judgment delivers a visually impressive experience that enhances the immersive qualities of its setting. While some issues with graphical fidelity and design choices were acknowledged, the majority of reviewers, including Meristation and Game Rant, agree that the game represents a significant technical advancement for the franchise. The detailed environments, character animations, and vibrant atmospheres contribute positively to the overall gameplay experience, making Lost Judgment one of the standout titles in terms of graphics in the Yakuza series.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Lost Judgment boasts stellar sound design and voice acting, with dual audio options praised for bringing characters to life. Critics commend the emotionally resonant soundtrack and strong localization. However, the English voice acting is seen as less authentic, and some find the music generic and forgettable. Minor technical flaws like lip-sync issues detract from the experience. Overall, while Lost Judgment excels in audio immersion, it faces critique for its English dub and soundtrack memorability.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

69%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

31%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of Lost Judgment have received widespread acclaim from various critics, highlighting the game's impressive voice acting and effective soundscapes. Reviewers such as App Trigger and But Why Tho? praised the dual audio options in both English and Japanese, noting the exceptional performances that bring the characters to life. Critics like Cubed3 and Vandal emphasized the soundtrack's ability to enhance emotional moments and adapt dynamically to gameplay, contributing to an immersive experience. The strong localization efforts, as noted by Hobby Consolas and WellPlayed, further enhance the game's appeal, making it accessible to a broader audience while maintaining the essence of the original dialogue. However, not all feedback is entirely positive. Some critics pointed out issues with the English voice acting, suggesting it lacks the same authenticity as the Japanese performances. GameMAG noted that while the Japanese track is praised for its authenticity, the English version falls short. Additionally, GamePro Germany described the music as generic and lacking standout moments, which is echoed by IGN Adria's sentiment that the soundtrack is less memorable compared to the first game. Minor technical issues, such as inconsistent lip-syncing and background music overshadowing dialogue, were also mentioned by Press Start Australia and RPG Fan, detracting from the overall experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Lost Judgment delivers a strong audio experience, particularly in terms of voice acting and sound design. While the Japanese voice performances are widely regarded as superior, the English dub is still considered competent, albeit with some reservations. The music and sound effects effectively complement the gameplay, although some critics feel the soundtrack could be more memorable. Reviewers like Shacknews and GamingTrend encapsulate this sentiment, recognizing the game's strengths while acknowledging its shortcomings. Ultimately, Lost Judgment is celebrated for its engaging audio landscape, even if it doesn't entirely escape criticism.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Lost Judgment boasts stellar voice acting in both English and Japanese, praised for enhancing character depth and emotional engagement. Critics highlight Takuya Kamura's standout performance as Yagami. However, some note the English dub lacks cultural nuance and has minor synchronization issues. Overall, the voice acting significantly enriches the game, making it a major strength despite some shortcomings.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

90%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

10%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The voice acting in Lost Judgment has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from critics, who laud its high quality across both English and Japanese versions. Reviewers like App Trigger and But Why Tho? emphasize that the performances are fantastic, effectively bringing characters to life and enhancing the emotional depth of the narrative. Critics such as CGMagazine and GameSpot highlight the standout performances of key characters, particularly Takuya Kamura as Yagami, whose portrayal adds gravitas and relatability to the protagonist. The consensus is that the voice acting not only supports the storytelling but also allows players to connect deeply with the characters, as noted by multiple sources including COGconnected and Gamer Escape. Despite the general acclaim, some criticisms have emerged regarding the English voice acting. GameMAG and IGN Italia point out that while the Japanese version is celebrated for its cultural authenticity and emotional nuance, the English dub occasionally falls short in these areas. Some reviewers, like Gameblog.fr, mention minor subtitle errors that affect coherence, and others, such as Press Start Australia, note synchronization issues with lip syncing and character animations. This suggests that while the English voice acting is competent, it may not fully capture the emotional weight conveyed in the original Japanese performances. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Lost Judgment features excellent voice acting, with the majority praising both the Japanese and English versions for their contributions to the game's narrative and character development. Critics like Windows Central and GamingBolt affirm that the dual-language options cater to a wide audience, allowing players to choose their preferred experience. While there are valid concerns regarding the English dub's emotional depth and synchronization, the overwhelming sentiment remains that the voice acting significantly enhances the overall gaming experience, making it a strong point of the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Lost Judgment impresses with strong technical performance, especially on PS5, running at 60 fps and near 4K with minimal loading times. Critics praise the smooth gameplay and resolution options across platforms. However, issues like collision detection, frame rate drops on Xbox Series X, and varying PC optimization hinder its polish. Overall, while the game excels, it still shows room for improvement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

62%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

38%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The technical performance of Lost Judgment across various platforms has generally been well-received, particularly on the PlayStation 5. Critics like BaziCenter and GamePro Germany highlight that the game runs smoothly at 60 frames per second with near 4K resolution, providing an enjoyable experience. Many reviewers, including Destructoid and Hey Poor Player, praise the minimal loading times and stable frame rates, contributing to a seamless gameplay experience. Additionally, the option for players to toggle between resolution and performance modes, as noted by PlayStation Universe and GameMAG, showcases the developers' attention to optimizing the game for next-gen consoles. On Xbox Series X, Generación Xbox and SomosXbox report smooth performance at 60 fps, with no significant issues, while the PC version is noted for its good optimization and flexibility in graphics settings, as mentioned by Eurogamer Italy and Multiplayer.it. Despite the positive reception, there are notable criticisms across all platforms. On the PS5, some reviewers, such as DualShockers and Multiplayer.it, mention occasional issues with collision detection and graphical inconsistencies, including clipping and texture loading problems. Critics like Cubed3 and Press Start Australia also point out that while the game performs well, it is somewhat constrained by last-gen limitations, which may affect the overall polish. On Xbox Series X, GAMINGbible and IGN Portugal report frame rate drops and glitches, indicating that some performance issues persist, particularly in enhanced graphics mode. The PC version, while generally praised, is also noted for potentially requiring adjustments based on hardware capabilities, as mentioned by The Mako Reactor. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Lost Judgment delivers a solid technical performance across all platforms, with the PS5 version receiving the most acclaim for its smooth frame rates and quick loading times. However, minor technical issues and limitations are acknowledged, suggesting that while the game is a step forward from its predecessor, there is still room for improvement. Critics like Gaming Age and RPG Fan emphasize that despite some lingering graphical problems, the experience remains enjoyable, underscoring the developers' ability to create a technically sound game that appeals to a wide audience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Lost Judgment impresses with its wealth of content and engaging side activities, promising hours of entertainment for players. Critics praise its mini-games and narrative depth, enhancing replayability. However, some note a lack of fresh content compared to its predecessor and mention pacing issues and grind in side quests that could dampen the experience for some. Overall, it's a rich world for completionists, but may feel repetitive to others.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

54%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

46%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Lost Judgment is predominantly positive, with many critics praising the game's extensive content and engaging side activities. Reviewers such as Hey Poor Player and PlayStation Universe highlight the wealth of mini-games, side quests, and additional challenges that significantly enhance replayability. Critics like Digital Chumps and Vandal emphasize the game's ability to keep players entertained for dozens, if not hundreds, of hours, thanks to its variety of content. The inclusion of school stories and the engaging narrative also adds layers to the gameplay experience, encouraging exploration and interaction with the game's world, as noted by Pure Xbox and GameSpew. However, there are notable criticisms that temper the overall enthusiasm for replay value. Some reviewers, such as GamingTrend and RPG Fan, mention that the game does not introduce much new content compared to its predecessor, which could impact replayability for those familiar with the series. Additionally, Player 2 points out that the lack of pressure to engage with side stories can lead to an oddly paced experience, while Game Revolution and GameMAG mention that the grind associated with some side quests may detract from the enjoyment. Critics like Press Start Australia and Eurogamer Italy also note that navigation through the extensive options can feel convoluted, potentially discouraging players from fully engaging with the content. In summary, while Lost Judgment is largely celebrated for its significant replay value, thanks to its vast array of side missions and activities, there are concerns regarding the repetitiveness of some content and the pacing of the overall experience. The consensus among critics suggests that the game offers a rich and engaging world that will appeal to completionists and fans of the genre, but some may find the lack of innovation and the grind of certain quests to be drawbacks. Overall, the game seems to strike a balance between providing ample content for exploration and the potential for repetitive gameplay, as highlighted by critics like Cubed3 and IGN France.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

82%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

18%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment surrounding "Lost Judgment" is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its engaging gameplay, compelling narrative, and the ability to tackle serious themes. Reviewers such as Cubed3 and Hey Poor Player highlight the game as a superb sequel that builds upon its predecessor, showcasing a gripping story and enjoyable combat. Critics like RPG Site and SomosXbox emphasize its status as one of the best games of the year, noting the refined gameplay and rich narrative that make it a standout title. Additionally, the game is recognized for its variety, offering a mix of main story, side quests, and mini-games, which many, including Pure Xbox and Game Spew, found to be engaging and well-executed. Despite the strong praise, several critics pointed out notable shortcomings that detracted from the overall experience. Issues such as a convoluted story, pacing problems, and a lack of innovation were frequently mentioned. For instance, Digital Trends and Game Informer noted that the narrative could feel bloated and that certain themes were mishandled, which left a sense of disappointment. Others, like TheSixthAxis and Game Revolution, echoed concerns about repetitive gameplay elements and an overstuffed experience that detracted from the main plotline. This sentiment was also reflected in the opinions of critics like PLAY! Zine and Metro GameCentral, who remarked on the cluttered gameplay and the need for better balance in gameplay mechanics. In summary, while "Lost Judgment" received a wealth of commendations for its engaging story and refined gameplay, the criticisms regarding its narrative coherence and pacing were significant enough to warrant mention. The consensus among critics is that it is a worthy sequel that appeals to both fans of the series and newcomers, with many, such as IGN Adria and NME, recommending it as a strong entry point into the franchise. Overall, the game is seen as a solid continuation of the "Judgment" series, with the majority of reviewers expressing that it meets or exceeds the high standards set by its predecessor, albeit with some room for improvement.

TL;DR

"Lost Judgment" is a highly praised sequel with engaging gameplay and a compelling narrative, hailed as one of the year's best by many critics. However, it suffers from narrative bloating, pacing issues, and repetitive elements. While it's a solid entry point for newcomers and a worthy continuation of the series, it still has notable shortcomings that hold it back from perfection.

MONSTER

Reviews

167 reviews found

100

Hey Poor Player

PlayStation 5

Sep 16, 2021

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

Lost Judgment is a superb sequel that builds on its predecessor, delivering a gripping story and engaging gameplay. Despite minor flaws, it stands out as a must-play title.

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100

Twinfinite

PlayStation 4

Sep 16, 2021

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

Lost Judgment is described as a perfect sequel that enhances the original with a magnificent story, great characters, and enjoyable combat, making it hard to put down.

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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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100

Digitally Downloaded

PlayStation 5

Sep 16, 2021

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

Lost Judgment is highly praised for its engaging story, balanced gameplay, and rich world, making it a standout title in the series. It successfully combines serious themes with entertaining side content.

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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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The Mako Reactor

PlayStation 5

Sep 16, 2021

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

Lost Judgment exceeds expectations with its narrative, combat enhancements, and exploration additions, making it one of the best games from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and a strong contender for Game of the Year.

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Xbox Tavern

Xbox Series X

Sep 27, 2021

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

Lost Judgement is a superb addition to the Yakuza series, packed with content and maintaining the fun formula of its predecessors despite its dark themes.

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SomosXbox

Xbox Series X

Sep 25, 2021

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

Lost Judgment is a mature and complete sequel that surpasses its predecessor, offering a rich narrative, refined gameplay, and a plethora of content, making it one of the best games of 2021.

Digital Chumps

PlayStation 5

Sep 17, 2021

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

Lost Judgment is an excellent game that balances serious themes with humor and engaging gameplay. It builds positively on its predecessor while offering a wealth of content.

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RPG Fan

PlayStation 5

Sep 17, 2021

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

Lost Judgment is a worthy sequel that stands alongside the mainline Yakuza games, offering a rich experience with engaging gameplay and a strong narrative, despite some minor flaws.

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