Lost Judgment

The majority of critics lauded Lost Judgment for its compelling narrative and nuanced exploration of serious themes. Many praised its ability to tackle issues like bullying, justice, and societal pressures with depth and emotional resonance. For instance, MGG Spain called it “one of the most interesting and well-written stories in recent years,” highlighting its sensitive handling of topics such as bullying and sexual abuse. Cultured Vultures commended the game for intertwining themes of bullying, suicide, and human trafficking with a complex plot that keeps players engaged through twists and character interactions. IGN Adria noted the “well-written” main story, which balances serious themes with lighter side missions, while GameSkinny praised its “well-crafted narrative with engaging characters and a plot full of surprises.” The game’s ability to weave interconnected conspiracies and moral dilemmas—such as the exploration of justice versus revenge—was frequently highlighted as a strength, with RPG Site calling it “one of the darkest and most engaging narratives in the Yakuza franchise.” However, several critics pointed out significant flaws, particularly around pacing and narrative execution. Comicbook.com and Digital Trends criticized the story for suffering from “pacing problems” and a “convoluted” plot that felt messy and overstretched. RPG Fan (PC) noted that the game’s handling of bullying lacked subtlety, while Push Square and Game Revolution mentioned redundant dialogue and a less engaging plot compared to its predecessor. Some reviewers also expressed concerns about how sensitive topics were addressed, with Game Informer and RPGamer pointing out missteps in portraying sexual assault. Additionally, TheSixthAxis described the narrative as “a little bit messy,” though they acknowledged it still held together due to strong gameplay mechanics. While these issues detracted from the experience for some, many felt the story’s ambition and emotional weight outweighed its flaws. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with most recognizing Lost Judgment as a significant step forward in storytelling within the Yakuza series. Despite critiques about pacing and thematic execution, the game’s exploration of complex issues like bullying, trauma, and societal inequality resonated deeply. MGG Spain and Cultured Vultures emphasized its ability to balance darkness with nuance, while GameCritics praised its “compelling narrative centered around the murder of a teacher” with twists that kept players engaged. Even reviewers who noted shortcomings, such as GamingBolt, acknowledged the game’s “strong narrative with multiple plot threads that intertwine effectively.” While not without flaws, Lost Judgment was widely regarded as a standout entry in the franchise, praised for its emotional depth, moral complexity, and willingness to confront difficult subjects.

The gameplay of Lost Judgment receives largely positive feedback for its refined combat mechanics, variety of fighting styles, and engaging side content. Critics like IGN Italia praise the complex and immersive combat system, while Power Unlimited highlights addictive minigames and countless side stories. The introduction of new fighting styles—such as the Snake Style with counter-attacks (noted by CGMagazine and Digital Chumps)—adds depth to the brawler mechanics, which are further enhanced by improved transitions and dynamic boss fights (GameSpew, Cubed3). Side activities, including skateboarding, parkour, and school stories, are frequently lauded for their entertainment value (Xbox Achievements, TheXboxHub, GamesRadar+). Additionally, the game’s balance between action and narrative progression is seen as a strength, with Cultured Vultures and VGC noting improved pacing and cohesive storytelling. These elements collectively create a robust and varied gameplay experience that appeals to fans of the Yakuza series. However, several critics point out significant drawbacks, particularly in the game’s lack of innovation and repetitive mechanics. Metro GameCentral and Comicbook.com argue that Lost Judgment feels overly familiar, with gameplay systems that are only slightly tweaked from previous entries, leading to a monotonous experience. The detective work, while improved in some aspects (e.g., fewer tedious missions per Easy Allies), is criticized for being linear (Video Chums) or simplistic (Ragequit.gr). Stealth and parkour elements, though introduced, are seen as underdeveloped or clunky (Hey Poor Player, Push Square, WellPlayed), with some reviewers like Inverse and Slant Magazine noting stilted controls and restrictive mechanics. Additionally, investigative mini-games are deemed repetitive or poorly integrated into the narrative (Inverse, Cultured Vultures), while the open world’s cohesion is questioned (VGC). These issues highlight a disconnect between the game’s ambition and execution in certain areas. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Lost Judgment is a solid entry in the Yakuza series, offering refined combat and enjoyable side content but falling short in innovation and depth. While IGN Italia, Cubed3, and VGC celebrate its improvements over predecessors, others like Metro GameCentral and Comicbook.com feel it lacks originality. The game’s strengths lie in its dynamic action sequences and engaging minigames, but its detective mechanics and underdeveloped systems temper the experience. Despite mixed reactions, many acknowledge that Lost Judgment successfully balances nostalgia with incremental upgrades, making it a worthwhile addition for fans, even if it doesn’t fully break the formula (VGC, Cultured Vultures, GameSpew).

The majority of critics praised Lost Judgment’s graphics and visual design as a significant step forward for the Yakuza series, highlighting its immersive environments, detailed character models, and polished technical execution. Many reviewers emphasized the game’s ability to recreate Tokyo and Yokohama with authenticity, noting the vibrant districts like Kamurocho and Isezaki Ijincho as standout examples of meticulous urban design (GameSpot, Destructoid). The use of the Dragon Engine was frequently lauded for its improvements in lighting, reflections, and character animations, with IGN France and GameRant praising the "stunning graphics" and "gorgeous visuals." Critics like NME and Launcher (The Washington Post) even compared the game’s fidelity to major studio titles, citing its detailed facial animations and lifelike environments. The PC version also received acclaim for its enhanced graphical settings, including 8K support and high frame rates (Eurogamer Italy), while next-gen consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X showcased smooth performance and rich textures (Cubed3, Vandal). Overall, the consensus was that Lost Judgment delivers a visually impressive experience that elevates the series’ signature cityscapes. Despite these strengths, several critics pointed out limitations and inconsistencies in the game’s visual design. Some noted graphical issues such as washed-out textures, sterile lighting, and minor technical flaws like anti-aliasing problems and pop-in (GamePro Germany, The Mako Reactor). GamingTrend and Gameblog.fr mentioned that while improvements were evident over previous entries, the noir aesthetic lacked a bold, distinct style, and certain areas felt underdeveloped compared to the Yakuza series’ earlier titles. Others highlighted the aging Dragon Engine’s limitations, with PlaySense and Softpedia noting that character models and animations occasionally fell short of expectations, particularly in side characters or non-cutscene moments. Additionally, Metro GameCentral criticized the overuse of reused assets, suggesting the game felt more like an expansion than a standalone title. While these issues were acknowledged, they were generally seen as minor drawbacks rather than major flaws. The overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with Lost Judgment’s graphics and visual design being celebrated as a strong highlight of the game. While some technical imperfections and stylistic nuances were critiqued, the majority emphasized its polished presentation, immersive environments, and the effective use of next-gen hardware to enhance the experience. Critics like Destructoid and Vandal praised the "authentic knick-knacks" and vibrant cityscapes, while others, such as GameSkinny and Meristation, highlighted the attention to detail and technical advancements. Even when pointing out flaws, reviewers like RPG Fan and The Mako Reactor acknowledged that these were overshadowed by the game’s broader visual strengths. Ultimately, Lost Judgment was seen as a visually impressive entry in the Yakuza series, with its graphical improvements and atmospheric design contributing significantly to its appeal.

The Sound Design and Music of Lost Judgment received widespread praise from critics, with many highlighting its immersive and emotionally resonant qualities. Cubed3 lauded the "exceptional" music and sound design for enhancing narrative impact, while Gameblog.fr noted the "varied and well-suited" soundtrack that reflects the game’s situational needs. Games.cz praised the noir-inspired soundtrack complementing the atmosphere, and MGG celebrated the blend of noir film music with humorous jingles, creating a dynamic contrast between storylines. The Japanese voice acting was consistently highlighted as a standout element, with GameMAG noting its "authenticity" and GameOver.gr emphasizing "high-quality performances." Dual audio tracks in English and Japanese were also appreciated for their accessibility, as noted by IGN Adria and Multiplayer.it, while the immersive use of the DualSense controller (Hey Poor Player) added to the experience. Critics like Cubed3 and GameMAG specifically praised how the sound design elevated both combat and narrative moments, creating a cohesive auditory landscape. However, some criticisms emerged regarding specific aspects of the audio. GamePro Germany described the music as "generic" and lacking memorable highlights, a recurring issue in the series, while IGN Italia noted that English voice acting was "less impressive" compared to its Japanese counterpart. RPG Fan pointed out that background music occasionally drowned out dialogue, and several reviewers (GameSkinny, Press Start Australia) mentioned inconsistencies in lip-syncing, particularly in the English dub. TheXboxHub also noted that the English dub felt "off," possibly due to pandemic-related recording challenges. Additionally, some critics, like Eurogamer Italy, expressed a preference for Japanese voice acting over the English version due to localization issues. While the soundtrack was generally well-received, IGN Adria and RPG Fan observed that it shifted away from the noir-inspired jazz of its predecessor, lacking the same catchiness in battle themes. Overall, the consensus among critics leans strongly positive, with most agreeing that Lost Judgment’s Sound Design and Music significantly enhance its storytelling and immersion. The Japanese voice acting and dynamic soundtrack were universally praised for their quality and emotional depth, while dual audio options catered to diverse player preferences. However, minor issues like generic music, lip-syncing discrepancies, and uneven English dubbing tempered some critiques. Despite these flaws, outlets like Cubed3, Gameblog.fr, and Vandal emphasized the game’s strong audio foundation, with many concluding that the sound design effectively supports the game’s narrative and gameplay. The mixed reception of the English voice acting and music memorability suggests room for improvement, but the overall praise underscores the importance of audio in shaping Lost Judgment’s identity as a compelling, atmospheric experience.

The majority of critics lauded the voice acting in Lost Judgment as a standout element, with widespread praise for its emotional depth, authenticity, and ability to enhance storytelling. Reviewers like CGMagazine highlighted the strong performances from actors such as Takuya Kamura (Yagami) and Greg Chun (English dub), noting their contributions to character development and narrative immersion. Game Informer and GameSpot emphasized how the voice acting brought characters to life, with particular acclaim for Yagami’s portrayal by Kimura Takuya, who added gravitas to the protagonist. The Japanese version was frequently praised for its cultural authenticity, as noted by IGN Japan and Games.cz, while the English dub received praise for its professionalism, with Softpedia calling it "tremendous" and Noisy Pixel comparing it favorably to Judgment. Many critics, including App Trigger and But Why Tho?, highlighted that both dubs were "excellent," with PlayStation Universe noting how Kimura’s performance made Yagami relatable. The dual-language options and strong cast performances were seen as key strengths, with The Mako Reactor praising the "high-quality localizations" and Multiplayer.it calling the voice acting "intense and well-performed." While most reviews were overwhelmingly positive, a smaller number of critics pointed out minor flaws. Gameblog.fr noted "minor subtitle errors" that affected coherence, and Press Start Australia mentioned issues with lip-syncing and character animations in certain scenes. IGN Italia and Eurogamer Italy critiqued the English dub as less impressive compared to the Japanese version, with the latter stating it "did not fit the characters well." Additionally, RPG Fan noted that dialogue could sometimes be drowned out by music, and TheXboxHub mentioned that changes in the English cast required adjustment. However, these critiques were relatively rare and often framed as minor drawbacks rather than major issues. Even GameMAG, which observed that the English version "lacked emotional nuance," acknowledged the Japanese voice acting as "exemplary," reflecting a broader consensus that the core quality of the performances remained high. Overall, the critical reception of Lost Judgment’s voice acting was overwhelmingly positive, with critics consistently praising its ability to elevate the game’s narrative and character engagement. The Japanese version was frequently highlighted for its authenticity and emotional resonance, while the English dub was seen as a strong alternative, albeit with some nuanced differences in tone. IGN Adria and Metro GameCentral both noted that "excellent" performances were delivered in both languages, and Worth Playing concluded that the English dub was "good enough to not lose anything." Despite minor technical issues or subjective preferences for one language over the other, the majority of reviewers agreed that the voice acting was a critical success, with GameGuru and RPG Fan calling it "outstanding" and "exceptional," respectively. The combination of skilled actors, cultural fidelity, and effective localization efforts solidified the voice acting as a key strength of the game.

The technical performance of Lost Judgment across platforms is largely praised for its stability, frame rates, and optimization. On PS5, multiple critics highlight smooth gameplay at 60fps, near-4K resolution (BaziCenter), minimal load times (Destructoid, Games.cz), and options to prioritize resolution or performance modes (GameMAG, PlayStation Universe). The PS5 version also benefits from improved animations and stability compared to its predecessor (GameOver.gr, GamingTrend). For PC, the game is lauded for excellent optimization, adjustable graphics settings (Eurogamer Italy, Multiplayer.it), and seamless performance across hardware configurations (Ragequit.gr, RPG Fan). On Xbox Series X, reviewers like Generación Xbox and SomosXbox note smooth 60fps gameplay without major issues, though some mention minor stutters or graphical inconsistencies (GAMINGbible, IGN Portugal). The PS4 version, however, faces criticism for being rushed, with glitches and stability problems (RPGamer). Despite these positives, several technical shortcomings are noted. On PS5, critics like DualShockers point to occasional collision detection issues, while GameCritics mentions lingering interface problems from the original Judgment. The Dragon Engine’s limitations (Jeuxvideo.com) and underutilized DualSense features (Everyeye.it, Hobby Consolas) are also cited as drawbacks. On Xbox Series X, Cubed3 highlights a lack of polish and an "empty" world, while GAMINGbible notes frame rate drops requiring a patch. The PC version, though stable, faces criticism for relying on an aging engine (PlaySense), and some Xbox users report sluggishness at higher resolutions (Wccftech). The PS4 version’s issues are the most severe, with RPGamer calling it "rushed" and plagued by glitches in new gameplay elements. Overall, critics agree that Lost Judgment delivers strong technical performance on next-gen consoles and PC, with PS5 and Xbox Series X versions excelling in frame rates, load times, and optimization. While minor issues like collision bugs (DualShockers), graphical shortcomings (GamePro Germany), or engine limitations (Jeuxvideo.com) exist, they are generally considered surface-level compared to the game’s broader strengths. The PC port is particularly praised for its flexibility and stability, while the PS4 version lags behind due to its rushed development. The consensus leans toward a positive assessment, with most platforms offering a smooth, enjoyable experience despite occasional technical hiccups.

The majority of critics highlight Lost Judgment’s substantial replay value through its expansive side content, varied activities, and narrative depth. Multiple reviewers praise the game’s ability to engage players for extended periods, with IGN Japan noting the “substantial amount of content” and Game Revolution emphasizing that a completionist run could take 2–3 times longer than the main story. RPG Fan and SECTOR.sk specifically commend the game’s two-city exploration, over 600 achievements, and diverse minigames like batting cages, UFO catchers, and retro arcade titles (e.g., Fantasy Zone). TheXboxHub and Eurogamer Italy highlight how side quests, school stories, and optional activities create a “rich experience” that can stretch gameplay to over 100 hours. Critics like IGN Italia and Gameblog.fr also note that the game’s integration of side missions into the narrative enhances replayability, offering players flexibility in how they engage with the world. However, several critics point out limitations that may hinder replay value. IGN Japan and Player 2 criticize repetitive gameplay elements and a lack of pressure to complete side stories, which can make exploration feel optional or tedious. Slant Magazine and Press Start Australia mention issues like protracted side quests requiring repeated minigames and convoluted navigation systems, respectively. GameSkinny and Multiplayer.it note that some side content feels redundant, while The Mako Reactor and Destructoid highlight the game’s reliance on “never-ending” mini-games that might frustrate players seeking a more streamlined experience. Additionally, critics like Ragequit.gr and Wccftech suggest that the game’s replayability is largely restricted to existing fans, as its mechanics and content may not appeal to newcomers. These critiques underscore a tension between the game’s volume of content and its execution. Overall, critics generally agree that Lost Judgment offers strong replay value despite its flaws, with many emphasizing its depth and variety as key strengths. While some critics (e.g., IGN Japan, GameSkinny) acknowledge repetitive elements, others like NME, RPG Fan, and Eurogamer Italy argue that the game’s side activities and narrative richness justify multiple playthroughs. The consensus leans toward a positive assessment, with reviewers such as Game Revolution and Multiplayer.it noting that the game’s 40–100+ hours of content provide ample incentive for exploration. However, the mixed feedback on pacing, repetition, and accessibility suggests that while the game is highly replayable for fans, its appeal may be narrower for those seeking innovation or streamlined gameplay. The balance between quantity and quality remains a central theme in the critical reception.