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The Yakuza series has become a gaming icon since its debut in 2005, thanks to the creative vision of Toshihiro Nagoshi, former SEGA president, and the Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio (RGG) team. With the legendary protagonist Kiryu Kazuma officially retired after Yakuza 6, fans eagerly anticipated the 2018 release of Judgment (originally titled Judge Eyes in Japan), a spin-off set within the same universe. While expectations ran high, some skepticism surrounded the new protagonist and the shift towards detective gameplay, exploring the “gray” areas of society rather than the traditional underworld focus of the Yakuza games. Let’s delve into what Judgment offers and see if it lives up to the legacy.

A Familiar Setting, A Fresh Perspective

Judgment unfolds in the familiar Kamuro-cho district, a staple of the Yakuza series. Players step into the shoes of Takayuki Yagami, a private detective and former lawyer, as he unravels a series of gruesome and mysterious murders. Unlike the stoic and powerful Kiryu, who often resorted to his fists, Yagami offers a fresh experience centered on investigation and deduction. The game introduces unique mechanics, including crime scene analysis, suspect tailing, and the use of drones and cameras to gather evidence.

Yagami investigating a crime scene

While Yagami’s intellect and analytical skills are paramount, he’s also a skilled martial artist, employing the Crane and Tiger styles with fluid grace. He’s even capable of parkour, allowing for dynamic traversal and combat.

Yagami displaying his martial arts skills

Judgment retains the signature RGG combat flair, featuring brutal street brawls with improvised weapons, intense boss battles, and stylish finishing moves.

A Vibrant and Engaging Kamuro-cho

Leveraging the Dragon Engine from Yakuza 6, RGG has crafted a vibrant and detailed Kamuro-cho, with enhanced lighting and shadows. Improved character animations further elevate the experience, rivaling next-gen titles. Despite its compact size, the map is packed with locations to explore, a plethora of minigames, and intriguing characters.

Kamuro-cho at night

The side quests shine with their variety and unexpected twists, reminiscent of The Witcher 3. From tracking down a missing cake to impersonating a pop idol or investigating a haunted room, these quests are consistently entertaining. They also expand Yagami’s detective network, allowing him to connect with NPCs and even pursue romantic relationships.

Yagami interacting with an NPC

The supporting characters are well-developed, with distinct personalities and compelling backstories. Nagoshi’s masterful storytelling weaves a gripping narrative that keeps players on the edge of their seats, akin to a thrilling crime drama.

A scene from Judgment

Minor Flaws in the System

Despite the engaging combat, Yagami’s attacks feel sluggish early on, improving only as upgrades become available. The tailing missions can become repetitive and tedious. Furthermore, despite the game’s title, the player’s choices rarely significantly impact the overall narrative.

Yagami facing off against enemies

Performance issues, particularly frame rate drops, plagued the original release on older hardware. While the PS5 remaster addresses these problems, the $40 upgrade fee for existing PS4 owners feels steep compared to the free upgrades offered by other titles.

A screenshot showcasing Judgment's graphics

Conclusion: A Worthy Addition to the Yakuza Universe

Despite some minor flaws, Judgment delivers a compelling detective experience within the familiar yet revitalized Kamuro-cho. The engaging narrative, intriguing side quests, and stylish combat make it a worthy addition to the Yakuza universe. While the initial combat sluggishness and some repetitive gameplay elements may deter some players, the overall experience is a thrilling and memorable one. The game is a must-try for fans of the series and those looking for a unique action-adventure title.