Lost Judgment

What to Know

Critics Recommend

Average Score

Total Reviews: 93

Play It

A weak story and reused content prevent Lost Judgment from being excellent, but satisfying fast-flowing combat and substantial side-quests make this a thrilling adventure.

Play It

Critics Recommend

Critic Reviews: 93

Critics Consensus

# Reviews: 93

A weak story and reused content prevent Lost Judgment from being excellent, but satisfying fast-flowing combat and substantial side-quests make this a thrilling adventure.

Where to Play

** VSG may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

Rate and Review

What did you think of Lost Judgment?

Player Reviews0 Votes

Critic Reviews for Lost Judgment

Critic Reviews

Score Distribution

93

Reviews

Average Score - 83/100

83%

Ranges

7/10

Tristan Ogilvie (IGN)

Lost Judgment disappoints with its main story and simplistic detective work, but excels with its substantial school-based side quests.

September 16, 2021 |

Full Review

Lost Judgment is more of the same, with better detective work, great side cases, and fast-flowing combat.

September 16, 2021 |

Full Review

4.5/5 stars

Hirun Cryer (GamesRadar+)

7.3/10

Blake Hester (Game Informer)

I found a lot to love in the game, but its sloppy handling of sexual assault left a bad taste in my mouth. After a run of great games from developer RGG, Lost Judgment isn’t quite up to snuff.

September 16, 2021 |

Full Review

Tristan Ogilvie (IGN)

7/10 - (Read Review)

Lost Judgment disappoints with its main story and simplistic detective work, but excels with its substantial school-based side quests.

Hirun Cryer (GamesRadar+)

4.5/5 stars - (Read Review)

Lost Judgment is more of the same, with better detective work, great side cases, and fast-flowing combat.

Blake Hester (Game Informer)

7.3/10 - (Read Review)

I found a lot to love in the game, but its sloppy handling of sexual assault left a bad taste in my mouth. After a run of great games from developer RGG, Lost Judgment isn’t quite up to snuff.

**Read all 93 critic reviews on the desktop version of VSG.

Read the Reviews (93 total)

Outlet	Author	Score	Date	Quote	Read
33bits	Diego Sierra	95 / 100	09-16-2021	The Ryo Ga Gotoku Studio establishes itself as one of the most consistent and fittest development teams today. Lost Judgment is an authentic work of craftsmen in which not only have all the mechanics of its predecessor been polished and refined, but also have been expanded to provide the game with an endless amount of content wrapped in a story that, despite the slowness of some sections is unforgettable and will make us reflect on the true meaning of the word “justice”. A round sequel.	Read review
3DNews	Алексей Лихачев	9 / 10	10-10-2021	A great sequel aside from the tailing missions which still suck. It’s tragic if it’s really the last Judgment game.	Read review
ACG	Jeremy Penter	Recommended	09-16-2021	Video Review	Read review
Area Xbox	Kevin Arbelo	9 / 10	09-24-2021	This sequel has taken all the good of Judgment and has enhanced it, not happy with that, they have added everything that was missing from the first installment. And it is difficult not to notice the evolution that the Yagami saga has undergone. All those elements that limped have been improved and those that did not work directly, have been omitted in this sequel.	Read review
BaziCenter	Bahram Bigharaz	8.5 / 10	09-19-2021	The Lost Judgment is one of the finest works by Ryu Ga Gotoku studio yet; a mature title that pulls itself out of Yakuza’s shadow and represents an engaging and dark story combined with some solid Japaneese-Style action adventure gameplay.	Read review
Bazimag	Sina Golabzade	8.5 / 10	09-25-2021	Lost Judgment has improved enough on the last game’s core ideas and added some fun new systems to put its name forward as one of the best sequels in years. More importantly, the story deals with very timely issues that the real life decision makers don’t seem to be paying as much attention to as they should which we’ll have some dire consequences for all of us.	Read review
But Why Tho?	Kyle Foley	7.5 / 10	09-25-2021	Throughout my time with Lost Judgement, I felt torn about how I ultimately felt about the game. There were moments that I really enjoyed, especially the combat, but the handling of sexual assault and some unimaginative mechanics left me frustrated at best. All in all, I would say Lost Judgement is a perfectly okay sequel that fans of the original Judgement are sure to enjoy. It may not be amazing, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth playing. If you can handle the negatives, some genuinely great moments in Lost Judgment are worth experiencing.	Read review
CGMagazine	Preston Dozsa	8 / 10	09-16-2021	This is still a Ryu Ga Gotoku production, meaning there’s an over-the-top and at times absurd line that weaves it way throughout the entire game. In short, Lost Judgment is a damn good time.	Read review
Checkpoint Gaming	Charlie Kelly	7 / 10	09-16-2021	Lost Judgment is a hell of a game, mess and all. Passing its predecessor in some regards and lagging behind in others, it at least has solid bang for your buck and brings the franchise goods that have been built upon over recent years. However, I’m disappointed by some of the shortfalls. Female character treatment remains a problem in-game and the mystery or detective gameplay don’t feel as solid as the one prior. Still, if you’re after a living breathing world with plenty to do and some of the best combat the series has seen yet, then this is a mystery adventure that still manages to hit hard.	Read review
Chicas Gamers	Juanma Luengo	Recommended	09-16-2021	The best game of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio till the date. A masterpiece that every gamer shall play without no doubt.	Read review
COGconnected	Jaz Sagoo	85 / 100	09-16-2021	Lost Judgment is a brilliant detective story that explores controversial subject matters to express a clear message about societal issues. Whilst there is a possibility that this could evoke some painful childhood memories, the considerate telling and satisfying conclusions to stories make them easier to digest. Although the game’s structure closely follows the path paved by its predecessors, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has refined and developed its conventions to create one of their finest releases to date.	Read review
Cubed3	Justin Prinsloo	6 / 10	11-02-2021	Lost Judgment is a bittersweet event. The story aims for a mature tone but is too often a macabre, morbid misfire that strays too far from the balance between silly and serious that the series is famed for. It’s not a poorly developed title, though; the outrageously brilliant combat and sandbox distractions are clear evidence of that. It just struggles to tell the sort of meaningful, believable and sensitively weighted story that players have come to expect from this talented team.	Read review
Cultured Vultures	Nick Meekham	9 / 10	09-16-2021	With its dedication to fantastic storytelling and some innovative tweaks to its gameplay, Lost Judgment is guilty of being a damn good game. The sentence? Continued love and adoration from its fans, case closed.	Read review
Daily Mirror	Eugene Sowah	4 / 5 stars	10-12-2021	The story is gripping yet I feel all the best twists and surprises happen in the earlier part of the game, with things really slowing down as you progress. But Lost Judgement is a great game with lots of different elements that make it engaging from start to finish.	Read review
DASHGAMER.com	Dan Rizzo	9.5 / 10	10-06-2021	Lost Judgment is essential gaming this year. Packed to the brim with intensity, and engaging sequences that will leave you floored upon completion. The sensitive themes addressed here will leave players shook, and somewhat perturbed but unequivocally entertained to say the least.	Read review
Destructoid	Chris Carter	8 / 10	09-16-2021	Judgment may have been an acquired taste in many ways, but the sequel makes some of the bitterness go down easier. Given that you can basically dive in here and feel sufficiently caught up with a new case as the focus, it’s for the best. I really hope we haven’t seen the last of this subseries, because the creators seem to really care about it.	Read review
Digital Chumps	Steven McGehee	9.3 / 10	10-08-2018	Even if you do the minimum amount of side content and just stick with the main story as much as possible, you’re in for a long, interesting, and fun game. The story matter is heavy, though, and might tax some players into taking breaks more often than they might typically. To balance that, there is a lot of good humor and zaniness that you would expect from this studio, but also some endearing missions in the School Stories section where you do everything from lead a dance team, help engineer robots, box, join a motorcycle gang, and partake in a Virtua Fighter 5 tournament. Additionally, the changes that LJ has compared to the original are all positive, too — big new areas to explore, new gameplay elements in both the action and adventure portions of the experience, and yet the best parts of the original are carried over. Ultimately, this is an excellent game that I readily recommend.	Read review
Digital Trends	Giovanni Colantonio	3 / 5 stars	09-16-2021	Lost Judgment is a mechanically sound Yakuza spin-off, but its convoluted story makes it feel like a TV show that’s gone on a few seasons too long.	Read review
Digitally Downloaded	Matt Sainsbury	5 / 5 stars	09-16-2021	If you exclusively follow the main narrative then you’ll find that in Lost Judgment, Ryu Ga Gatoku Studio has delivered something every bit as compelling and interesting as anything Raymond Chandler ever wrote. The central crime story is a riveting and often uncomfortably poignant reflection on society (and also Japan’s legal system). If, on the other hand, you’re more interested in more Yakuza-style zany side-styles and a deep collection of highly playable mini-games, the Lost Judgment has you covered there, too. I can’t see how anyone could fail to love this game.	Read review
DualShockers	Jo Craig	8.5 / 10	09-16-2021	Ultimately, cancel your weekend plans and step into Yagami’s detective shoes for a stimulating saunter around Japanese streets, and don’t forget to experience the games-within-a-game arcade because, let’s face it, work can wait.	Read review
Easy Allies	Brad Ellis	4 / 5 stars	09-16-2021	Though it may tread familiar ground, Lost Judgment makes smart improvements over its predecessor and tells an enthralling narrative.	Read review
Eurogamer	Martin Robinson	Recommended	09-24-2021	RGG Studio’s broadest, most packed open world is matched by mediocre additions and an ill-fitting story.	Read review
Everyeye.it	Andrea Sorichetti	8.5 / 10	09-16-2021	Ultimately, Lost Judgment is a great sequel, characterized by inspired writing and a great deal of irreverence. A second chapter more courageous, more refined and extremely more elegant, which offers the possibility of being played by all those who have never had direct contact with the first episode or with the Yakuza saga.	Read review
Expansive	Brad Baker	Recommended	09-24-2021	Lost Judgment is great. Its over-generosity means you’ll be playing hours before, during, and after you’re done with the story, and the story at play is still much more engaging than most anything else out on the market. Rather than try to reinvent the wheel too much this time, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios have given us more of what we loved last time and flesched out the mechanics even further, ultimately still trying new things.	Read review
Game Informer	Blake Hester	7.3 / 10	09-16-2021	I found a lot to love in the game, but its sloppy handling of sexual assault left a bad taste in my mouth. After a run of great games from developer RGG, Lost Judgment isn’t quite up to snuff	Read review
Game Rant	Callum Williams	4 / 5 stars	09-16-2021	And hopefully, the Judgement series will get to act as a continuation of that formula for a long time to come, as Lost Judgment proves time and time again that it’s worthy of carrying the traditional, action-heavy direction of the series. Its detective elements may be lacking and its third act is slow, but it more than makes up for it, offering spectacle-heavy set pieces, an engrossing mystery, and a bounty of fantastic side missions. Whether a diehard fan of the Yakuza franchise or a newcomer looking to see what all the fuss is about, Lost Judgment is a thrilling adventure that shouldn’t be missed.	Read review
Game Revolution	Jason Faulkner	4.25 / 5 stars	09-22-2021	This game’s biggest fault is that it has too much going on that detracts from the main plotline. I’m hoping Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio keeps taking risks with exploring gameplay outside of the Yakuza norm, and our next outing with Judgment (or another spinoff) will go further toward distinguishing itself as a unique property.	Read review
Gameblog	Romain Mahut	9 / 10	09-16-2021	Judgment was already very good. Lost Judgment is much better. It’s as simple as that. The Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has built a titanic adventure on the already very solid pillars of the first episode. Basically, the game features a captivating main story that shows Japan like few games have done. In parallel to this, he unfolds a second plot at least as dense that really plunges into a Japanese high school. And on top of that, the title has the luxury of offering dozens of quests and side business. All helped by improvements to the gameplay and sprinkled with new mini-games. Rumors claim that Lost Judgment could be the last episode of the series because of disagreements between SEGA and Takuya Kimura’s agency.	Read review
GameMAG	Unknown	9 / 10	09-23-2021	Lost Judgment is a big step forward, with many updates based on audience reception of the original title. Sega released a game that elevates the Judgment franchise to a whole new level.	Read review
GamePro	Erik Körner	85 / 100	09-22-2021	Lost Judgment endies its predecessor. It is only through the unfocused story and technical shortcomings that the Japanese drama stumbles.	Read review
Gamer Escape	Aaron Botts	9 / 10	09-28-2021	I’m not going to be subtle here. I loved this game. I can never walk away from any game in this franchise unsatisfied, and I feel that even with my nitpicks and misgivings that this is a worthy successor to what many have seen as an interesting distraction to the main series. Lost Judgment stands upon the shoulders of its forebears with ease, is a joy to play, tells an intimate story with a (mostly) deft hand, and knows how to value add with the best in the series. This is not only a great sequel, it’s also a great addition in any gamer’s library. Period. Saying this is a must buy is an understatement. It’s a shining example of what a great Yakuza game can be.	Read review
Gamers Heroes	Blaine Smith	7 / 10	09-24-2021	Lost Judgment is another great entry in the Yakuza franchise, but one shadowed by better entries. The combat is incredible, the world still exciting and full of character, and the story is a worthwhile telling	Read review
Gamersky	细拉	8.9 / 10	09-25-2021	Although “Lost Judgment has some “soup or medicine”, it is still a rare masterpiece.	Read review
GameSkinny	George Yang	7 / 10	09-15-2021	Lost Judgment is a good follow-up to 2019’s excellent Judgment. It’s more of the same, but that doesn’t matter too much when the core is already great.	Read review
GameSpew	Richard Seagrave	9 / 10	09-16-2021	For those who have played and enjoyed Judgment, the decision to pick up Lost Judgment should be a no-brainer. With a brand new story that’s just as engaging (if not more so) than the first, as well as many gameplay improvements and a bucketload of new content, it’s a fine example of a sequel done right. It’s like a lucky dip where every time you load it up to play you’re never sure what you’re in for – but you’ll rarely, if ever, be disappointed. Variety is the spice of life, they say, and Lost Judgment might just be the spiciest game I’ve played this year.	Read review
GameSpot	Richard Wakeling	7 / 10	09-16-2021	Detective Yagami returns for another scintillating mystery that suffers from the same problems as before.	Read review
GamesRadar+	Hirun Cryer	4.1 / 5 stars	09-16-2021	Lost Judgment is more of the same, with better detective work, great side cases, and fast-flowing combat.	Read review
GamingBolt	Shubhankar Parijat	9 / 10	09-16-2021	By building on the first game’s strengths and taking confident steps forward in some key areas, Lost Judgment delivers an arresting and captivating experience that surpasses its predecessor in every way possible.	Read review
GamingTrend	David Flynn	85 / 100	09-16-2021	Lost Judgement is a small leap forward for the Yakuza spinoff series. While I would have expected a bit more from a sequel, what’s here is still just as enjoyable as the first game, if not more so. The highschool additions are a novel look at the often used Japanese setting, while still focusing on the crime drama and investigation fans love.	Read review
Generación Xbox	Juan Lorente	9 / 10	09-16-2021	Lost Judgment is a phenomenal improvement over its prequel and becomes a must-have for all Yakuza series fans out there.	Read review
GuiltyBit	Daniel G. Astarloa	8 / 10	09-16-2021	Lost Judgment is a very successful sequel for the position it is in. Its potential lies in its secondary activity, and with that we are left with a large number of hours of fun ahead.	Read review
Hardcore Gamer	Jordan Helm	4.5 / 5 stars	09-16-2021	Coming away from any title in the Yakuza universe, to remark glowingly about its story and all the many characters and spots of exposition that entails, has become somewhat of a given.	Read review
Hey Poor Player	Unknown	5 / 5 stars	09-16-2021	Building upon its predecessor in every conceivable way, Lost Judgment is a superb sequel that tells a story that will leave you asking yourself what justice means to you. It’s a gripping thrill ride full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. And even after the credits roll, the city streets will call you back for more with their countless distractions.	Read review
Hobby Consolas	David Martinez	89 / 100	09-16-2021	Lost Judgment adds new mechanics and minigames to the Yakuza formula, although it is still a conservative approach. We loved the story, the characters and the realistic streets of Kamurocho in Tokyo and Ijincho in Yokohama.	Read review
IGN	Tristan Ogilvie	7 / 10	09-16-2021	Lost Judgment disappoints with its main story and simplistic detective work, but excels with its substantial school-based side quests.	Read review
IGN Italy	Biagio Etna	8.9 / 10	09-16-2021	A sequel overflowing with content, well-written and scripted, and with a varied, deep and satisfying combat system.	Read review
IGN Middle East	Zaher Albalbisi	7 / 10	09-17-2021	Lost Judgment brings more fun beat em up go crazy style gameplay with more goofy missions in a stunning world filled with all sorts of activities, the story is worth a shot too but only if you can be patent with its way too much-prolonged events and badly written dialogues, but however, it seems that the game biggest issue is living in the shadow of Yakuza games success and not building on it in the right way.	Read review
IGN Spain	Rafa Del Río	9 / 10	09-16-2021	‎Lost Judgment is the best work without discussion by Toshihiro Nagoshi. What began with Shenmue and Yakuza takes on special importance in a delivery that polishes all the details to become something very special whose criticism and argument will conquer your complicity as a player.‎	Read review
Impulsegamer	Abdul Saad	4.3 / 5 stars	10-13-2021	In short, while Lost Judgement isn’t a perfect sequel, it still lives up to its predecessor as it offers new refreshing gameplay mechanics alongside an engaging story.	Read review
JVL	Nyam Hazz	8 / 10	10-30-2021	If Lost Judgment is considered the second knife in the Yakuza series, it does not have to be ashamed of the comparison, especially since if the latter has chosen to take a new direction, it remains faithful to the initial spirit. With its dynamic and beautifully choreographed fights, it is a focus on the show with even more fighting styles. And the investigation part has also improved with much more pace.	Read review
Metro GameCentral	GameCentral	7 / 10	09-22-2021	There’s so much reused content it barely feels like a new game at times but the storytelling in Lost Judgment is some of the best, and most thoughtful, the Yakuza series has ever known.	Read review
MonsterVine	Spencer Legacy	4.5 / 5 stars	10-01-2021	Though its story can be a bit contrived, the themes, combat, and overwhelming breadth of content in Lost Judgment make it another hit for Ryu ga Gotoku studios.	Read review
Niche Gamer	Fingal Belmont	9 / 10	10-11-2021	Most gamers will come for the balls to the wall, bone breaking, violent kung-fu action and adventure. Some may come for the mini-games and retro video games. No matter who plays Lost Judgment; everyone will stay for the dramatic, thrilling story and characters.	Read review
Noisy Pixel	Unknown	9 / 10	09-16-2021	Lost Judgment is yet another home run for RGG Studio. It boasts an engaging, jaw-dropping narrative with emotional mysteries connected within an immense web of interconnected conspiracies. Additionally, the game’s bold nature in tackling darker themes that can sharply resonate with young adult audiences is remarkably well done.	Read review
NoobFeed	Adam Siddiqui	95 / 100	12-04-2021	Lost Judgment is an exceptionally dark adventure that takes on sensitive topics teeming with outstanding action that shouldn’t be overlooked.	Read review
Paste Magazine	Dia Lacina	7.5 / 10	09-16-2021	Tying Judgment to a combat system that even the original franchise has left behind feels like a decision to hobble the imagination this studio has demonstrated time and time again. We’ve spent over a decade and seven games learning what a Yakuza game feels like, and 2019’s first step into the spinoff series Judgment impressed the hell out of me, but now it’s time for the franchise to figure out what it wants to be. And I hope it can do that by standing on its own.	Read review
Player2.net.au	Stephen del Prado	Recommended	10-07-2021	Whether this is a first trip to Kamurocho or simply the latest of many, Lost Judgment is an engaging experience and hopefully not the last we see of Yagami Takayuki.	Read review
PlayStation LifeStyle	Paulmichael Contreras	8.5 / 10	09-17-2021	Lost Judgment is a subtle improvement on the original, and continues the fun of seeing the seedy sides of Kamurocho and Ijincho while staying mostly on the good side of the law. A new combat style combined with a few more tricks up Yagami-san’s sleeves provide more entertaining ways to dispatch or get the upper hand on enemies, and of course the usual slate of minigames offer a much-needed respite from the main campaign’s twisted story. It may tread a lot of the same ground as the previous game, but that is absolutely a good thing.	Read review
PlayStation Universe	John-Paul Jones	9 / 10	09-16-2021	A fantastic action adventure that taps directly into the root DNA of the Yakuza franchise, Lost Judgment not only manages to simultaneously boast both the darkest and the goofiest storylines of any title in the series to date, but it also stuns the player with an absolute avalanche of hugely entertaining side quests and activities. More than that though, Lost Judgment also provides solace for those who found themselves turned off by the turn-based combat system that the mainline Yakuza series now seems to favour, while welcoming newcomers to one of the best new Japanese franchises of the last two decades.	Read review
Polygon	Kazuma Hashimoto	Not Recommended	09-16-2021	There is just so much to do in Lost Judgment, both to its benefit and detriment. The story felt so bloated by the time it hit its climax that I was relieved to see it end. Ultimately, this is another case of one step forward, two steps back for Ryu ga Gotoku Studio, just like Yakuza: Like a Dragon and its presentation of topical issues in Japan. Even though Lost Judgment tries to open a conversation about bullying and sexual harassment, those themes end up taking a back seat in favor of bombastic drama. Lost Judgment succeeds in its emulation of a Japanese legal drama, but it’s a mediocre one that would have benefited from a smaller scope, or at least, a better grasp on what it’s trying to comment on.	Read review
Press Start	Kieron Verbrugge	8 / 10	09-16-2021	Lost Judgment rectifies a lot of the shortcomings of its predecessor while repeating a few of them. A compelling murder mystery coupled with intoxicating side content and sumptuous visuals make this another solid Ryu ga Gotoku title even if franchise fatigue threatens to take off some of that shine. It succeeds by expanding on what made Judgment great while offering the best real-time combat experience yet. Plus, you can skateboard and solve crimes with a Shiba Inu – I don’t think I need to say much more than that.	Read review
PSX Brasil	Luis Guilherme Machado Camargo	95 / 100	10-04-2021	Lost Judgment is a natural evolution of Judgment and it brings an absolutely incredible story with very modern themes. The whole package comes with an absurd amount of content for both the main and optional adventures. The excessive amount of mechanics could be cut or properly deepened, but that’s a small problem in an absolutely phenomenal package.	Read review
Push Square	Robert Ramsey	8 / 10	09-23-2021	A weaker overall story and some serious pacing issues prevent Lost Judgment from reaching the excellence of its predecessor, but this is still a fantastic character-driven detective drama. Crunching combat and a frankly ridiculous amount of impressively in-depth side content make this one of the most robust Yakuza-style offerings ever	Read review
Reno Gazette-Journal	Jason Hidalgo	9 / 10	10-05-2021	Even as gaming trumps the movie industry from a financial standpoint, there’s still a notion among certain circles that video games are for kids and man-children and shouldn’t be taken seriously. Games such as Lost Judgment, however, make a case for games as a serious art form thanks to an almost manic attention to detail and willingness to tackle uncomfortable yet real issues. It’s not perfect and its social takes can be inelegant or even seem misguided at times. At the same, it also shows that gaming isn’t all fun and games and can be serious business.	Read review
Rice Digital	Isaac Todd	Recommended	10-01-2021	There’s still a lot to love in Lost Judgment. Nearly everything outside of the main story has been improved since Judgment, and I’m still not tired of scouring the city for new side-content. But it’s hard to ignore how poorly the story often handles one of its main subjects, and the way that certain characters are written. You’ll still get the usual mix of chaotic fights and funny one-liners though, alongside a slew of new side activities and stories, so it’s still easy to recommend Lost Judgment to fans of the franchise.	Read review
RPGamer	Sam Wachter	3.5 / 5 stars	10-12-2021	Lost Judgment is a great game plagued by lots of little mistakes that sadly are too much to ignore. While it’s not as strong as the first installment, it’s worth playing to see how Yagami’s story comes to an end.	Read review
Saudi Gamer	Unknown	8 / 10	09-16-2021	It might not offer much over the previous entry, but it’s still a polished experience, melding a lively world with a great battle system and an intriguing story. A relaxing experience more than a thrilling one.	Read review
Saving Content	Evan Rowe	4 / 5 stars	12-08-2021	Lost Judgment has so much going on in it, it’s kind of hard to paint a complete picture of what’s available. This is a full-fat experience, building on the promise of the first game and feeling like a much more well-realized iteration of the concept’s vision. In most ways, I think Lost Judgment is successful in proving it’s capable of carrying itself, though it has the double-edged fortune of both standing on the shoulders of last year’s epic Yakuza: Like a Dragon while also trying to escape its shadow. It’s a worthy follow-up that feels like it’s building up to something great, and while the narrative doesn’t conclude with quite the same impact as its forbear, it’s still a well-told story with depth, heart, and insight. The fact that the rest of the game is so rich and that the characters are so well written make Lost Judgment an easy recommendation, and its an adventure you won’t soon forget.	Read review
Screen Rant	Cody Gravelle	5 / 5 stars	09-16-2021	Lost Judgment is nothing short of stunning. It’s tightly-packed narrative never fails to enthrall, while its gameplay systems make navigating to each of its engrossing narrative beats an exciting experience in its own right. While Judgment felt a bit more like a proof of concept for how a Yakuza spin-off could be done, its sequel is evidence there needs to be more. 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.	Read review
SECTOR.sk	Michal Korec	8.5 / 10	12-13-2021	Takayumi Yagami investigate two crimes at once. And he is successful.	Read review
Shacknews	Chris Jarrard	7 / 10	09-16-2021	When I take a step back from Lost Judgment and look at all the individual parts, it feels more like a self-serve buffet rather than a specific meal that a chef made for me. There is a time and place for tossing everything you have at the wall and seeing what sticks, and there are also times when using restraint would be a better option. I am sure that my lack of experience in Japanese culture works against how I perceive many of the sequences in Lost Judgment and I’m sure series fanatics will eat it up. Sega is clearly capable of making a compelling mystery game that could stand in league with the work we see out of studios like Naughty Dog, but that will require a more focused, better-paced approach that Lost Judgement seems eager to avoid.	Read review
Skill Up	Ralph Panebianco	Not Recommended	09-16-2021	Video Review	Read review
Slant Magazine	Steven Scaife	3 / 5 stars	10-25-2021	While Lost Judgment isn’t a uniquely disappointing take on the Yakuza formula, it also isn’t particularly exciting given that it’s so easy to imagine the more daring, experimental game that could have been.	Read review
Softpedia	Cosmin Vasile	8 / 10	10-10-2021	Lost Judgment is more of the same with some fine tuning, but there are no revolutionary updates. There are more activities than ever, but the interface is the very same. There is a more fluid a spectacular combat system, but the AI is just the same. The analysis of the environment for clues still feels underdeveloped, and the tailing of people is still clunky, despite the new mechanics.	Read review
SomHráč.sk	Róbert Herda	85 / 100	10-28-2021	Takayuki Yagami hits the homerun again. Lost Judgment definitely measures up to its predecessor.	Read review
SpazioGames	Unknown	8.2 / 10	09-16-2021	Lost Judgment is too easy and doesn’t reach the high levels of storytelling RGG Studio is famous for, but it’s nonetheless a great crime action drama you may want to play.	Read review
Stevivor	Matt Gosper	8.5 / 10	09-16-2021	Unveiling the game’s central mystery step by step is always exciting, and there’s enough levity throughout the rest of the game to offset the darker tone that this central story revels in. There’s plenty to see and do throughout this game, and I’m excited for the added content coming over the next year, expanding the school setting and the story of Yagami’s best bud, Kaito.	Read review
TechRaptor	David Restrepo	8.5 / 10	09-16-2021	Lost Judgment shows why RGG is at the top of their game. Its setbacks are hardly noticeable given its strengths.	Read review
The Games Machine	Marco Ravetto	8.8 / 10	09-16-2021	Lost Judgment is a high quality sequel. It’s fun to play, despite the few gameplay changes compared to its predecessor, and has a very engaging and well-acted story. There is never a moment of boredom when playing in the role of Takayuka Yagami, moving between Kamarucho and Yokohama in search of the truth, with a thousand doubts in mind, a thousand enemies to defeat and a thousand extra activities to try.	Read review
TheSixthAxis	Jason Coles	7 / 10	09-21-2021	While I really enjoyed Lost Judgment, the mishandling of some of the core, and incredibly sensitive themes really did reduce the experience. I still think it’s a good game, but my feelings about it have definitely diminished since the opening hours, which I’m rather disappointed about. Still, if you like the Yakuza series and its spin-off games in general, you’ll probably love this.	Read review
TrueGaming	Unknown	8 / 10	09-16-2021	Lost Judgment is a very special experience, especially for fans of the first version with a very interesting story that deserves to be acquired.	Read review
Twinfinite	Andrew McMahon	5 / 5 stars	09-16-2021	In short, Lost Judgement takes everything that was great about the original and makes it that much better. It’s got a magnificent story, great characters, an enormous amount of side characters, and great combat all in one package. It’s just one of those games that you won’t want to put down for bed while also being the reason you get up early for work in order to play just a little bit more. Lost Judgment is simply a perfect sequel.	Read review
VGC	Matthew Castle	4 / 5 stars	09-16-2021	Lively combat and engrossing social clubs keep you busy, but it’s the much-improved detective story that elevates Lost Judgment above the original.	Read review
VGChartz	Paul Broussard	6.5 / 10	10-07-2021	Lost Judgment has, perhaps fittingly, somewhat lost itself. It’s focused so much on cleaning up the gameplay that it forgot what really gave Yakuza its appeal to begin with; the charm and soul of the writing, setting, and characters.	Read review
Video Chums	Mary Billington	7.6 / 10	10-08-2021	For a detective game, Lost Judgment presents an intriguingly complex story and a decent variety of gameplay and gadgets. However, it takes a long time to get interesting and the actual detective work is a bit too linear for hardcore mystery fans like me.	Read review
Washington Post	Gene Park	85FALSE	09-16-2021	Lost Judgment is the most captivating, dramatic and transfixing story of the year, and that should be no surprise to fans of RGG Studio’s output.	Read review
WayTooManyGames	Leonardo Faria	9 / 10	09-25-2021	I used to consider its predecessor a good game, but one of the weakest titles in the Yakuza universe. This one is the complete opposite. It stands right next to Yakuza 0 and Like a Dragon in the pantheon of greatest titles in the series.	Read review
Wccftech	Unknown	9 / 10	09-16-2021	With its excellent detective story, extremely likable characters, and welcome improvements to combat and investigation mechanics, Lost Judgment won’t disappoint any fan of the original, of the Yakuza series, or anyone looking for a very mature story. The game doesn’t try to shake up the original formula, which may definitely put some players off, but this is hardly a problem when quality is as high as it is in the latest game from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio.	Read review
WellPlayed	Kieran Stockton	8.5 / 10	09-21-2021	An enthralling murder mystery with mature themes makes Lost Judgment one of the best narratives in the series. Yagami and his cohort are in their element as detectives and lawyers doggedly pursuing justice and truth, so much so that its relatively easy to overlook some of the tonal dissonance with the side content.	Read review
Windows Central	Rachel Kaser	4 / 5 stars	09-16-2021	Lost Judgment is a great mystery game with the signature Yakuza flair. If you’re a fan, or even if you’re not, you’ll have a fun time with this game despite its dark subject matter.	Read review
Worth Playing	Chris “Atom” DeAngelus	8.5 / 10	09-16-2021	Lost Judgment can best be described as The Yakuza Game With The High School. It’s familiar and comfortable, and it’s likely to please fans of the franchise who weren’t thrilled with the JRPG style of the last game. The storyline is sometimes too grim even for a Yakuza title, and it plays things a bit safe, but it’s still a darn fun experience. If this really is the Judgment spin-off’s last entry, then it’s a fitting send-off to the sub-franchise.	Read review
Xbox Achievements	Richard Walker	80 / 100	09-16-2021	If you need additional proof that developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is a master of its craft, then look no further. Though slightly flawed in places, Lost Judgment is, nonetheless, yet another deeply compelling detective story, brimming with murder, mystery, intrigue, and more twists than a bag of pretzels.	Read review
ZTGD	Jae Lee	8.5 / 10	10-28-2021	Lost Judgement is a step up from the original in almost every way with improved pacing, a more polished combat engine and a laundry list of fun side activities to get lost in. If not for the pedestrian detective elements, this could’ve been a new classic in the genre, and despite its notable flaws, it is still a story well worth experiencing.	Read review

** Learn more about how to become a MetaMeter-approved Critic.

Game Info

Game Description / Storyline:

SEIZE THE TRUTH – December 2021, Tokyo district court. Akihiro Ehara stands accused of groping a woman on a crowded train. A bystander’s video footage of his attempt to flee the scene and subsequent apprehension is all over the news, and public outcry demands a maximum sentence. “Three days ago, a dead body was found in an abandoned building in Yokohama. Have you identified it yet?” he proclaims as confusion cuts through the court room. His defense lawyer, Saori Shirosaki, has no doubt that crucial details of the situation have been overlooked, as Ehara was not even tried for the murder. She contacts detective Takayuki Yagami to investigate this further. How could Ehara have committed two crimes at once? Was the sexual battery just a cover up? Has Ehara gamed the entire justice system? As victims surface and Yagami digs farther into the truth, he is faced with a question: Defend the law, or enact justice? From just a single stumble, one can become a monster… BRINGING JUSTICE AT THE EDGE OF THE LAW – Put Yagami’s distinct martial arts forms to the test in order get to the bottom of the case. Harness the Crane, Tiger, and new Snake stance, a graceful style that can deflect and return an opponent’s strikes, using their energy against them. EVERYONE’S GOT A STORY -Employ Yagami’s arsenal of detective tricks with new gadgets, stealthily tracking suspects, and crafty methods of infiltration. Leave no stone unturned in pursuit of the truth as you take on cases in both Tokyo and Yokohama.

RELEASE DATES:

DEVELOPER(S):

PUBLISHER(S):

GENRES:

SERIES/FRANCHISE:

GAME MODES:

GAME ENGINE:

DLC:

BUNDLED IN:

DIRECTOR(S):

PRODUCER(S):

DESIGNER(S):

PROGRAMMER(S):

ARTIST(S):

WRITER(S):

COMPOSER(S):

LINKS:

AGE RATING:

Detailed Information

GAME MODES:

GAME ENGINE:

DLC:

BUNDLED IN:

DIRECTOR(S):

PRODUCER(S):

DESIGNER(S):

PROGRAMMER(S):

ARTIST(S):

WRITER(S):

COMPOSER(S):

Developed by Ryū Ga Gotoku Studios. All titles, content, brand names, trademarks, logos, artwork, and associated imagery are trademarks and/or copyright material of their respective owners. © All rights reserved.