The Yakuza franchise from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio represents one of the crowning reasons why I hold the PS2 and its library as the greatest single console and library in history. The first two games of this ongoing franchise were released some fifteen years ago, with remasters as recently as last-gen, and sequels coming out even in current gen. Several months ago I reviewed the latest, Yakuza: Like A Dragon which was a timed-exclusive launch title for the Xbox Series X. Even more recently were the PS5 release of Like A Dragon. And now, we have the current-gen releases of Judgment, a PS4 spin-off title that was just re-released on the PS5.
Dial back about two years and Judgment was first released on the PS4. Our own Eric Layman wrote one of his superb reviews that he’s been known for for over a decade here at Digital Chumps. I strongly encourage you to read it because a) he’s played more of Judgment than I have at the time of this writing, and b) his write-up is stellar and covers the game thoroughly. Furthermore, as far as re-releases go, Judgment on PS5 is about as run-of-the-mill as you can get. Expect improved lighting, a steady 60fps in 4K, faster load times, all previous DLC (which is all cosmetic, no new story content), and DualSense support which gives some neat haptic feedback effects in combat and other areas. That’s all nice and good to be sure, don’t get me wrong — and the $40 price point to boot makes this a must-have as far as I’m concerned for anyone that does not already own it on PS4 (who cannot get a free upgrade, by the way) — but given that nothing has changed to the story or core experience, a replay is not particularly warranted for those who have already taken Takayuki Yagami through his journey in the wonderfully familiar Kamurocho.
The story of Judgment is lengthy, well thought out, and comprises well over a dozen characters and offers players dozens of hours of playtime across a baker’s dozen of chapters. Though the city that the game takes place in, Kamurocho, is well-known to players of Yakuza, you can come completely fresh into Judgment, not knowing a single thing about the massive Yakuza franchise, and still have a thoroughly enjoyable time. You won’t feel like you’re missing out on anything, but obviously, using Judgment to springboard into Yakuza is bound to happen for some (wise) players. This welcoming approach is in thanks to Judgment having its own host of characters, protagonists and antagonists alike, though there are some light ‘hooks’ to Yakuza in as far as different clans being in the story. Still, as someone who has not played through all of the Yakuza series yet, it’s quite refreshing to step into the universe and being comforted by the fact that it’s a whole new experience with no prior knowledge needed.
What you will find out very quickly in the opening hour of Judgment is that you are in control of Takayuki Yagami, aka Tak, a mid-30s, former defense attorney who is driven to be the best. Apparently acquittals are very rare in Japan according to the game’s story, but, Tak nets his client a massive acquittal, only to have that client murder his girlfriend soon after, which throws Tak in a life-crisis of sorts. He decides to stop being an attorney and starts a private detective agency three years after the tragedy. The game begins in earnest with players tracking a suspicious character, using a gameplay mechanic that has you keeping your distance based upon a meter in the HUD. At times, you’ll have to play through a QTE that sees you chasing down suspects. Though a little overused, these sneak-and-follow and all-out-run sequences are pretty well done and a good angle on the game.
Tak and his former-Yakuza friend get wrapped up in a big criminal conspiracy, forcing players to duke it out on the streets and in offices of Kamurocho as players of the Yakuza series are quite familiar with. I loved the combat system in Judgment, too — Tak utilizes two styles, Crane and Tiger. Visual effects (blue and red) display which one you’re currently in, with the former being ideal for multiple foes as it features more sweeping, kicking attacks while Tiger is more power and 1v1 focused with heavy fist impact. Both styles look and feel wonderfully and the animations are great and always smooth. Lots of environmental attacks are available, as well as the EX attacks as Eric detailed in his review. For as much combat as there is in Judgment, I’m glad to say it looks, feels, plays, and runs so smoothly that I didn’t mind the random encounters with street punks. And even though the turn-based combat in Yakzua: LAD did not turn out to be as bad as I feared, I much prefer the free-flow combat in Judgment, though I do wonder if the presumed sequel will maintain this or go turn-based.
Though the main story is obviously the prime attraction in Judgment, all of the side quests and optional friendship events you can get into are also bound to extend your playtime. As noted in one article I read, it’s too bad that this release of doesn’t include the ability to better track your Trophies as part of the PS5s functionality, as I surmise many of the Trophies are based upon these side game antics, but nevertheless.
In sum, Judgment on the PS5 is a must-have for those that haven’t already paid or played through it on PS4. Unfortunately, previous owners cannot get a free upgrade, but, at least the MSRP for Judgment on PS5 is $40. This release does not offer anything new as far as gameplay, but, it is complete, runs like silk, and reminds us all how good of a game this was two years ago and still is today. Not to mention, its arrival is likely foreshadowing the imminent announcement of a sequel.
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