Judgment

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Story and Narrative

“Judgment” centers on Takayuki Yagami, a former defense attorney turned private investigator. After a high-profile case ends in disaster, Yagami leaves his law career behind and starts a new life as a detective in Kamurocho, a fictional district in Tokyo known for its seedy underworld. The game’s story kicks off when Yagami is hired to investigate a series of gruesome murders, where the victims are found with their eyes gouged out. As Yagami delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a complex web of corruption, conspiracy, and betrayal that ties back to powerful figures within Kamurocho’s criminal and legal spheres.

The narrative in “Judgment” is one of its strongest points, drawing players in with a tightly woven plot that combines elements of legal drama, crime thriller, and noir detective stories. The game’s story is both intricate and emotionally charged, with well-developed characters and numerous twists and turns that keep players engaged from start to finish. Yagami’s journey is one of redemption, as he grapples with his past failures and seeks to uncover the truth behind the murders, all while facing personal demons and moral dilemmas.

The writing in “Judgment” is top-notch, with dialogue that feels authentic and characters that are multidimensional. The game tackles themes of justice, morality, and the flaws of the legal system, often blurring the lines between right and wrong. This moral ambiguity adds depth to the story, forcing players to question the motivations of both Yagami and the other characters involved in the investigation.

One of the standout aspects of the narrative is the way “Judgment” handles its side stories and subplots. Much like the Yakuza series, the game is filled with a variety of side cases and encounters that add richness to the world and provide insight into the lives of the people in Kamurocho. These side stories range from humorous to poignant and often explore themes that complement the main narrative. They also help to break up the tension of the main plot, offering moments of levity or introspection.

Character Development

Takayuki Yagami is a compelling protagonist, different from Kazuma Kiryu, the stoic hero of the Yakuza series, but equally engaging. Yagami is a more complex character, shaped by his past as a defense attorney and his experiences on the streets of Kamurocho. He’s driven by a strong sense of justice, but he’s also haunted by guilt and self-doubt, making him a relatable and sympathetic character.

Yagami’s development throughout the game is one of the highlights of “Judgment.” As the story progresses, players see how his experiences as a detective and his interactions with others influence his worldview. The relationships he forms with the supporting cast, including his former law firm colleague Masaharu Kaito, journalist Saori Shirosaki, and others, are well-crafted and add depth to his character. These relationships are not just for show; they play a crucial role in the narrative, often impacting the decisions Yagami makes and the direction of the story.

The supporting characters in “Judgment” are equally well-developed, each with their own backstory and motivations. Kaito, for example, serves as Yagami’s loyal partner and muscle, but he also has his own history and personal struggles that are explored throughout the game. Other characters, such as the enigmatic detective Ayabe and the tough-as-nails prosecutor Mafuyu Fujii, contribute to the richness of the story, providing different perspectives on the central themes of justice and morality.

The antagonists in “Judgment” are also worthy of mention. The game’s villains are not one-dimensional; they have their own motivations and complexities, which are gradually revealed as the story unfolds. This adds layers to the narrative, as players are often challenged to understand the villains’ perspectives and the reasons behind their actions.

Gameplay Mechanics

“Judgment” builds on the core gameplay mechanics of the Yakuza series while introducing new elements that fit the detective theme. The game features a blend of action, exploration, and investigation, offering a variety of activities for players to engage in.

Combat

Combat in “Judgment” is fast-paced and dynamic, similar to the Yakuza series but with some unique twists. Yagami can switch between two fighting styles: Crane, which is effective against groups of enemies, and Tiger, which is better suited for one-on-one combat. The combat system is fluid and satisfying, allowing players to execute a wide range of moves, from punches and kicks to acrobatic takedowns. Yagami’s agility is a key aspect of the combat, enabling him to dodge attacks and use the environment to his advantage.

The game also introduces EX Actions, powerful cinematic moves that can be unleashed when Yagami’s EX Gauge is full. These moves are not only visually impressive but also highly effective, often turning the tide of battle in Yagami’s favor. Combat encounters are varied, with different enemy types and boss fights that require players to adapt their strategies.

However, while the combat is engaging, it can become repetitive over time, especially for players who are familiar with the Yakuza series. The lack of variety in enemy AI and the over-reliance on random street fights can make some battles feel like filler rather than meaningful encounters. That said, the combat in “Judgment” is still enjoyable, particularly when combined with the game’s story-driven set pieces and boss fights.

Investigation and Detective Work

One of the key differentiators between “Judgment” and the Yakuza series is the emphasis on investigation and detective work. Throughout the game, Yagami is tasked with gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and solving puzzles to progress the story. These investigation sequences are a mix of different gameplay mechanics, including:

• Tail Missions: Yagami must follow suspects without being detected, maintaining a certain distance and avoiding obstacles. These missions can be tense and add a layer of stealth to the game, though they can sometimes feel tedious due to the slow pacing.
• Chase Sequences: When suspects try to flee, Yagami engages in chase sequences where players must dodge obstacles and catch up to the target. These sequences are fast-paced and break up the slower investigation segments, though they can be somewhat simplistic in execution.
• Search Mode: Players can investigate crime scenes and locations by entering first-person mode and searching for clues. This mechanic requires players to pay attention to detail and think critically, as missing a clue can hinder progress.
• Interrogation: During certain story moments, Yagami must question suspects and witnesses, choosing the right dialogue options and presenting evidence to uncover the truth. These segments are reminiscent of courtroom dramas and add a sense of tension to the narrative.

While these investigative mechanics add variety to the gameplay, they are not always as deep or challenging as they could be. Some players might find the tailing and chase missions to be repetitive, and the search mode can sometimes feel like a simple point-and-click exercise. However, these elements do contribute to the overall detective theme of the game, helping to immerse players in Yagami’s role as a private investigator.

World-Building and Exploration

Kamurocho, the fictional district in which “Judgment” is set, is one of the most detailed and immersive open worlds in gaming. The district is a faithful recreation of Tokyo’s Kabukicho, known for its nightlife, entertainment, and crime. The city is bustling with life, filled with NPCs going about their daily routines, neon-lit streets, and a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Exploring Kamurocho is a joy, as the city is packed with things to do and discover. Players can engage in various side activities, such as playing arcade games, visiting clubs, or participating in side cases. These activities not only provide a break from the main story but also help to flesh out the world and make Kamurocho feel like a living, breathing place.

Side cases are a significant part of the game’s world-building. These are optional missions that Yagami can take on, ranging from tracking down missing persons to solving bizarre mysteries. Side cases are often quirky and humorous, showcasing the lighter side of the game’s world while also providing additional context and lore. Completing side cases rewards players with experience points, money, and new abilities, making them a worthwhile endeavor.

The game also features a friendship system, where Yagami can build relationships with various NPCs throughout Kamurocho. By helping them with their problems or simply spending time with them, players can unlock new interactions, side cases, and bonuses. This system adds a social element to the game, encouraging players to engage with the world and its inhabitants on a deeper level.

Judgment: ​​Referring to popular Japanese game franchises, no one can deny that the name Yakuza has become a monument since its first launch in 2005.

Developed by the talented director Toshihiro Nagoshi, former president of SEGA, and the team Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio (RGG), the game is named after them. Now more than 16 years old, and the main character Legendary Kiryu Kazuma has also officially “retired” from the 6th edition.

So in 2018, fans almost stood still when the name Judgment (originally named Judge Eyes in the domestic market) was announced as a spin-off game set in the same context, dance The pillar of the Yakuza and inherit many of the quintessence of this game series.

Accompanied by many expectations is also a lot of skepticism when Judgment introduces a completely new character line with gameplay that blends the investigative style rather than placing players in an underground world full of “dark sides” like other traditional Yakuza games. They want to exploit the other half of society’s “gray” side this time.

The game is set in the city of Kamuro-Cho, which is so familiar to fans of the Yakuza series, and players will accompany the main character Yagami Takayuki, a private detective, and former lawyer, along the way. Find the truth behind a series of gruesome and mysterious murder cases here.

Unlike playing the role of a strong, low-key Kiryu who has a strong preference for using the power of “fist” to solve problems. In Judgment, players will have completely new experiences investigating Yagami’s reasoning and solving crimes through many special mechanisms in the game, from analyzing crime scenes and tracking suspects to using high technology to collect evidence by controlling drones and cameras.

As a smart character with the ability to grasp psychology and be consistent, Yagami’s martial arts skills are not inferior. In the game, he can use two martial arts schools, Tiger and Crane, very flexible, plus added the ability “parkour” to help players be more flexible in both movement and combat.

As a result, Judgment retains its “RGG-branded” identities from street-style fights that combine a variety of “grab” weapons, fierce duels with powerful enemies, to the eye-catching and equally funny endings of the opponent.

With the experience of developing on the Dragon engine platform from Yakuza 6, RGG has built a Kamuro-Cho city that is very lively and vibrant day and night; the lighting and shading effects have been significantly upgraded and detailed.

The animation of the characters has also been significantly enhanced, contributing to a truly satisfying experience that is no less than the blockbuster games of the “next-gen” generation.

The map in the game is small but contains a lot of places to visit, plus there are countless mini-games and interesting characters that are always waiting for players to explore and discover.

The side quests are also a bright spot when their content is diverse and interesting, accompanied by many unexpected elements.

If you’ve ever loved the side quests in The Witcher 3, you’ll find Judgment is no less competitive, from small requests like tracking down the lost cake to a stunt double for the god singer often go to investigate the haunted room.

Through it, players will expand Yagami’s detective network by making friends with all NPCs and dating them.

The supporting character line also has a lot of acting ground. It is skillfully portrayed in terms of images and expressions and builds a deep personality, making the game circuit always interesting and never monotonous.

Director Nagoshi combines everything with an engaging narrative style that makes players feel suffocated, like enjoying a thrilling crime movie!

Despite possessing an impressive and diverse combat mechanism, at the beginning of the game, Yagami’s attack is quite slow and easily interrupted by the opponent; it is not until the player gradually opens up more upgrades that the attack rhythm flourishes and attracts.

In addition, the “following” tasks are sometimes quite cumbersome, and repetitive situations can easily frustrate many gamers.

Not to mention, even though the title is “judgment,” and there are many scenes that make the player forced to analyze and deduce to make a decision, the choices hardly carry a decisive factor or change many outcomes in the game.

Judgment’s performance also encountered some minor frame issues when “loading” the Dragon engine on older generation devices. However, this was completely fixed when RGG released the remastered version on PS5. It’s a bit confusing that players have to spend up to … 40 USD for this upgrade even though they own the previous PS4 version, instead of being “upgraded” to performance and graphics for free like another game title!

where can you get a Judgment online

Judgment – PlayStation 5: Buy it now

Judgment PS4: Buy it now

Conclusion

“Judgment” is a remarkable entry in the action-adventure genre, offering a compelling narrative, well-developed characters, and a richly detailed world. It successfully blends the best elements of the Yakuza series with new mechanics and a fresh perspective, creating a unique and engaging experience that stands on its own.

The game’s story is its strongest asset, with a gripping narrative that tackles complex themes of justice, morality, and redemption. The character development is top-notch, with a protagonist who is both relatable and complex, supported by a cast of memorable characters. The gameplay, while familiar to fans of the Yakuza series, is enhanced by the addition of detective mechanics that add variety and depth to the experience.

Visually, “Judgment” is stunning, with a detailed and atmospheric depiction of Kamurocho that immerses players in its world. The sound design, including the voice acting and music, further enhances the game’s narrative and emotional impact.

While “Judgment” has some minor flaws, such as the repetitive nature of certain gameplay elements, these are outweighed by the overall quality of the experience. The game offers plenty of content and replayability, making it a worthwhile investment for players who enjoy narrative-driven games with a mix of action and exploration.

In summary, “Judgment” is a must-play for fans of the Yakuza series and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted story with engaging characters and a richly detailed world. It’s a game that not only honors the legacy of its predecessor but also carves out its own identity, proving that Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is capable of delivering compelling narratives beyond the Yakuza series. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, “Judgment” is a game that deserves your attention.