Judgment (video game)

File:Judgement PS4 tailing mission.jpg

Judgment is an action-adventure game with a third-person perspective. It follows private detective Takayuki Yagami as he investigates a serial murder case in Kamurocho, a fictional district of Tokyo, Japan, previously featured in the Yakuza franchise. When asked about similarities between Judgment and other Yakuza titles, series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi said that "the location and assets might be the same, but the gameplay and story here are drastically different".{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/09/24/no-yakuza-characters-will-appear-in-project-judge-yakuza-studio-head-confirms-tgs-2018|title=No Yakuza Characters Will Appear In Project Judge, Yakuza Head Confirms – TGS 2018|website=IGN|date=September 24, 2018 |access-date=January 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102143302/https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/09/24/no-yakuza-characters-will-appear-in-project-judge-yakuza-studio-head-confirms-tgs-2018|archive-date=January 2, 2019|url-status=live}} Yagami can buy items to restore his health in stores based on real-life counterparts, similar to the Yakuza games. However, Yagami can suffer from Mortal Wounds, which permanently decreases Yagami's maximum health. The only way to recover is to visit an underground doctor for treatment or purchase a medical kit, which are relatively expensive.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/judgment-tips-game/|title=Judgment tips: 9 essential things you need to know before you play|publisher=GamesRadar|access-date=February 28, 2020|author=Russell, Bradley|date=June 20, 2019|archive-date=February 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228225459/https://www.gamesradar.com/judgment-tips-game/|url-status=live}}

Judgment features a combat system where players can change between two different fighting styles: crane-style, which focuses on fighting groups of enemies, and tiger-style, which focuses on fighting individuals. Yagami also incorporates parkour elements, like wall-running and leapfrogging, in his fighting style.{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/judgments-combat-trailer-shows-off-its-flashy-over-the-top-yakuza-style-action/|title=Judgment's Combat Trailer Shows Off Its Flashy Over-The-Top Yakuza-Style Action|publisher=Siliconera|access-date=February 20, 2020|date=May 30, 2019|archive-date=February 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228225459/https://www.siliconera.com/judgments-combat-trailer-shows-off-its-flashy-over-the-top-yakuza-style-action/|url-status=live}} Similar to the previous games in the Yakuza series, Yagami can perform brutal takedowns of enemies through "EX Actions" (a fundamentally identical system to Like a Dragon's Heat Actions), enter an enhanced state where he becomes stronger in battle, labelled "EX Boost" in Judgment, and can team up with allies to perform powerful combination attacks. Accomplishing sidequests or achievements in the main narrative rewards the player with points that can be used to enhance Yagami's skills and teach him new techniques.{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/judgment-quickly-establishes-masaharu-kaitos-role/|title=Judgment Quickly Establishes Masaharu Kaito's Role|publisher=Siliconera|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204004851/https://www.siliconera.com/judgment-quickly-establishes-masaharu-kaitos-role/|archive-date=February 4, 2020|access-date=February 3, 2020|author=Lada, Jenni|date=June 13, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/1812/18/news131.html|title=コンビニを破壊するキムタクが見られるのは「JUDGE EYES」だけ！ "キムタクが如く"発売でキムタク祭り発生|website=Itmedia|language=Japanese|access-date=April 15, 2021|archive-date=April 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415211355/https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/1812/18/news131.html|url-status=live}}

The game also features an investigation mode, where the player must search a scene for clues and evidence of a crime.{{cite web |date=September 12, 2018 |title=Project Judge Feels Like a Yakuza Spin-off All the Way Down to the Return of Kamurocho |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/project-judge-judge-eyes-yakuza-demo-preview |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915192339/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/project-judge-judge-eyes-yakuza-demo-preview |archive-date=September 15, 2018 |access-date=September 15, 2018 |publisher=US Gamer}} Players must infiltrate areas by lock picking and use disguises to gather information or find objects of interest. The game has sections where the player pursues a suspect. These take the form of tailing sequences, where players must follow a suspect while avoiding being seen, and chase sequences, where players must avoid oncoming obstacles while running to catch a fleeing suspect.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4SdIg5EL4s|access-date=July 17, 2019|title=『JUDGE EYES：死神の遺言 新価格版』ゲームショートトレーラー|publisher=Youtube|work=Official Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio|date=May 20, 2019 |archive-date=September 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924135026/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4SdIg5EL4s|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/judgment-trailer-looks-at-the-tools-takayuki-yagami-can-use-to-solve-cases/|title=Judgment Trailer Looks At The Tools Takayuki Yagami Can Use To Solve Cases|work=Siliconera|date=March 7, 2019|access-date=February 28, 2020|archive-date=February 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228225500/https://www.siliconera.com/judgment-trailer-looks-at-the-tools-takayuki-yagami-can-use-to-solve-cases/|url-status=live}}

File:Shinjuku (24337685644).jpg

Yagami can take on several side cases in addition to the main storyline, similar to the "substories" in other Yakuza games. He can undertake them by looking at the noticeboard in his office, asking at the Genda Law Office or Bar Tender, or by walking the streets of Kamurocho. Certain meetings trigger a Friendship level that can evolve across the game through interacting with a character. Some of these meetings involve finishing sidequests, while other scenarios are inspired by dating sim games. Like other Yakuza titles, the player can find minigames and side activities scattered around Kamurocho, which include drone racing, a virtual reality board game, and fully playable versions of Space Harrier, Fantasy Zone, Fighting Vipers, Motor Raid, Out Run, Virtua Fighter 5: Final Showdown, and Puyo Puyo.{{cite web|url=https://themakoreactor.com/featured/judgment-ps4-minigames-list/841/|title=Here's Every Mini-Game in Judgment for PS4|publisher=The Mako Reactor|access-date=February 28, 2020|date=June 18, 2019|archive-date=February 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228225508/https://themakoreactor.com/featured/judgment-ps4-minigames-list/841/|url-status=live}}

Judgment takes place in 2018, and stars Takayuki Yagami (Takuya Kimura/Greg Chun), a former attorney-turned-private investigator residing in the Kamurochō district. The story of Judgment involves Yagami investigating several yakuza murder cases committed by an unidentified serial killer, dubbed "the Mole", which eventually leads to him uncovering a massive conspiracy linked to his last case from his attorney days. Yagami's supporting cast includes: Masaharu Kaito (Shinshū Fuji/Crispin Freeman), a former member of the Tojo Clan's Matsugane Family who is Yagami's detective partner; Ryuzo Genda (Akira Nakao/Brian McNamara), director of Genda Law Office and Yagami's former mentor who is also one of his father figures; Mitsugu Matsugane (Tomomichi Nishimura/JB Blanc), patriarch of the Matsugane Family who raised Yagami after the latter's parents were murdered; Saori Shirosaki (Yūko Kaida/Aimée Castle), Issei Hoshino (Yū Hayashi/Joe Zieja), and Masamichi Shintani (Takuya Kirimoto/Keythe Farley), defense attorneys working at Genda Law Office; Mafuyu Fujii (Risa Shimizu/Cherami Leigh), a public prosecutor and close friend of Yagami and Shirosaki; Makoto Tsukumo (Jun Miyamoto/River Kanoff), a recluse and technology expert who often assists Yagami in his investigation; Toru Higashi (Yoshihisa Kawahara/Steve Blum), a Matsugane Family member who looks up to Kaito; Fumiya Sugiura (Junta Terashima/Mark Whitten), a masked thief who offers to help Yagami's investigation with unknown motivations; and Kazuya Ayabe (Kenichi Takitō/Matthew Yang King), a corrupt police officer who sells top-secret information for his own gains.

Yagami's investigation of the Mole brings him into conflict with several characters: Kyohei Hamura (Miou Tanaka/Fred Tatasciore), captain of the Matsugane family who has ties to the murder cases; Mitsuru Kuroiwa (Shōsuke Tanihara/Matthew Mercer), a detective working for the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's organized crime division; Yoji Shono (Makoto Nagai/Michael Gough), a researcher at the Advanced Drug Development Center (ADDC); Ryusuke Kido (Hiroshi Shirokuma/Andrew Morgado), the director of the ADDC; and Kaoru Ichinose (Takaya Hashi/Kirk Thornton), the Vice Minister of Health who oversees the ADDC's activities. Other characters featured in the main story include: Shinpei Okubo (Shinji Kawada/Yuri Lowenthal), a former ADDC janitor who was acquitted from a murder charge by Yagami, only to be arrested for allegedly murdering his girlfriend, Emi Terasawa (Eri Goda/Amy Walker); Ko Hattori (Tetsu Shiratori/Sunil Malhotra), a reporter who is in constant conflict with Yagami and created the smear campaign against him following Okubo's second arrest; Shigeru Kajihira (Haruhiko Jō/Ed O'Ross), chairman of the Kajihira Group and secret financial backer of the Kyorei Clan, a Kyoto-based yakuza organization; Satoshi Shioya (Masaki Terasoma/Keith Silverstein), captain of the Kyorei Clan; and Kunihiko Morita (Junpei Morita/Jamieson Price), chief prosecutor and Fujii's superior.

In 2015, attorney Takayuki Yagami investigates the Advanced Drug Development Center (ADDC) for the death of patient Koichi Waku, successfully clearing accused worker Shinpei Okubo of the murder charge. However, Okubo is arrested shortly thereafter for allegedly murdering his girlfriend, Emi Terasawa. Guilt-ridden, Yagami resigns from his law firm.

Three years later, Yagami has become a private detective in Tokyo's Kamurocho district and accepts investigation requests with his partner, ex-Tojo clan member Masaharu Kaito. A serial killer has recently been murdering yakuza members in Kamurocho and removing their eyes. Yagami accepts a murder case concerning Matsugane Family captain Kyohei Hamura, who is suspected of killing a Kyorei clan member using the same methods. Yagami investigates and proves Hamura's innocence, though he suspects that Hamura is working with the killer, whom Yagami dubs the Mole. Yagami investigates a brothel where one of the victims was last seen and encounters Hamura, who orders him to stop investigating the Mole.

Yagami returns to his office to find that the Mole has killed Masamichi Shintani, his former colleague, and teacher. Yagami finds a recent call on Shintani's phone for a researcher of the ADDC, Yoji Shono. He questions ADDC director Ryusuke Kido about Shintani's phone call, to no avail. After further investigation, with help from masked thief Fumiya Sugiura, Yagami meets construction mogul Shigeru Kajihira at a Kyorei Clan hideout. Kajihira reveals a failed plan to seize land around the ADDC for redevelopment, which was foiled when researchers claimed to have discovered AD-9, a potential cure for Alzheimer's disease. Kajihira asks Yagami to investigate the death of former ADDC vice-director Toru Hashiki.

Yagami is brought to the public prosecutor's office for interrogation and is informed that Kazuya Ayabe, a crooked cop who was Yagami's informant, has been arrested on suspicion of being the Mole; Yagami, however, is unconvinced. He and Kaito find Hamura hiding out in an underground illegal gambling den and question him about his connection to the Mole and other possible suspects. Yagami concludes that Shono may be organizing the murders before Hamura is rescued by Matsugane Family members. He theorizes that the Mole's killings are actually human experiments to test the effectiveness of AD-9, and Waku, Hashiki, and Shintani's deaths were failed experiments. Yagami also theorizes that Okubo did not kill Terasawa; she was killed by Shono so that he could frame Okubo as an unrepentant serial murderer.

Kaito is taken hostage by Hamura, forcing Yagami to storm a Matsugane hideout. Yagami finds Hamura and Kaito, defeating and capturing Hamura with the help of his patriarch, Mitsugu Matsugane. Yagami and Matsugane transport Hamura to a Kyorei clan hideout and interrogate him, learning that Hamura worked as a human trafficker for the ADDC and helped frame Ayabe for Shintani's murder. The Mole appears and shoots at Hamura, but Matsugane shields him and is killed. Guilt-ridden, Hamura reveals that the Mole is Mitsuru Kuroiwa, a detective in the Metropolitan organized crime division, and later gives Yagami definitive evidence that the ADDC participated in Shintani's murder.

During Ayabe's trial, Japanese Vice Minister of Health Kaoru Ichinose covertly arranges a hit on Kuroiwa. Kuroiwa kills his assailants and storms the ADDC. Yagami, aided by his friends, finds Kuroiwa taking Shono hostage, intending to force him to finish developing AD-9. Yagami defeats Kuroiwa, and the police surround them, killing Kuroiwa when he tries to kill Shono. Shono injects himself with a new version of AD-9 and dies from its side effects after his eyes turn blue. Kido confirms Shono's human experiments at Ayabe's trial and explains that the victims had their eyes removed to conceal evidence of experimentation. The court acquits Ayabe; Ichinose and chief prosecutor Kunihiko Morita are imprisoned for their involvement; Kajihira is placed under investigation; Okubo is freed after three years on death row and reconciles with Sugiura, who is revealed to be Terasawa's younger brother; and Yagami and Kaito resume their daily work lives.

File:Toshihiro Nagoshi 20140125.jpg

Ideas for Judgment were conceived after the release of Yakuza 5. Producer Kazuki Hosokawa suggested that Sega produce a new IP instead of focusing solely on the Yakuza series. Senior Executive Manager Daisuke Sato originally believed that Yakuza would only last three games but agreed with Hosokawa about the need to create a new title. Sega hired new employees, who were asked about their preferences to get ideas for the new game.{{cite web|url=https://www.sega.co.jp/en/recruit/episode/episode01/|title=The Game Making Process|website=Sega|access-date=May 9, 2021|archive-date=May 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509162555/https://www.sega.co.jp/en/recruit/episode/episode01/|url-status=live}} The development of Judgment began in 2015, and was first hinted at in August 2018 during a Sega live stream by the series' director Toshihiro Nagoshi, who called it "something completely different".{{cite web|url=https://gematsu.com/2018/08/segas-toshihiro-nagoshi-teases-announcement-of-something-truly-different-within-next-month|publisher=Gematsu|title=Sega's Toshihiro Nagoshi teases announcement of "something truly different" within next month|access-date=August 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204084846/https://gematsu.com/2018/08/segas-toshihiro-nagoshi-teases-announcement-of-something-truly-different-within-next-month|archive-date=December 4, 2018|url-status=live|date=August 28, 2018}} Hosokawa and Nagoshi refrained from calling Judgment a spin-off from Yakuza, despite its development by the same team, because of its different narrative.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/04/05/everything-you-always-wanted-to-know-about-yakuza-studio-games-but-were-afraid-to-ask|publisher=IGN|access-date=October 1, 2019|title=Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Yakuza Studio Games (But Were Afraid to Ask)|date=April 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410154334/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/04/05/everything-you-always-wanted-to-know-about-yakuza-studio-games-but-were-afraid-to-ask|archive-date=April 10, 2019|url-status=live}} Nagoshi said that he enjoyed the finished product.

The game uses the Dragon Engine to produce graphics similar to Yakuza 6: The Song of Life. The team enhanced the game engine to improve character design, changing the game's lighting to emphasize its theme of "legal suspense".{{cite web|url=https://dengekionline.com/elem/000/001/865/1865362/|title=『ジャッジアイズ』インタビュー。屈指の表現力でもなお「目指すところからまだまだ」と語る開発者の熱意|publisher=Dengeki Online|access-date=September 3, 2020|archive-date=July 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703234448/https://dengekionline.com/elem/000/001/865/1865362/|url-status=live}} The team decided to explore the fictional city of Kamurocho (from Yakuza) using a different approach. Similar to Yakuza, real-world shops such as Don Quijote were used to impart realism. A "friendship" system was developed to characterize Yagami's personality as he forms bonds with several non-playable characters, which integrates them into the setting. His traits are balanced in the main story and the sidequests for a balance between seriousness and comedy—his seriousness is explored in the main story, while comedy is featured in the sidequests.{{cite web|url=https://twinfinite.net/2019/06/judgment-interview-e3-2019/|title=Project Judge has English VO and is now called Judgment|publisher=TwinFinite|access-date=September 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190922143412/https://twinfinite.net/2019/06/judgment-interview-e3-2019/|archive-date=September 22, 2019|url-status=live|date=June 14, 2019}}

Although Hosokawa wanted to provide players with as much content as Yakuza 0, he said that the team refrained from using returning characters from the Yakuza series. Since Yagami is a lawyer, they wanted to give players the option of emulating Yagami's actions by choosing his thoughts. Some segments from the friendship system were made to emulate dating sims.{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/2018/09/23/project-judge-producer-on-game-length-and-whether-major-yakuza-characters-will-appear/|title='Project Judge Producer On Game Length, And Whether Major Yakuza Characters Will Appear|publisher=Siliconera|access-date=October 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191002000637/https://www.siliconera.com/2018/09/23/project-judge-producer-on-game-length-and-whether-major-yakuza-characters-will-appear/|archive-date=October 2, 2019|url-status=live|date=September 23, 2018}} According to Nagoshi, it was tricky to decide how expansive or difficult the detective work should be. The puzzle gameplay and central mystery were made to be challenging yet accessible to a casual player.{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2019/06/25/judgment-detective-game-nagoshi-interview/|title='Judgment' is a sublime detective game for everyone|publisher=Engadget|access-date=October 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722125622/https://www.engadget.com/2019/06/25/judgment-detective-game-nagoshi-interview/|archive-date=July 22, 2019|url-status=live|author=Summers, Nick|date=June 25, 2019 }} Action segments were designed for more skilled players, making them carefully plan the abilities to give Yagami.

{{multiple image

| align = right

| direction =

| width =

| total_width = 350

| image1 = 木村拓哉.png

| alt1 = A photo of Takuya Kimura

| caption1 =

| image2 = Shōsuke Tanihara.jpg

| alt2 = A photo of Shōsuke Tanihara

| caption2 =

| image3 = Pierre Taki - Denki Groove - countdownjapan-dec29-2011b.jpg

| alt3 = Pierre Taki

| footer = The Japanese voice cast from Judgment include Takuya Kimura (Yagami), Shōsuke Tanihara (Kuroiwa), and Pierre Taki (Hamura).

}}

According to Nagoshi, Cinema of Korea were Yagami's primary influences.{{cite web|url=https://multiplayer.it/articoli/toshihiro-nagoshi-intervista-judgment-yakuza.html|title=Intervista a Toshihiro Nagoshi su Judgment e Yakuza|work=multiplayer.it|date=June 23, 2019|access-date=September 22, 2019|language=it|archive-date=October 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191013231607/https://multiplayer.it/articoli/toshihiro-nagoshi-intervista-judgment-yakuza.html|url-status=live}} Since the story of Yakuza's protagonist Kazuma Kiryu ended with Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's game developers wanted to create a distinctive character for Judgment. At the direction of producer Kazuki Hosokawa, the team decided that the character should be a detective. To generate a major contrast between the Yagami and Kiryu, staff wanted to make Yagami a more relatable character based on the troubles that caused him to quit being a lawyer. The details of Yagami's past, as well as his new life as a detective, were elaborated on to attract players to him. Because of the popularity of detective stories, Yagami was written to obtain knowledge throughout the game, along with the player.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/features/556537-kazuki-hosokawa-judgment-interview-e3-2019|title=Kazuki Hosokawa, producer on Judgment, tells us about why Ryu ga Gotoku Studio decided to open up a new story in the Yakuza universe|publisher=Game Revolution|access-date=February 19, 2020|author=Faulkner, Jason|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200219234635/https://www.gamerevolution.com/features/556537-kazuki-hosokawa-judgment-interview-e3-2019|archive-date=February 19, 2020|url-status=live|date=June 20, 2019}} Yagami's largest influence was the Paul Newman film The Verdict, in which the main character suffers a similar crisis over his career as a lawyer.{{cite web|url=https://hardcoregamer.com/2019/06/21/e3-2019-judgments-kazuki-hosokawa-talks-character-kamurocho-designing-mini-games/350338/|title=E3 2019: Judgment's Kazuki Hosokawa Talks Character, Kamurocho, Designing Mini-Games|publisher=Hardcore Gamer|access-date=February 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621195724/https://www.hardcoregamer.com/2019/06/21/e3-2019-judgments-kazuki-hosokawa-talks-character-kamurocho-designing-mini-games/350338/|archive-date=June 21, 2019|url-status=live|author=Helm, Jordan|date=June 21, 2019}} Similar to the Yakuza series, Judgment primarily focuses on its story.

Early in Judgment{{'s}} production, the Sega staff considered using a movie star to develop Yagami and chose Takuya Kimura. Nagoshi remembers being surprised and thrilled when Kimura was selected because of the number of plot twists that he could be used in. Despite this, he was concerned that fans would consider the game to be lighthearted because of the stylish Kimura compared with the team's previous work. Several of the Yagami's elements were produced with Kimura's approval.{{cite web|url=https://www.otaquest.com/toshihiro-nagoshi-interview-part-two/|title=EXILE SEKAI Interviews Yakuza Series Creator Toshihiro Nagoshi (Part 2) – Creating A New World|publisher=Otaquest|access-date=September 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218004606/https://www.otaquest.com/toshihiro-nagoshi-interview-part-two/|archive-date=February 18, 2019|url-status=live|date=February 14, 2019|author=Johnston, Lachlan}} Since detective dramas are uncommon in gaming, Hosokawa wanted Yagami to stand out, so creating the new character presented a challenge. For Yagami to properly succeed Kiryu, the developers wanted him to be "more grounded to fit the noir vibe". According to Nagoshi:

"[W]hen you're writing a story and there's a really solid character that's been around for a long time, the character dictates what happens next ... In contrast to that, with Yagami, at the start of development we didn't really have anything attached to him at all. It was a challenge, but also an opportunity for a development team that has been working so long on the same series."{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/6/20/18691910/judgment-yakuza-ps4-detective-game-sega-interview-e3-2019|title=How the creators of Yakuza turned hard-boiled detective drama into a game|publisher=The Verge|access-date=September 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190922144516/https://www.theverge.com/2019/6/20/18691910/judgment-yakuza-ps4-detective-game-sega-interview-e3-2019|archive-date=September 22, 2019|url-status=live|date=June 20, 2019|author=Webster, Andrew}}

File:Alexandros_spaceshower.jpg

The studio spent a considerable amount of time choosing the right band for the music. Nagoshi felt that using the Japanese band Alexandros would appeal to the audience, in the same way that Shōnan no Kaze fit Yakuza 0, as he believed that both bands have a similar approach. Alexandros were excited to compose the two theme songs, which were intended to provide musical diversity and describe the drama in the game.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/201809/11163833.html|title=木村拓哉・中尾彬・谷原章介・滝藤賢一・［ALEXANDROS］・名越稔洋総合監督が登壇したPS4新作『JUDGE EYES：死神の遺言』完成披露会をリポート|magazine=Famitsu|language=Japanese|access-date=April 24, 2021|archive-date=September 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916131650/https://www.famitsu.com/news/201809/11163833.html|url-status=live}} Nagoshi gave Alexandros creative freedom, and there were no major issues.{{cite web|url=https://dengekionline.com/elem/000/001/799/1799976/|title=木村拓哉氏主演の『JUDGE EYES』を紐解く名越総合監督＆細川Pインタビュー！【電撃PS】|website=Dengeki Online|access-date=April 24, 2021|language=Japanese|archive-date=September 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190922151655/https://dengekionline.com/elem/000/001/799/1799976/|url-status=live}} He showed the band a demo of the game, enabling them to write a song quickly.{{cite web|url=https://gematstu.com/2018/09/yakuza-studio-announces-project-judge-for-ps4|title=Yakuza studio announces Project Judge for PS4|publisher=Gematsu|access-date=October 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190706055216/https://gematsu.com/2018/09/yakuza-studio-announces-project-judge-for-ps4|archive-date=July 6, 2019|url-status=live}} Two theme songs were created for the game: the main theme song, "Arpeggio" and the insert song, "Your Song".{{cite web|url=https://jrocknews.com/2018/09/alexandros-drifts-sleepless-brooklyn-album.html|title=[ALEXANDROS] drifts in with "Sleepless in Brooklyn" album|publisher=JRrockNews|access-date=February 29, 2020|date=September 16, 2018|author=Edo|archive-date=February 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229161521/https://jrocknews.com/2018/09/alexandros-drifts-sleepless-brooklyn-album.html|url-status=live}} The band created these themes for Judgment while they were in the United States, but sent their work to Japan in a video and received a positive response.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamezone.com/originals/interview-jrock-band-alexandros-talks-theme-songs-and-us-tour/|title=Interview: JRock band [ALEXANDROS] talks theme songs and U.S. tour|publisher=JRrockNews|access-date=February 29, 2020|date=October 15, 2018|archive-date=February 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229162420/https://www.gamezone.com/originals/interview-jrock-band-alexandros-talks-theme-songs-and-us-tour/|url-status=live}} "Arpeggio" was written on the rooftop of a Brooklyn studio: band member Yoohei took a liking to an arpeggio that another musician happened to be playing on his guitar, so the band wrote the song on acoustic guitars on the roof while on a break during their recording session.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/international/8478575/japan-alexandros-new-album-sleepless-in-brooklyn-stadium-concert-interview|title=Japanese Rockers ALEXANDROS Talk New Album, Stadium Concert & the Live Experience: Interview|publisher=BillBoard|access-date=February 29, 2020|date=October 7, 2018|archive-date=February 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229162411/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/international/8478575/japan-alexandros-new-album-sleepless-in-brooklyn-stadium-concert-interview|url-status=live}} A three-CD soundtrack was released in Japan on April 15, 2019.{{cite web|url=http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/NEODAI-50112|title=JUDGE EYES: Shinigami no Yuigon Original Soundtrack|publisher=CDJapan|access-date=October 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191002211711/http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/NEODAI-50112|archive-date=October 2, 2019|url-status=live}}

{{multiple image

| align = right

| direction =

| width =

| total_width = 350

| image1 = Matthew Mercer by Gage Skidmore.jpg

| alt1 =

| caption1 =

| image2 = Crispin Freeman.jpg

| alt2 =

| caption2 =

| image3 = Cherami Leigh by Gage Skidmore.jpg

| alt3 =

| footer = The English voice cast from Judgment includes Matthew Mercer, Crispin Freeman, and Cherami Leigh.

}}

Unlike the Yakuza series, the studio decided to give Judgment an English dub, which was conceived following the release of Yakuza 0. Since the games in the Yakuza series were almost always released with only Japanese audio, Sega thought it might not fit the tone to give Yakuza 6 an English dub. So, Sega believed that Judgment would be a better choice as the studio's first English dub localization, as it could attract newcomers to the series.{{cite web|url=https://techraptor.net/gaming/guides/localizing-judgment-go-big-or-go-home|publisher=TechRaptor|title=Localizing Judgment: Go Big or Go Home|date=June 24, 2019 |access-date=February 29, 2020|archive-date=February 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229205338/https://techraptor.net/gaming/guides/localizing-judgment-go-big-or-go-home|url-status=live}} Sega announced that other languages would follow.{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/2019/02/28/judgment-will-be-playable-in-five-languages-outside-of-japan/|title=Judgment Will Be Playable In Five Languages Outside Of Japan|publisher=Siliconera|access-date=October 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001230151/https://www.siliconera.com/2019/02/28/judgment-will-be-playable-in-five-languages-outside-of-japan/|archive-date=October 1, 2019|url-status=live|date=February 28, 2019}} The dub was released as a response to increased fan demand, hence there was a short timeframe before its release. The staff stated that the game's Western version would be identical to the Japanese version. Scott Strichart, the localization producer for the Yakuza series, ordered the Western release to have two subtitle tracks: one with Japanese audio and English subtitles matching the Japanese translation, and the other with subtitles matching the English dub. There were also localizations with French, German, Italian, and Spanish subtitles designed for the Japanese audio, regardless of the selected voice language. The remastered version has dual audio and nine subtitle and text languages—the previous five languages, as well as Japanese, Simplified Chinese (a new localized language first introduced in Yakuza: Like a Dragon International), Traditional Chinese, and Korean. The developers believed they had managed to make the dubbed Yagami identical to the Japanese version in terms of characterization, despite having different words in the translation.{{Cite web |url=https://blog.us.playstation.com/2019/03/07/judgment-launches-june-25-how-the-yakuza-spinoff-reinvents-localization/ |title=Judgment Launches June 25, How the Yakuza Spinoff Reinvents Localization |access-date=March 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307203341/https://blog.us.playstation.com/2019/03/07/judgment-launches-june-25-how-the-yakuza-spinoff-reinvents-localization/ |archive-date=March 7, 2019 |url-status=live |date=March 7, 2019 }} Following the changes, the staff made revisions to the character's facial animations to fit the lip-syncing. In scripting, Strichart insisted that the English actors keep using Japanese honorifics to retain the Japanese cast's impact.{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/2019/05/01/japanese-honorifics-preserved-in-judgments-english-voice-acting//|title=Japanese Honorifics Preserved In Judgment's English Voice Acting|publisher=Siliconera|access-date=October 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503090633/https://www.siliconera.com/2019/05/01/japanese-honorifics-preserved-in-judgments-english-voice-acting/|archive-date=May 3, 2019|url-status=live|date=May 2019}} A game demo became available in August 2019 for English-speaking regions.{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/2019/08/08/the-judgment-demo-is-now-available-outside-of-japan/|title=The Judgment Demo Is Now Available Outside Of Japan|publisher=Siliconera|access-date=October 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809084323/https://www.siliconera.com/2019/08/08/the-judgment-demo-is-now-available-outside-of-japan/|archive-date=August 9, 2019|url-status=live|date=August 8, 2019}}

During the game, there is a scene in which players control Saori Shirosaki to infiltrate a hostess club; she receives catcalls from bystanders on the way to the club. Strichart said that "sensitive scenes are tricky to get right" and that the team had to be careful when dubbing this. He added that to bring realism into the narrative, the non-playable characters' responses to Shirosaki would come across as "uncomfortable", as they were denigrating her during this scene. Since the Yakuza series was primarily popular among men, Strichart wanted English-language players to feel "gross" from these bystanders' catcalls and empathize with Shirosaki and women in general for enduring this treatment regularly.{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/7/10/20689358/judgment-localization-catcalling-scene-translation|title=Judgment localizers want catcalling scene to feel 'gross' for players|publisher=Polygon|access-date=February 29, 2020|author=Hernandez, Patricia|date=July 10, 2019|archive-date=August 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806185533/https://www.polygon.com/2019/7/10/20689358/judgment-localization-catcalling-scene-translation|url-status=live}}

Multiple auditions were held to cast the English-language voice actors, aiming to make the English dub as natural as possible. Greg Chun was pleasantly surprised when he was selected to voice Yagami in Judgment since he was familiar with the franchise. Chun said, "I'm super psyched to be a part of this game", adding that he liked what he had seen of the character.{{cite web|url=https://www.videogamer.com/news/project-judge-has-english-vo-and-is-now-called-judgment|title=Project Judge has English VO and is now called Judgment|date=December 10, 2018|publisher=VideoGamer.com|access-date=September 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190922135953/https://www.videogamer.com/news/project-judge-has-english-vo-and-is-now-called-judgment|archive-date=September 22, 2019|url-status=live}} He called his work in the game satisfying: "It really did require me to let go of the tricks that you use to push a performance through, and I really did need to fall back on authenticity and genuine groundedness." Although he found the faithfulness to the original Japanese audio challenging, Chun was pleased with his character's balance of seriousness and comedy; however, the game's screaming segments were difficult. Noting that fans tended to choose the original Japanese audio, Chun suggested that they try the English dub to test his voice.{{cite web|url=http://www.pushsquare.com/news/2019/05/interview_discussing_judgments_english_dub_and_much_more_with_lead_voice_actor_greg_chun|title=Interview: Discussing Judgment's English Dub and Much More with Lead Voice Actor Greg Chun|publisher=Push Square|date=May 31, 2019|access-date=September 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616195820/http://www.pushsquare.com/news/2019/05/interview_discussing_judgments_english_dub_and_much_more_with_lead_voice_actor_greg_chun|archive-date=June 16, 2019|url-status=live}} He was surprised by Yagami's deep character arc, which involved Yagami's present life as well as dealing with his past life as a lawyer, and said that he would never forget the role.{{cite tweet |author=GregChun |user=RGGStudio|number=1121443756207685632 |date=April 25, 2019 |title=KT|access-date=September 23, 2019}} Matthew Mercer enjoyed voicing Kuroiwa but found the character's different tones to be challenging. Crispin Freeman enjoyed his work because he considered Kaito to be likable.{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/2019/05/24/matthew-mercer-and-crispin-freeman-talk-about-voicing-judgment-characters/|title=Matthew Mercer and Crispin Freeman Talk About Voicing Judgment Characters|publisher=Siliconera|access-date=October 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001225539/https://www.siliconera.com/2019/05/24/matthew-mercer-and-crispin-freeman-talk-about-voicing-judgment-characters/|archive-date=October 1, 2019|url-status=live|date=May 24, 2019}} Other actors include Brian McNamara as Genda, Matthew Yang King as Ayabe, and Cherami Leigh as Fujii.

File:JUDGMENT- Hamura actor comparison post-controversy.jpeg's model before his removal]]

Judgment was announced under the Japanese title of Judge Eyes on September 10, 2018, at the PlayStation Lineup Tour shortly before Tokyo Game Show 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/yakuza-makers-new-ps4-game-judge-eyes-revealed/1100-6461660/|publisher=GameSpot|access-date=July 6, 2019|title=Yakuza Maker's New PS4 Game Judge Eyes Revealed|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716111606/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/yakuza-makers-new-ps4-game-judge-eyes-revealed/1100-6461660/|archive-date=July 16, 2019|url-status=live}} The announcement was made to market the game for the Japanese holidays; its production had been completed and the team was busy debugging it. Sega scheduled it to be on Japanese store shelves in December 2018, with a planned Western release in 2019. The game's first chapter was first released as a demo on November 29, 2018, on the Japanese PlayStation Network.{{cite web|url=https://rpgamer.com/2018/11/japan-receives-new-judge-eyes-demo/|title=Japan Receives New Judge Eyes Demo|website=RPGamer|access-date=September 17, 2020|date=November 23, 2018|archive-date=July 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708132938/https://rpgamer.com/2018/11/japan-receives-new-judge-eyes-demo/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/new-ip-from-the-yakuza-developers-judge-eyes-has-a-demo-available-now-on-the-japanese-psn|title=New IP From the Yakuza Developers, Judge Eyes, Has a Demo Available Now on the Japanese PSN|publisher=US Gamer|access-date=January 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912034040/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/new-ip-from-the-yakuza-developers-judge-eyes-has-a-demo-available-now-on-the-japanese-psn|archive-date=September 12, 2018|url-status=live}}

Sega released the game in Japan on December 13, 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/ryu-ga-gotoku-studio-announces-new-mystery-game-judge-eyes-for-playstation-4/|title=Ryu ga Gotoku Studio Announces New Mystery Game Judge Eyes For PlayStation 4|website=Siliconera|access-date=September 18, 2020|date=September 10, 2018|archive-date=September 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924135027/https://www.siliconera.com/ryu-ga-gotoku-studio-announces-new-mystery-game-judge-eyes-for-playstation-4/|url-status=live}} They halted Japanese sales of the game on March 13, 2019, after Pierre Taki, a Japanese actor whose voice and likeness had been used for the character of Kyohei Hamura, was arrested for cocaine possession and use by officers of the Narcotics Control Department (NCD) of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-47553857 |title=Japan Sega game sales halted after cocaine arrest |work=BBC News |date=March 13, 2019 |access-date=March 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190313181903/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-47553857 |archive-date=March 13, 2019 |url-status=live }} Sega did not comment on whether Taki's arrest would affect Judgment{{'s}} Western release.{{cite news |first=Rafael Antonio |last=Pineda |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2019-03-13/denki-groove-band-member-actor-pierre-taki-arrested-for-cocaine-use/.144472 |title=Denki Groove Band Member/Actor Pierre Taki Arrested for Cocaine Use (Updated) |website=Anime News Network |date=March 13, 2019 |access-date=March 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402182123/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2019-03-13/denki-groove-band-member-actor-pierre-taki-arrested-for-cocaine-use/.144472 |archive-date=April 2, 2019 |url-status=live }} According to the NCD, Taki had been under investigation since 2018 following tips from unnamed sources{{cite web |first=Brian |last=Ashcraft |url=https://kotaku.com/after-cocaine-arrest-sega-halts-sales-of-game-1833252934 |title=After Cocaine Arrest, Sega Halts Sales of New PS4 Game [Update] |website=Kotaku |date=March 13, 2019 |access-date=March 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190313071818/https://kotaku.com/after-cocaine-arrest-sega-halts-sales-of-game-1833252934 |archive-date=March 13, 2019 |url-status=live }} and was asked to submit a urine sample.{{cite news|title=Musician, NHK actor Taki nabbed in Tokyo for cocaine use|url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201903130048.html|newspaper=The Asahi Shimbun|date=March 13, 2019|access-date=June 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509225252/http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201903130048.html|archive-date=May 9, 2019|url-status=live}}

After Taki's arrest, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio producer Daisuke Sato tweeted that he would not allow Taki's arrest to interrupt the game's success or allow the actor's contribution to the game to be deleted. CyberConnect2 president Hiroshi Matsuyama criticized companies that stopped marketing their products due to the arrest of a person connected to their work.{{cite web|title=Yakuza Studio and Judgment Producer Vows to "Not Let Things End Like This"; Comments from CyberConnect 2's President|url=https://www.dualshockers.com/judgment-yakuza-studio-producer-vows-not-let-end-pierre-taki-cyber-connect-2-president-comments/|website=DualShockers|last=Agossah|first=Iyane|date=March 13, 2019|access-date=June 18, 2019}} Sega later said that Taki's voice and likeness would be replaced, but the game's planned release date in the West on June 25, 2019, would remain unchanged.{{cite tweet |author=Sega |author-link=Sega |user=SEGA |number=1109077533121613827 |date=March 22, 2019 |title=Due to unforeseen circumstances, the character model and Japanese voice for the character of Kyohei Hamura will be adjusted for the Western release of Judgment, launching on June 25, 2019. |language=en |access-date=March 22, 2019}} The character's new design was not based on any actor.{{cite web|title=Judgment's New Trailer Shows Kyohei Hamura's New Character Model|url=https://www.siliconera.com/2019/04/16/judgments-new-trailer-shows-kyohei-hamuras-new-character-model/|website=Siliconera|date=April 16, 2019|access-date=June 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418083426/https://www.siliconera.com/2019/04/16/judgments-new-trailer-shows-kyohei-hamuras-new-character-model/|archive-date=April 18, 2019|url-status=live}} Sega issued a new release in Japan on July 18, 2019, with Miō Tanaka replacing Taki in the role of Hamura.{{cite web|title=Judgment returning to shelves in Japan from July 18|url=https://www.videogamer.com/news/judgment-returning-to-shelves-in-japan-from-july-18|website=VideoGamer|last=Borthwick|first=Ben|date=May 21, 2019|access-date=June 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524013836/https://www.videogamer.com/news/judgment-returning-to-shelves-in-japan-from-july-18|archive-date=May 24, 2019|url-status=live}}

A remastered version of the game was released for the PlayStation 5, Stadia, and Xbox Series X/S on April 23, 2021. The remaster features faster loading times, runs at 60 FPS, as well as all of the downloadable content from the original PlayStation 4 release.{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2021/2/1/22261208/yakuza-judgment-ps5-xbox-series-x-release-date-google-stadia-sega|title=Yakuza spinoff Judgment coming to PS5, Xbox Series X in April|website=Polygon|date=February 1, 2021|access-date=April 4, 2021|archive-date=February 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210222192503/https://www.polygon.com/2021/2/1/22261208/yakuza-judgment-ps5-xbox-series-x-release-date-google-stadia-sega|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/judgment/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5|title=Judgment PlayStation 5|website=Metacritic|access-date=April 23, 2021|archive-date=April 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422125842/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-5/judgment|url-status=live}} The game was also released for Amazon Luna on December 16, 2021.{{Cite web |last=GamingLyfe.com |date=2021-12-10 |title=Yakuza: Like a Dragon and Judgment and More Coming to Amazon Luna |url=https://gaminglyfe.com/yakuza-like-a-dragon-and-judgment-and-more-coming-to-amazon-luna/ |access-date=2022-07-14 |website=GamingLyfe.com - Gaming News, Esports News, Gaming Community |language=en-US |archive-date=July 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714031711/https://gaminglyfe.com/yakuza-like-a-dragon-and-judgment-and-more-coming-to-amazon-luna/ |url-status=live }} It was reported in July 2021 that a PC release of Judgment and its sequel would likely not happen due to Sega and Johnny & Associates (the talent agency which represents Kimura) being unable to come to an agreement concerning the use of Kimura's likeness in a PC release of the existing Judgment games or any future titles.{{Cite web |date=2021-07-12 |title=Lost Judgment May Be the End of the Series Due to PC Port Dispute |url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/lost-judgment-may-be-the-end-of-the-series-due-to-pc-port-dispute/ |access-date=2022-09-20 |website=The Escapist |language=en-US |archive-date=September 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920174028/https://www.escapistmagazine.com/lost-judgment-may-be-the-end-of-the-series-due-to-pc-port-dispute/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2021-07-12 |title=Report: Judgment Series Is Ending Over PC Version Disagreement |url=https://kotaku.com/report-judgment-series-is-ending-over-pc-version-disag-1847271300 |access-date=2022-09-20 |website=Kotaku |language=en-us |archive-date=September 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920173000/https://kotaku.com/report-judgment-series-is-ending-over-pc-version-disag-1847271300 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Report: Lost Judgment May Be Final Game In The Series Due To PC Image Rights Dispute |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/report-lost-judgment-may-be-final-game-in-the-series-due-to-pc-image-rights-dispute/1100-6493813/ |access-date=2022-09-20 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=September 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920172848/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/report-lost-judgment-may-be-final-game-in-the-series-due-to-pc-image-rights-dispute/1100-6493813/ |url-status=live }} However, both Judgment games were released on Steam on September 14, 2022, implying that this issue had been resolved.{{Cite magazine |last=Stewart |first=Marcus |title=The Judgment Series Is Finally Heading To Steam |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/09/14/the-judgment-series-is-finally-heading-to-steam |access-date=2022-09-20 |magazine=Game Informer |language=en |archive-date=September 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920231103/https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/09/14/the-judgment-series-is-finally-heading-to-steam |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2022-09-14 |title=Both Judgment Games Are Now Available On PC, You Should Play Them |url=https://kotaku.com/judgment-lost-sega-steam-pc-available-released-1849537626 |access-date=2022-09-20 |website=Kotaku |language=en-us |archive-date=September 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920172427/https://kotaku.com/judgment-lost-sega-steam-pc-available-released-1849537626 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2022-09-14 |title=Judgment and Lost Judgment Surprise-Launch on PC via Steam |url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/judgment-pc-lost-judgment-pc-steam-release-date-september-2022/ |access-date=2022-09-20 |website=The Escapist |language=en-US |archive-date=September 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920171344/https://www.escapistmagazine.com/judgment-pc-lost-judgment-pc-steam-release-date-september-2022/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |author1=Joshua Wolens |date=2022-09-14 |title=Yakuza spin-offs Judgment and Lost Judgment just released on Steam |language=en |work=PC Gamer |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/yakuza-spin-offs-judgment-and-lost-judgment-just-released-on-steam/ |access-date=2022-09-15 |archive-date=September 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220915031551/https://www.pcgamer.com/yakuza-spin-offs-judgment-and-lost-judgment-just-released-on-steam/ |url-status=live }}

{{Video game reviews

| MC = 80/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/judgment/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=Judgment for PlayStation 4 Reviews |website=Metacritic|access-date=July 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701081650/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/judgment |archive-date=July 1, 2019 |url-status=live }}

| title = Judgment reviews

| Destruct = 7.5/10{{cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/review-judgment-555032.phtml|title=Judgment Review|last=Carter|first=Chris|date=June 20, 2019|access-date=November 6, 2022|website=Destructoid|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190928222253/https://www.destructoid.com/review-judgment-555032.phtml|archive-date=September 28, 2019|url-status=live}}

| GI = 8/10

| GSpot = 7/10

| GRadar = {{Rating|3|5}}

| HCG = 4/5{{Cite web|url=https://hardcoregamer.com/2019/06/26/review-judgment/350785/|title=Judgment Review|last=helm|first=Jordan|access-date=November 6, 2022|date=June 26, 2019|website=Hardcore Gamer|archive-date=February 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229153819/https://hardcoregamer.com/2019/06/26/review-judgment/350785/|url-status=live}}

| HC = 90/100{{cite web|url=https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/reviews/analisis-judgment-spin-saga-yakuza-ps4-432469|title=Análisis de Judgment spin off de la saga Yakuza para PS4|website=HobbyConsolas|publisher=Axel Springer SE|access-date=November 6, 2022|language=es|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191002172847/https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/reviews/analisis-judgment-spin-saga-yakuza-ps4-432469|archive-date=October 2, 2019|url-status=live|date=June 20, 2019|last=Martínez|first=David}}

| IGN = 8.2/10

| RPG = 4.0/5{{Cite web|last=Carpenter|first=Joshua|url=https://rpgamer.com/review/judgment-review/|title=Judgment Review|website=RPGamer|date=June 30, 2019|access-date=February 29, 2020|archive-date=August 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827132538/https://rpgamer.com/review/judgment-review/|url-status=live}}

| USG = 4/5{{cite web|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/judgment-review|title=Judgment Review|first=Caty|last=McCarthy|access-date=November 6, 2022|website=USgamer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716204915/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/judgment-review|archive-date=July 16, 2019|url-status=live|date=June 20, 2019}}

| VG = 8/10{{Cite web|url=https://www.videogamer.com/reviews/judgment-review|title=Judgment review|last=Ahern|first=Colm|date=June 20, 2019|access-date=November 6, 2022|website=VideoGamer.com|archive-date=June 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627145652/https://www.videogamer.com/reviews/judgment-review/|url-status=live}}

}}

Judgment received "generally favourable" reviews, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Due to Kimura's popularity, Japanese fans have often nicknamed the game {{nihongo|Kimutaku ga Gotoku|キムタクが如く||{{lit}} "Like KimuTaku"}} with "Kimutaku" being short for Takuya Kimura, while "Gotoku" ("Like a") was a reference to the original Japanese title of the Yakuza franchise.

Although its gameplay was praised, critics had mixed opinions regarding its case-solving elements. Hobby Consolas praised the game for relying on multiple types of gameplay, giving it more variety. According to a VideoGamer.com reviewer, players attracted to the Yakuza series would enjoy Judgment because of its similarities in action. He noted that the fighting system was superior to Yakuza 6: The Song of Life and would attract fans, while the varied side missions gave players far more playing time. Although a Game Informer reviewer liked the action, they found the tailing missions frustrating and criticized the investigation areas for penalizing players who failed them. USgamer said that the tailing missions might drag, but the new chasing missions were more entertaining. Destructoid agreed with the USgamer review and said that the action scenes were not difficult. Tristan Ogilvie of IGN praised the game's combat system and diversified side content but criticized its shallow investigation mechanics, saying, "There's surprisingly little room given to make your own decisions."{{Cite web|url=https://au.ign.com/articles/2019/06/20/judgment-review|website=IGN|title=Judgment Review|date=June 20, 2019|access-date=November 6, 2022|first=Tristan|last=Ogilvie|archive-date=September 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924135057/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/06/20/judgment-review|url-status=live}} Edmond Tran of GameSpot described the game's tailing and chasing sections as "dull, slow and arduous", and called the investigation sections "incredibly straightforward". Nevertheless, he enjoyed the melee combat for the options it gives to the player. GamesRadar+ writer Bradley Russell criticized the core gameplay as "lacking in its execution" and over-relying on combat rather than investigation. On the other hand, Hardcore Gamer enjoyed the balance between the different styles of gameplay. RPGamer.com also praised the action elements but felt that the developers needed to fix the detective sections.

The plot was generally well received. Because it introduced a new cast instead of reusing characters, Game Informer found the story "refreshing" and described Yagami's investigations as intriguing.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/review/judgment/cracking-cases-and-skulls|title=Judgment Review|magazine=Game Informer|publisher=GameStop Corp.|date=June 26, 2019|access-date=November 6, 2022|first=Jeff|last=Cork|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714225004/https://www.gameinformer.com/review/judgment/cracking-cases-and-skulls|archive-date=July 14, 2019|url-status=live}} USgamer also praised the story for standing on its own and noted that despite Yagami's similarities to Kazuma Kiryu, Yagami had his own way of life. A Destructoid reviewer said that despite the game's similarity to Yakuza—namely its balance of seriousness and comedy—Judgment had a unique narrative, which they felt was on a par with Hollywood films. Russell praised the story, calling it "potentially one of the best in the medium".{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/au/judgment-review/|title=Judgment review: "Guilty of never truly committing to being a dazzling detective game"|website=GamesRadar+|first=Bradley|last=Russell|date=June 20, 2019|access-date=November 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620213948/https://www.gamesradar.com/au/judgment-review/|archive-date=June 20, 2019|url-status=live}} VideoGamer.com liked the game for using deep moral themes, which would entertain players for many hours. GameSpot praised the storyline, particularly Yagami and Kaito, calling them "genuinely likable characters".{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/judgment-review-like-a-tiger/1900-6417172/|website=GameSpot|title=Judgment Review – Like A Tiger|first=Edmond|last=Tran|date=June 21, 2019|access-date=November 6, 2022|archive-date=September 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924135102/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/judgment-review-like-a-tiger/1900-6417172/|url-status=live}} A HobbyConsolas reviewer noted that Sega added subtitles for languages other than English for the first time, making Judgment far more accessible, but Yagami was a less appealing character than Kiryu. Hardcore Gamer regarded the storyline as "the closest one can get to an entry point for those anxious about such an overbearing legacy that the Yakuza series presents" and appreciated that the Dragon Engine provided for facial expressions that were important for solving cases.

VideoGamer.com{{'}}s reviewer liked the original Japanese cast's striking performances, despite the reviewer's initial preference for the English dub. The English voice actors' performances were praised;{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/judgment-video-game-review-1220063|title='Judgment': Game Review|date=June 20, 2019|website=Hollywood Reporter|access-date=September 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190922134752/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/judgment-video-game-review-1220063|archive-date=September 22, 2019|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Poole|first=David|url=https://gotgame.com/2019/07/09/review-judgment/|title=Review Judgment|website=Got Game|access-date=September 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190922140401/https://gotgame.com/2019/07/09/review-judgment/|archive-date=September 22, 2019|url-status=live|date=July 9, 2019}} Ogilvie called the game's English voice acting "excellent" but noticed inconsistent English lip-syncing. EGM Now said Chun gave a more striking performance than Kimura, whom the writer did not find suitable for the character.{{cite magazine|url=https://egmnow.com/judgment-review/|title=Judgment review|magazine=EGM Now|access-date=February 3, 2020|author=Patterson, Mollie L.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204011310/https://egmnow.com/judgment-review/|archive-date=February 4, 2020|url-status=live|date=June 20, 2019}} RPGamer praised Sega's decision to add two languages to the audio, praising both Japanese and English versions equally.

File:JudgmentHDcomparison.png

Several Giant Bomb reviewers listed Judgment as one of their favorite games of 2019,{{cite web|url=https://www.giantbomb.com/articles/erica-lahaies-top-10-games-of-2019/1100-5921/|title=Erica Lahaie's Top 10 Games of 2019|website=Giant Bomb|date=December 27, 2019 |access-date=March 6, 2020|archive-date=February 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200206011024/https://www.giantbomb.com/articles/erica-lahaies-top-10-games-of-2019/1100-5921/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.giantbomb.com/articles/greg-kasavins-top-10x2-games-of-2019/1100-5951/|title=Greg Kasavin's Top 10x2 Games of 2019|website=Giant Bomb|date=December 26, 2019 |access-date=March 6, 2020|archive-date=January 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200108202914/https://www.giantbomb.com/articles/greg-kasavins-top-10x2-games-of-2019/1100-5951/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.giantbomb.com/articles/excaliburs-top-games-of-2019/1100-5929/|title=Excalibur's Top Games of 2019|website=Giant Bomb|date=December 26, 2019 |access-date=March 6, 2020|archive-date=February 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229173259/https://www.giantbomb.com/articles/excaliburs-top-games-of-2019/1100-5929/|url-status=live}} with Chris Tilton listing it at the top.{{cite web|url=https://www.giantbomb.com/articles/chris-tiltons-top-10-games-of-2019/1100-5950/|title=Chris Tilton's Top 10 Games of 2019|website=Giant Bomb|date=December 23, 2019 |access-date=March 6, 2020|archive-date=January 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200108203331/https://www.giantbomb.com/articles/chris-tiltons-top-10-games-of-2019/1100-5950/|url-status=live}} USgamer included it in its list of the twenty best games of 2019.{{cite web |date=December 20, 2019 |title=USG's Top 20 Games of 2019 |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/usgamer-top-20-games-of-2019 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111171931/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/usgamer-top-20-games-of-2019 |archive-date=January 11, 2020 |access-date=March 6, 2020 |website=USgamer}} Push Square listed Judgment as the third-best Yakuza game based on its accessibility in terms of the narrative and complexity of the gameplay.{{cite web|url=https://www.pushsquare.com/guides/all-yakuza-games-ranked-which-yakuza-games-to-play-and-where-to-start|title=All Yakuza Games Ranked: Which Yakuza Games to Play and Where to Start|website=Push Square|date=April 7, 2021|access-date=April 14, 2021|archive-date=April 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414230959/https://www.pushsquare.com/guides/all-yakuza-games-ranked-which-yakuza-games-to-play-and-where-to-start|url-status=live}}

{{Video game reviews

| title = Judgment Remastered reviews

| MC = PS5: 83/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/judgment/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5 |title=Judgment for PlayStation 5 Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=September 15, 2022 |archive-date=September 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921011438/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-5/judgment |url-status=live }}
XSXS: 85/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/judgment/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-series-x |title=Judgment for Xbox Series X Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=April 24, 2021 |archive-date=April 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424233717/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-series-x/judgment |url-status=live }}
PC: 84/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/judgment/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Judgment for PC Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=October 14, 2022 |archive-date=October 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013162244/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/judgment |url-status=live }}

| HC = 90/100

| PSQ = {{Rating|9|10}}{{Cite web|last=Ramsey|first=Robert|url=https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps5/judgment|title=Judgment Review (PS5)|website=Push Square|date=April 23, 2021|access-date=November 6, 2022|archive-date=November 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221107055510/https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps5/judgment|url-status=live}}

| RPGFan = 87/100

| rev1 = Gaming Age

| rev1Score = A−

| rev2 = GameSpew

| rev2Score = 8/10{{cite web|title=Judgment Remastered Review|website=GamingSpew|access-date=April 27, 2021|url=https://www.gamespew.com/2021/04/judgment-remastered-review/|date=April 22, 2021|author=Seagrave, Richard|archive-date=April 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427191931/https://www.gamespew.com/2021/04/judgment-remastered-review/|url-status=live}}

| rev3 = Windows Central

| rev3Score = {{Rating|4|5}}

}}

The remastered version of the game also received "generally favorable" reviews according to Metacritic. Both David Martínez from HobbyConsolas and Stan Yeung from Gaming Age found that the frame rate was stable even with a large enemy count, while the visuals remained polished.{{Cite web|title=Judgment Análisis de la versión de PS5 y Xbox Series X del spin off de Yakuza|website=HobbyConsolas|publisher=Axel Springer SE|access-date=April 27, 2021|url=https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/reviews/judgment-analisis-version-ps5-xbox-series-x-spin-yakuza-845961|date=April 22, 2021|last=Martínez|first=David|archive-date=April 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427191929/https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/reviews/judgment-analisis-version-ps5-xbox-series-x-spin-yakuza-845961|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Judgment review for PS5, Xbox Series X, Stadia|website=Gaming Age|access-date=April 17, 2021|url=https://gaming-age.com/2021/04/judgment-review-for-ps5-xbox-series-x-stadia/|date=April 21, 2021|author=Yeung, Stan|archive-date=April 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423205218/https://gaming-age.com/2021/04/judgment-review-for-ps5-xbox-series-x-stadia/|url-status=live}} GameSpew felt the loading times had improved noticeably, making the pacing superior. Windows Central stated that thanks to the superior frame rate, Yagami moves faster than previous Yakuza characters. The reviewer added that the graphics update might bother fans due to the new lighting, which changes colors to make the characters look more realistic.{{cite web|url=https://www.windowscentral.com/judgment-xbox-review|title=Judgment for Xbox review: A Yakuza spin-off that stands tall on its own|website=Windows Central|access-date=April 27, 2021|date=April 22, 2021|author=Cuevas, Zackery|archive-date=April 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427191927/https://www.windowscentral.com/judgment-xbox-review|url-status=live}} RPGFan praised the new style of the remaster's visuals, stating that the changes to the lighting "have given Kamurocho a bluer, cooler appearance, better fitting the noir feel of the game."{{cite web|url=https://www.rpgfan.com/review/judgment-2/|title=Judgment|website=RPGFan|author=Logan, Johnatan|date=April 23, 2021|access-date=April 28, 2021|archive-date=April 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428203616/https://www.rpgfan.com/review/judgment-2/|url-status=live}}

Imported sales of Judgment rose in Japan when the game was withdrawn from Japanese store shelves; about 97 percent of its stock was sold and it reached number three on Amazon's sales rankings. Nagoshi stated that although the sudden interest in the game because of the controversy was disappointing, he was "glad in any case".{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-03-27-judgement-sees-sales-rocket-following-voice-actor-drug-charge-controversy|first=Haydn|last=Taylor|access-date=April 27, 2019|title=Judgement sales surge following voice actor drug charge controversy|website=GamesIndustry.biz|date=March 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405201537/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-03-27-judgement-sees-sales-rocket-following-voice-actor-drug-charge-controversy|archive-date=April 5, 2019|url-status=live}} Kazuki Hosokawa considered a Steam port to be possible in April 2019 but was unsure about this, as the team was still working on Yakuza ports.{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/judgment-may-come-to-pc-says-producer/|title=Judgment may come to PC says producer|website=PCGamer|access-date=August 5, 2020|author=Blake, Vikki|date=April 6, 2019|archive-date=May 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190511112124/https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/judgment-may-come-to-pc-says-producer/|url-status=live}} In 2019, Nagoshi said that while Sega claimed there was already work put into a sequel, it was a rumor.{{cite news|url=http://segabits.com/blog/2019/03/26/toshihiro-nagoshi-talks-about-why-sega-pulled-judgment-sales-no-sequel-planned/#more-64345|title=Toshihiro Nagoshi talks about why SEGA pulled Judgment sales, no sequel planned|date=March 26, 2019|website=Sega Bits|access-date=September 3, 2020|archive-date=January 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128010254/http://segabits.com/blog/2019/03/26/toshihiro-nagoshi-talks-about-why-sega-pulled-judgment-sales-no-sequel-planned/#more-64345|url-status=live}} According to Media Create, the game had a strong opening in its first week in Japan with sales of 148,246 physical copies.{{cite web |url=https://gematsu.com/2018/12/media-create-sales-12-10-18-12-16-18 |title=Media Create Sales: 12/10/18 – 12/16/18 |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=December 19, 2018 |website=Gematsu |access-date=January 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220230626/https://gematsu.com/2018/12/media-create-sales-12-10-18-12-16-18 |archive-date=December 20, 2018 |url-status=live}} It went on to sell 317,000 physical copies by 2020.{{Cite book |year=2021 |title=2021 ゲーム産業白書 |website=Media Create |page=145|publisher=メディアクリエイト |isbn=978-4-909977-18-2}} Judgment was the most successful release for a new IP for the eighth generation of video game consoles in the country, although this record was later broken by Death Stranding.{{Cite web|url=https://www.androidcentral.com/death-stranding-has-biggest-debut-any-new-ip-japan-entire-generation|title=Death Stranding is the biggest debut of any new IP in Japan this generation|date=November 13, 2019|website=Android Central|author=Tolbert, Samuel|access-date=November 15, 2019|archive-date=November 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191118181939/https://www.androidcentral.com/death-stranding-has-biggest-debut-any-new-ip-japan-entire-generation|url-status=live}} Producer Daisuke Sato said that Western sales of Judgment had exceeded expectations.{{cite web |title=Judgment ha vendido más de lo esperado por SEGA en Occidente |url=https://as.com/meristation/2019/08/26/noticias/1566801783_050718.html |access-date=August 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826202201/https://as.com/meristation/2019/08/26/noticias/1566801783_050718.html |archive-date=August 26, 2019 |url-status=live |date=August 26, 2019 }} Upon its release week, the PlayStation 5 version of the game sold 5,539 physical copies in Japan, while the original version sold 3,192 physical copies.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-05-01/japan-video-game-rankings-april-19-25/.172287|title=Japan's Video Game Rankings, April 19–25|website=Anime News Network|access-date=May 2, 2021|date=May 1, 2021|author=Pineda, Rafael Antonio|archive-date=May 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502024559/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-05-01/japan-video-game-rankings-april-19-25/.172287|url-status=live}} It went to reach 14,479 physical copies for the PlayStation 5 while the original had 24,271.{{cite web|url=https://www.perfectly-nintendo.com/japan-taiwan-s-korea-famitsu-and-media-create-sales-for-week-21-2021-may-17-may-23/|title=[Japan, Taiwan, S. Korea] Famitsu and Media Create sales for Week 25, 2021 (June 14 – June 20) [Top 30]|author=Agent, Lite|access-date=June 30, 2021|date=June 30, 2021|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184920/https://www.perfectly-nintendo.com/japan-taiwan-s-korea-famitsu-and-media-create-sales-for-week-21-2021-may-17-may-23/|url-status=live}} In June 2021, Sega announced that total sales topped one million units.{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2021/06/judgment-shipments-and-digital-sales-top-one-million|title=Judgment shipments and digital sales top one million|website=Gematsu|date=June 16, 2021|access-date=June 16, 2021|archive-date=June 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616032538/https://www.gematsu.com/2021/06/judgment-shipments-and-digital-sales-top-one-million|url-status=live}}

{{main|Lost Judgment}}

Rumors of a sequel were reported by publications in March 2021, hinting at the return of both Yagami and Kaito.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamebyte.com/a-sequel-to-yakuza-spin-off-judgment-rumoured-to-be-in-development/|title=A Sequel To Yakuza Spin-Off 'Judgment' Rumoured To Be In Development|website=GameByte|date=March 24, 2021|access-date=April 14, 2021|archive-date=April 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414201531/https://www.gamebyte.com/a-sequel-to-yakuza-spin-off-judgment-rumoured-to-be-in-development/|url-status=live}} That April, the official website announced a major tease related to Judgment on May 7, titled "Judgment Day".{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2021/04/judgment-countdown-website-teases-may-7-announcement|title=Judgment countdown website teases May 7 announcement|website=Gematsu|date=April 23, 2021|access-date=April 29, 2021|archive-date=April 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429163504/https://www.gematsu.com/2021/04/judgment-countdown-website-teases-may-7-announcement|url-status=live}} The official Twitter account of the game also revealed new footage of Yagami, hinting toward a sequel.{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2021/04/judgment-twitter-account-shares-possible-sequel-footage|title=JJudgment Twitter account shares possible sequel footage|website=Gematsu|date=April 29, 2021|access-date=April 29, 2021|archive-date=April 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429163503/https://www.gematsu.com/2021/04/judgment-twitter-account-shares-possible-sequel-footage|url-status=live}} On May 6, 2021, a day before Judgment Day, the sequel Lost Judgment was leaked by PlayStation Network in Japan. It released worldwide on September 24, 2021.

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

• [http://yakuza.sega.com/judgment/ Official website]
• [http://ryu-ga-gotoku.com/judgeeyes/ Official Japanese website]

{{Yakuza series}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Judgment}}

Category:2018 video games

Category:Action-adventure games

Category:Beat 'em ups

Category:Video games about law

Category:Detective video games

Category:Video games about murder

Category:Video games about human experimentation

Category:Open-world video games

Category:Organized crime video games

Category:PlayStation 4 games

Category:PlayStation 4 Pro enhanced games

Category:PlayStation 5 games

Category:Sega beat 'em ups

Category:Single-player video games

Category:Stadia games

Category:Video game controversies

Category:Video games developed in Japan

Category:Video games scored by Hidenori Shoji

Category:Video games set in 2015

Category:Video games set in 2018

Category:Video games set in Tokyo

Category:Video games about wrongful convictions

Category:Xbox Series X and Series S games

Category:Yakuza (franchise) spinoff games