2019 Games You’re Probably Sleeping On
Judgment – Q2 2019
The Yakuza series has exploded into popularity in the last few years, with quality titles like Yakuza 0, Yakuza 6, and Yakuza Kiwami 2. Although it doesn’t bear the Yakuza name, Judgment comes from the same studio, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, and shares a lot of DNA with the cult classic series.
You play as Takayuki Yagami, a disgraced defense attorney now living as a private investigator. Yagami seeks his redemption as he investigates the twisting and turning world of the Yakuza in Kamurocho, the same red-light district used in Yakuza.
Despite being set in the same city, Judgment sports a starkly different story than that of Yakuza, focusing more on the other side rather than the criminal organization, the Yakuza. By this same token, Judgment has similar but different gameplay elements as well.
The game will have a combat system that lets you swap between different styles, like in Yakuza 0, and there will still be plenty of minigames and side stories to partake in.
Investigation mechanics are a big difference in Judgment, however, requiring you to do things like tail a suspect, questions witnesses and present evidence, and don disguises while in certain areas.
On top of all this, Judgment will have a full English dub, meaning this is easily one of the most accessible games from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio so far.
The developer has become quite well-known for the gripping and dramatic stories they tell, mixed in with some absurdly fun combat and gameplay elements. So far it looks like Judgment hits all of these beats, and it’s bound to be another surreal experience that you won’t want to miss.
