Best Video Game Storytelling & Writing of 2021
First Runner-Up: Lost Judgment
News Editor Giuseppe Nelva: The Judgment series is essentially a spin-off of the Yakuza franchise, yet its creators have managed to give it its own personality that goes much beyond simply replacing Kazuma Kiryu (or Ichiban Kasuga) with a detective played by a top-tier superstar.
Yet, Lost Judgment still manages to pair a super-dark main storyline with plenty of comedic moments. Add to that a (perhaps surprising) insightful albeit a bit hyperbolic look on Japanese high schools, and you get a game with impressive storytelling depth worthy of the best Japanese tradition.
As a matter of fact, and much like the Yakuza games, this is a title that you simply can’t miss if you love Japan. Yet, thanks to its strong detective story, you may enjoy Lost Judgment even if you don’t.
