When new console generations launch, games that released on the last major gaming systems frequently make a migration to the next-gen systems in short order. Such is the case withYakuza-universe spin-offJudgment, which is now revealed to be coming to next-gen consoles and game streaming.
Judgment, which is set in the same fictional Japanese district of Kamurocho as the mainlineYakuzagames, takes a slightly different path from the traditional beat-‘em-ups. While the combat follows the traditionalYakuzaformat to an extent, the series focuses on new protagonist Takayuki Yagami in an effort to track down a serial murderer, with a private investigator spin on the usual formula.
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As revealed by Sega,Judgmentwill be releasing for the next-gen PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, as well as game streaming service Google Stadia on April 23 for $39.99 USD. The game is said to feature retouched visuals, 60 FPS performance, and shortened loading times. However, unlike otherrecentYakuzaseries releases, the game will not be making an appearance on PC, nor Xbox Game Pass. Given the presence of Google Stadia, it’s highly possible that the game will remain an exclusive on the service for a period of time before making its way to traditional game services like Steam or Origin, or game streaming and subscription services like Xbox Game Pass.
Although things have been bumpy for Sega in recent months, the game publisher isn’t slowing down when it comes to sharing the long-runningYakuzaseries with the west. While the series once floundered to find its feet in English-speaking territories, it’s since seen a rebound in popularity, due in part to the critical acclaim that prequelYakuza 0received and subsequentsoft-series rebootYakuza: Like a Dragonhas recently followed up on.
Judgmentwas critically well-received in both Japan and the United States, though it had a bit of a bumpy ride getting to that point. Due to a controversy surrounding the actor who portrayedJudgment’s lead antagonist, the game was pulled after release to retool the game, removing his likeness and performance entirely and replacing it with a new actor’s portrayal. Though it may seem a bit extreme to some players to go so far, it’s not the first time it’s happened with the series, asYakuza 4also saw one of its playable characters completely retooled after a similar controversy surrounding drug use.
With the vast majority of the series’ entries coming to next-gen systems and PCs, Sega is likely betting on increased popularity before releasing thenext mainline entry to theYakuzafranchise, which is already in production.
Judgmentis available now for PS4, with a release on April 23 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Google Stadia.
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