Like Judgment and several Yakuza games before it, Lost Judgment is looking like it’s going to walk that fine line between being goofy and hilarious and dealing with serious and grim topics. All that we’ve seen of the game so far definitely seems to suggest that, but of course, with its school elements and skateboarding and detective dog and what have you having been highlighted in previous trailers, there are certain things that have gotten more attention than others.
The game’s localization Scott Strichart, however, is here to warn you that the heavier themes the story tackles shouldn’t be ignored. In a couple of tweets published recently, Strichart said that though he’s thrilled with the excitement people are showing about Lost Judgment’s goofier elements, the story does deal with “various traumas” that he warns players shouldn’t be in the wrong headspace for when playing the game.
“If you’re at all concerned, please look into it before you buy it,” Strichart writes. “Your health has to come first and this game isn’t pulling any punches.”
Of course, if you’ve played past Yakuza games or even the first Judgment, you’ll be prepared for a game that does just that. This is a series that doesn’t shy away from dealing with some pretty dark stuff, in spite of all the over-the-top goofiness that it loves so much. Either way, given that there might be many new players with this entry, it’s good to see Strichart giving such a clear warning beforehand.
Lost Judgment is out on September 24 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, and Xbox One.