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 with Yakuza-universe spin-off Judgment, 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 mainline Yakuza games, takes a slightly different path from the traditional beat-'em-ups. While the combat follows the traditional Yakuza format 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, Judgment will 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 other recent Yakuza series 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-running Yakuza series 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 prequel Yakuza 0 received and subsequent soft-series reboot Yakuza: Like a Dragon has recently followed up on.
Judgment was 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 portrayed Judgment'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, as Yakuza 4 also 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 the next mainline entry to the Yakuza franchise, which is already in production.
Judgment is available now for PS4, with a release on April 23 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Google Stadia.