Judgment

This guide details the basic controls for Judgment, covering exploration, menu navigation, and combat for both PlayStation and Xbox controllers. More specific combat information can be found in the Combat and Abilities section.

Q: What is _Judgment_?

A: _Judgment_ is a 2018 action RPG game by SEGA's Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio. It was released in 2018 for the PlayStation 4 in Japan and in 2019 for the PlayStation 4 in other territories. A Remaster was then released in 2021 for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and Google Stadia.

Q: Is this a Yakuza game?

A: Yes, and no. This game takes place in Kamurocho, the setting of the _Yakuza_ series. Controls, combat, minigames, and the general feel are all vintage _Yakuza_. _Judgment_ has no direct story connection to any of the _Yakuza_ games. It is an entirely standalone story spin-off.

Q: Is this is a good game to start the _Yakuza_ series with?

A: This is the perfect game to try if you're looking to see if you'd get into the _Yakuza_ series. _Judgment_ is its own self-contained story, so there is no previous knowledge required in order to understand what's going on in the game.

Q: How do I save in this game?

A: Go to the Pause Menu and select "Save". You can also enable autosave at the beginning of the game, which saves the game regularly in a separate slot.

Q: What is different in _Judgment_ compared to the _Yakuza_ games?

A: Here's a list of new things you can expect to encounter:

1. The obvious one is that you are playing as an ostensibly law-abiding Japanese citizen instead of a former yakuza, so the entire focus and perspective of the game is different.
2. There's a considerable amount of gameplay focused around investigation and being a detective, including searching, tailing people, chasing people, picking locks, flying a drone around, and others.
3. Apart from appearing during battles, weapons are not something that can be bought or carried around in the game. Also, the game doesn't have armor-based equipment.
4. Minigames have been changed around. There are a lot of options in the Arcade, and there's heavy emphasis on Drone flying and VR entertainment.

Q: What is this game rated?

A: This game is rated "M" for Mature by the ESRB. It includes the content descriptors of: Blood, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, and Use of Alcohol. In this game, you enter the seemy underbelly of metropolitan Japan, which includes a lot of illegal stuff. The combat in this game can be brutal, especially the "EX Actions" you perform in combat, but while blood sprays out a lot, it's never too overt. There is implied gore in this game, but it's never actually shown on camera.

Q: Who do I play as in this game?

A: In this game, you play as new character Takayuki Yagami, a former defense attorney currently working as a private investigator in Kamurocho.

Q: I downloaded some DLC. Where do I pick it up?

A: Just outside the Yagami Detective Agency is a post box. Any DLC and rewards will be placed there to be picked up.

Q: What changes are there from the PS4 version of the game to the 2021 remaster?

A: Apart from graphical updates and reduced loading times, the remaster is _almost_ the same as the original _except_ for a few changed minigames. No I don't know why they made these changes.

1. The Pinball machine in Yagami's office has been replaced with an Out Run machine.
2. In the Club SEGA on Nakamichi St., the Puyo Puyo machines have been replaced with Virtua Fighter 2.

Q: What's an easy way to grind SP?

A: If you're hurting for SP, the best way is to use Quickstarter and fund the Hug Bomb track until you fund "Hug Bomb Omega". Each of these energy drinks will give you 770 SP, and they cost 140,000 yen apiece. If you're serious about dumping money into this, you'll need a source of cash, so....

Q: What's an easy way to grind money?

A: The clearest and most obvious way is through Paradise VR. The Long Challenge course, if used properly, can net a few million per trip. It does require Precision Press so you can slow the die roll and pick your number, and a little bit of skill to actually get that number. Hit all the King Koro-nyans you can. Each of those battles get you at least 100,000 yen, and if you're brave, hit Kuro-nyan after you get a lot of items so you can get double back when you steal your stuff back.

This guide explains terms you'll encounter in the subtitles and dialogue of Judgment, clarifying their translations and cultural context.

"Aniki"

Literally "big brother." In Japanese culture, younger siblings use this term for older brothers. Within the yakuza and business worlds, "aniki" refers to a mentor figure one follows to learn from. Yagami initially refers to Kaito as his "old aniki.".

Bento

A boxed lunch, typically prepared in rectangular containers with a base of rice or noodles, accompanied by meat and vegetables. Bento can be purchased from convenience stores or prepared at home.

Cabaret Clubs and Host Clubs

Cabaret clubs, also known as "hostess clubs," originated from Japanese bars where hostesses entertained guests. Modern cabaret clubs, like "The Grand" in Sotenbori, are large establishments with stage acts and numerous hostesses who provide company, pour drinks, and engage in conversation with customers. The role can sometimes verge on sex work, officially falling under the "water trade." Host clubs are a counterpart where women pay for male companionship.

Captain

In yakuza terminology, this is the "wakagashira," the second-in-command of a yakuza family. The captain is one step away from leading the family. Kyohei Hamura is the captain of the Matsugane Family, often referred to as "kashira.".

Family

A yakuza organization, known as "-kai" or "-gumi," led by a patriarch. Families can focus on specific businesses or control territories, varying in size and influence. Smaller families may operate discreetly if they maintain their position.

"Gokudo"

Literally meaning "the ultimate path," this term is commonly used to refer to "gangsters" or yakuza members themselves. When characters use "gokudo," they often express a favorable or honorable view of their organization.

Honorifics

Japanese honorifics are more complex than Western titles like "Mister." They are attached to names to denote hierarchy and politeness. In Judgment, men are often referred to by their family names (e.g., Yagami) and women by their given names (e.g., Saori). Omitting an honorific implies extreme closeness or intentional rudeness.

• -bo: A colloquial term for "boy," used like a nickname. Kaito calls Yagami "Ta-bo," localized as "Tak," signifying their close friendship.
• -chan: A diminutive honorific, often used by adults for children, similar to "My dear" or "Little." Girls may continue using it into adulthood, while boys typically transition to "-kun."
• -kun: Another diminutive honorific, used for familiar individuals, by seniors addressing juniors, and among boys.
• -san: The most common honorific, analogous to "Mr." or "Mrs.," used for politeness with unfamiliar people.
• -sensei: Typically means "teacher," but also applies to lawyers, doctors, and politicians. Yagami uses it for lawyers like Shintani and Genda.
• -senpai: Refers to a senior at work or school. The opposite is "kohai" (junior).