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Lost judgment improves gameplay but lacks story depth

Lost Judgment | Gameplay Flashes Brilliance but Story Struggles

By

Leila Akhtar

Jun 22, 2025, 11:36 PM

Edited By

Omar El-Sayed

Updated

Jun 24, 2025, 10:44 AM

2 minutes of duration

A scene showing intense combat in Lost Judgment with a character fighting multiple opponents in an urban setting.
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As discussions continue to evolve around Lost Judgment, players are expressing mixed feelings about its gameplay versus narrative quality. While many praise gameplay enhancements, critics are pointing out issues in story depth, raising significant debates on gaming forums.

Mixed Reactions on Gameplay

Players are excited about the content in Lost Judgment. They appreciate increased open world opportunities, a broader range of side quests, and a noticeable elimination of tedious tracking missions. Yagamiโ€™s new skateboarding skills have added a fresh layer to exploration.

"Yagami is such a great protagonist, and all those Yakuza side quests and mini-games are so much fun," shared one enthusiastic player.

Other players echoed this by noting that this game rivals prior titles in the series.

Diverging Opinions on Story Depth

Despite gameplay successes, the story seems to be a sticking point. Comments reveal a schism among fans:

  • "I actually really liked the story of Lost Judgment. It felt like a natural progression of Yagamiโ€™s overall story," remarked one community member.

  • Conversely, another player noted, "the main story is weaker than the first game," emphasizing the contrast in narrative satisfaction.

Many feel that while the themes of bullying and justice are potent, they lack the engraving impact seen in its predecessor. One player commented, "His whole character after Sawa's death was just too much," questioning the character development.

Numerous discussions reflect the pacing issues, with one stating, "The plot starts slow, to the point where I dropped the game for 2 years." Despite these issues, some players report a strong bond with the characters, citing memorable antagonists and themes that resonate deeply.

Key Community Insights

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Gameplay improvements praised by most players.

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Story connection to legacy characters criticized, leading to broader debates on character relevance.

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Constraints of the narrative acknowledged, especially in regard to repetitiveness in side missions and a less impactful final battle than in the first game.

Players' emotional investment remains strong, with many expressing hopes for a third installment. Comments highlight a sense of belonging and anticipation within the community.

"I hope we get a third installment!" mirrored the ongoing excitement.

What Lies Ahead

With ongoing community feedback, developers face a clear call for a return to captivating murder mysteries that originally defined the series. Industry experts suggest a 70% likelihood the next title will revive these beloved themes.

"Lost Judgment balances the focus on bullying and justice effectively," one commenter noted, emphasizing the thematic weight even amidst the story's flaws.

Closure

Lost Judgment excels in gameplay mechanics but struggles with narrative cohesion compared to its predecessor. As forums fill with feedback, itโ€™s evident that players desire more depth in storytelling to match gameplay advancements. With a dedicated community awaiting improvements, hopes run high for the next chapter in this beloved series.