Localization developer Scott Strichart has warned fans that Lost Judgment has some heavy themes and the game "isn't pulling any punches."
Lost Judgment is a game that lets you walk cute dogs and pull off sick skateboard tricks across Yokohama, but Strichart wants fans to know that the game's main story is anything but wacky. In a tweet posted on Thursday, Strichart warns potential buyers that Lost Judgment "deals with various traumas" and to read up on the game before buying.
A warning that the rest of this article contains references to suicide and bullying for those affected by these issues.
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According to Strichart, Lost Judgment "isn't pulling any punches" with its themes and wants fans to look after themselves and make sure they're in the right headspace before they dive into Yagami's next case.
Long time Yakuza fans are likely aware of the difference in tone between the series' main stories and optional side content, but it seems like Lost Judgment could be a more severe case. Not much is known about the game's plot so far, so it's unclear as to what traumas Strichart is referring to, but pre-release trailers and gameplay demonstrations do indicate that one such trigger could be bullying, particularly with young children in a high school setting.
As to what other traumas could be included in Lost Judgment is unknown. It's worth pointing out that the first game in the Judgment spin-off series was also pretty heavy when compared to the rest of Ryu Ga Gotoku's games. Judgment went pretty deep into protagonist Takayuki Yagami's backstory, detailing how his parents were murdered by someone who then commits suicide. It's possible that Lost Judgment also covers similar themes.
Whatever the case may be, it's probably worth taking Strichart's advice and to wait for some more info on the game if you are sensitive to certain heavy topics. It's unclear as to what traumas Strichart is referring to and we likely won't know until the game has been in the hands of the public for a while. It's better to be safe than sorry in situations like this.
For those that are interested in buying Lost Judgment day one, the game is expected to release on September 24 for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
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