Several days ago, Studio Yakuza revealed that itsYakuza-universe spin-off title calledJudgmentis heading to next-generation consoles and Stadia on April 23.Judgmentwas first released to the PS4 in 2019 and is set in the same fictional Japanese district of Kamurocho, the mainlineYakuzagames' setting.The story ofJudgmentrevolves around Takayuki Yagami, who is on a mission to track a serial murderer.
It is worth noting thatJudgmentis not the first game from theYakuzafranchise that is headed for the PS5 and Xbox Series X. Last November, the studio releasedYakuza: Like a Dragonon the Xbox Series X alongside the PC, PS4, and Xbox One, with the PS5 version launching in March. Of course, the launch ofYakuza: Like a DragonandJudgmenton next-gen consoles could signify that Studio Yakuza is planning to introduce moreYakuzagames on the PS5 and Xbox Series X, especially now that console gaming is slowly transitioning to the new hardware.
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More Yakuza Games on PS5 and Xbox Series X
At the moment, Studio Yakuza still hasn’t revealed its plans to bring moreYakuzagames on the PS5 and Xbox Series X. However, it seems apparent from the upcoming release ofYakuza: Like a DragonandJudgmentthat the studio is interested in reintroducing the franchise to a new generation of gamers.
Of course, given that both the PS5 and Xbox Series X are still growing their respective library of games,Yakuzahas the opportunity to reach more gamers by re-releasing classic titles from the franchise on the next generation.
Which Yakuza Games Should Get an Upgrade?
The studio could bringThe Yakuza Remastered Collectionto next-gen consoles as a good potential start,as it bundles upgraded versions ofYakuza 3, Yakuza 4,andYakuza 5in one solid package. To the uninitiated,The Yakuza Remastered Collectionwas first released on the PS4 in 2019 and on the Xbox One and PC last January. Releasing the Remastered Collection on the PS5 and Xbox Series X would allow newcomers to experience the series through its classic games that introduced the formula that madeYakuzaa household name for several years now.
Additionally, Studio Yakuza could also start developing full-fledged remakes of some franchise entries, most notably, the first twoYakuzagames. The studio could also reintroduceYakuza 0, which was first released in 2015, to allow newcomers to experience the story that predates the rest of the franchise’s events. It is worth noting that many regardYakuza 0as one of the best entries in the series, especially since it provides an epic introduction into the world ofYakuzaas a whole.
Of course, it remains to be seen whether Studio Yakuza plans to re-release more games from its back catalog to thePS5 and Xbox Series X. However, given that next-gen console players are still looking for good games to play on their new hardware, theYakuzafranchise now has the golden opportunity to dominate the new platforms before other, more popular games start to take over.
Judgmentis available now for PS4, with a release on April 23 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Google Stadia.
