As seen during the Kinda Funny Games Showcase, Sega's Project Judge is now Judgement and receiving a full English localization. The announcement of the English dub comes as a surprise for Sega, who hasn't done a full voiceover for a Yakuza team game since the lackluster reception the dub for Yakuza 1 received back in 2006. Fans of the Japanese original have nothing to fear, as Judgement will come with dual audio and dual English subtitles. Judgement is set to release next summer for the PS4.
Known in Japan as Judge Eyes: Shinigami no Yuigon (roughly translated as Will of the Reaper), Judgement can be considered a side game in the Yakuza mythos. Initially revealed earlier this year by Sega ahead of Tokyo Game Show, even though it's set in the same city as the Yakuza games, their new effort is a stark departure for the team. When a young lawyer finds himself ousted from his job, he begins investigating a series of gruesome murders connected to his criminal past. The killer, nicknamed The Mole, kills his victims by removing their eyes and leaving the bodies behind. Despite the darker subject matter, Sega is still looking to include the same brawling combat found in the Yakuza games, as well as some new stealth and investigation mechanics.
Receiving highly positive reviews in Japan, Judgement packs a star-studded English voice cast. Leading the crew is Greg Chun, who has lent his talents to Octopath Traveler, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise. Perhaps because of his work on Sega's other action game, he was invited back for the lead role in Judgement. Joining him is Joe Zieja, Crispin Freeman, Matt Mercer, Yuri Lowenthal, and many other talented artists. With Judgement releasing next week in Japan, hopefully we're able to explore the darker streets of Kamurocho before long next year.
