Shenmue III

 PC
User Score
6.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 434 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 239 out of 434
  2. Mixed: 29 out of 434
  3. Negative: 166 out of 434

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  1. lastsid
    Feb 12, 2020
    6
    Shenmue is weird series of games. First and second have big value as part of gaming history. For me shenmue always was a legendary game which i always wanted to try. And when i finaly did, it wasnt what i expected. It definitely unique game even in modern gaming. Kind sorta life sim, more realistic and immersive than most of modern games, but kinda boring. First half of the game you needShenmue is weird series of games. First and second have big value as part of gaming history. For me shenmue always was a legendary game which i always wanted to try. And when i finaly did, it wasnt what i expected. It definitely unique game even in modern gaming. Kind sorta life sim, more realistic and immersive than most of modern games, but kinda boring. First half of the game you need to get in certain place in certain time. You need to wait untill that time. Walk across town. killing time in arcade. It's strange.it's weird and not very fun. But it creates mood, atmosphere, sense of time and place. And when the second half we work in port on fortkliff i get of sense of nostalgia when i get more free time and can hang in arcade all day instead of driving fortcliff from morning to evening. Shenmue isnt realy fun but it's interesting expirience and it is good in creating atmospehere. Second game is more adventureous. You're in foreign country. Everifing is alien and unfamiliar. Yor meeting new people, run into new problem. There is more fightin and more qte. I honestly like it less. First was comming of age story and this is adventure with fighring criminal, solving misteries and other stuff. It's still keeps it realistic feel but cuicumstances is very different. Third one, despite been released last year, feel very close in style to first two. Probably less eventfull and more boring. I honetsly expected more modern spin on shenmue formula, but shenmue 3 sticks to it's root and this make it feels dated. And it's not the end of story. It's ends on cliffhanger and promissed contnuation in shenmue 4. I remeber in the begining 12 games was planed. Interesting, are this plan are still relevant? In general shenmue is unique and interesting experience, but not a very good. Definitely dont play the third game separately. But should you play the whole series, i dont know. If you want non-violent game with good atmosphere and dont worry that it would waste your time on alot of boring parts, give it try.… Expand
  2. ALEX_230_VOLT
    Dec 4, 2019
    9
    This game is a true continuation of a Shenmue and it brings the series green light it needed! Of course, this game is not ideal, especially graphics and animations. Indeed, this game is looking a bit outdated, more like remaster of 2008 game. But still, it’s a GOOD 2008 game!
    Yeah, maybe some gameplay elements could have been done better. But, when we are judging this game, we must    This game is a true continuation of a Shenmue and it brings the series green light it needed! Of course, this game is not ideal, especially graphics and animations. Indeed, this game is looking a bit outdated, more like remaster of 2008 game. But still, it’s a GOOD 2008 game!
    Yeah, maybe some gameplay elements could have been done better. But, when we are judging this game, we must remember the development hell of its creation and a limited budget. Not a budget of AAA game, or even Yakuza series – just backers. So, considering all this restrictions, it’s a miracle that we still got a true Shenmue experience. Good job YS team!    … Expand
  3. Appolon20
    Dec 1, 2019
    1
    The author of the game is a total scammer. Not only is there nothing new in the game, it does not seem to have advanced for 15+ years. And not even that she goes to EGS. The story is empty and not interesting. Graphics from 2005. Grind money (chop wood, fish seriously?).
    When raising funds promised:
    3 locations (2 in fact) skill tree (none at all)   And this is just the tip of the    The author of the game is a total scammer. Not only is there nothing new in the game, it does not seem to have advanced for 15+ years. And not even that she goes to EGS. The story is empty and not interesting. Graphics from 2005. Grind money (chop wood, fish seriously?).
    When raising funds promised:
    3 locations (2 in fact)
    skill tree (none at all)

      And this is just the tip of the iceberg. Who are the people who value her well? Do not buy this game in any case!    … Expand
  4. BIDLOV
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    A worthy continuation of the Saga, which we loved so much.

    If you want to see the continuation of the story of Ryo Hazuki and play Shenmue 4, please support the game and buy a licensed copy in the Ps Store, or Epic Games Store.
  5. Torijama
    Nov 26, 2019
    10
    Well crafted Masterpiece.
    I waited 18 years and I am not disappointed due to keeping the spirit of the old games!
    A lot of fun to walk Baidu and earn money with chopping wood, fishing and collecting herbs.
    This is a slow game and people need to be aware of this fact.
    It may be slow, but extremely deep, what is very satisfying.
    My vote 10/10
  6. Fhhd
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    A masterpiece that's worthy of it's predessesors. Yu Suzuki has fulfilled his vision.
  7. Axolon
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    When people said it was the same feeling as playing the first ones, I couldn't believe it was going to be so Shenmue.

    I have spent the coupons on toy capsules, I have been bothered by children and I have spent all night opening drawers. It's all I could wish for and more, I had good expectations, but not so good, after so much time ... I hope the game is successful enough for the    When people said it was the same feeling as playing the first ones, I couldn't believe it was going to be so Shenmue.

    I have spent the coupons on toy capsules, I have been bothered by children and I have spent all night opening drawers. It's all I could wish for and more, I had good expectations, but not so good, after so much time ...

    I hope the game is successful enough for the saga to continue, it would be a awful to return to the same situation.

    But now, what matters, to enjoy Shenmue 3, I still don't believe it.

    Congratulations to all who have fought for this, we did it!    … Expand
  8. The_Dorkside
    Nov 21, 2019
    10
    Shenmue 3 is a hard one. it's an unpolished, yet polished diamond that rejects everything modern gaming has to say. Shenmue 3 does this in a splendid, refreshing manner. I'm giving this game 10/10, not as a fan of the series, but rather as a celebrating the game for it's uniqueness, offering something no other game does. And your appreciation for the game comes down to the effort you putShenmue 3 is a hard one. it's an unpolished, yet polished diamond that rejects everything modern gaming has to say. Shenmue 3 does this in a splendid, refreshing manner. I'm giving this game 10/10, not as a fan of the series, but rather as a celebrating the game for it's uniqueness, offering something no other game does. And your appreciation for the game comes down to the effort you put into the game yourself.

    The biggest problem with Shenmue today, is that people have a hard time grasping what the game actually is. To explain this in the simplest way possible, Shenmue 3 is a story driven, world-simulation, adventure fighting rpg, with a mixture of collecting and micro managing resources.

    The story takes place chronologically in a 24h/day system in which every day, even the mundane ones, is being played. A story sequence that could fit into a 10 minute cut scene in a modern game, can take Shenmue 15 hours to complete. The reason for this is that you as a player need to deal with everyday life of the main character Ryo Hazuki. If you are open minded and take your time, you start living and breathing the world of Shenmue, you start worrying about your financial situation, how the earn money effectively, how to become a better martial artist, while at the same time helping the people you start to care for. After 15h in Bailu village, you know every nook and corner, at the same time, you know the inhabitants by name, their personality and when you talk to your friend Shenhua about them you realize that you actually know all the people she is referring to. When NPCs are mere background noise in other games, Shenmue actually presents believable (yet somewhat awkward) characters to the world they inhabit.

    I don't think this game is for everybody. But with that being said, If you start playing the game.... think of it as a "world simulator". If you are expecting Uncharted 4 and try to shoehorn those traits into this game, you haven't allowed yourself to be open minded to games in general, or the appreciation of the beauty that is called Shenmue.

    We need more Shenmue. because the game is a "one of a kind" that defies the rules of modern (even boring) AAA-climate. The game isn't perfect, But I am willing to let these minor stuff pass just out of the sheer complexity of the game. It's a must play if you are willing do so with open eyes. If you don't like micro-management and slow paced games, then it is not for you.    … Expand
  9. Ivanka
    Nov 20, 2019
    9
    I think this is a very well-made part of the series. Characters, music, history, all at a very high level.
    The graphics are impressive and the immersion into the environment and people is so Shenmue like.
    YS Net, Neilo, Shibuya Productions, Lakshya Digital many thanks for making the game!
  10. PrinceThrakkath
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    Absolutely beautiful sequel to Shenmue 2. Look and feel is 100% true to original game, runs smooth as silk on my Radeon 7 3700x PC. A Masterpiece that deserves another sequel cannot recommend enough especially to Shenmue fans
  11. Godhandjean
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    Magic in all aspects, this qualification is personal, I find myself living those wonderful moments that 18 years ago shenmue gave us to many, it is a cult, relaxing and beautiful game that I would love that everyone enjoys.
  12. SlashQuake
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    What Yu Suzuki did with a kickstarter game is unbelievable! The game is not a triple A, but it has all the qualities a game needs to be fun! I love it.
  13. Sh3ppy
    Nov 21, 2019
    10
    Simply put, if you’re a fan of the original games you will absolutely love the third instalment. It feels, plays and sounds like Shenmue, albeit with updated graphics. Graphics wise it doesn’t match AAA games nowadays but when you look at the fact it was a Kickstarted game with a very limited budget, it’s a miracle this game actually exists in its current form (it’s actually a miracle itSimply put, if you’re a fan of the original games you will absolutely love the third instalment. It feels, plays and sounds like Shenmue, albeit with updated graphics. Graphics wise it doesn’t match AAA games nowadays but when you look at the fact it was a Kickstarted game with a very limited budget, it’s a miracle this game actually exists in its current form (it’s actually a miracle it exists at all!). And the environments are absolutely beautiful which deserves to be mentioned.… Expand
  14. Chiyou
    Nov 21, 2019
    10
    *Played with Japanese audio*
    I went into this game nervous. Shenmue has always been near and dear to my heart and I had a high expectation for the third entry. Shenmue III nailed it in every way. Bailu village oodles with charm, children running around practicing martial arts and begging for capsule toys, elders lounging around muttering to themselves. The game is gorgeous, environments    *Played with Japanese audio*
    I went into this game nervous. Shenmue has always been near and dear to my heart and I had a high expectation for the third entry. Shenmue III nailed it in every way. Bailu village oodles with charm, children running around practicing martial arts and begging for capsule toys, elders lounging around muttering to themselves. The game is gorgeous, environments particularly but also the npc characters in particularly are filled with expression and character. There's a deluge of things to do: from fishing to log cutting, Lucky hit to pail tossing, sparing to fighting to become the top rank in the dojo, and plants to pickup for some quick cash. Shenmue 3 knows who it was made for, and it quickly gives the fans who were begging for more story for the past 18 years tons of new information to process. I won't go into specifics but the game does a great job of bringing back old stories and telling new ones. Gameplay feels great, you'll have to eat throughout the day to keep up your health because running non stop like you did in Shenmue 1 and 2 does a number on your health. once you start to find the combat booklets the combat starts to get a lot more comfortable and having a rpg system where training the moves makes them stronger is a really nice touch.

    Shenmue 3 has quickly become my GOTY and I even can say I prefer it to Shenmue 2. Shenmue 1 will always be by number one game though. Thanks for reading!    … Expand
  15. Arcadeperfectyt
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    Great continuation of an excellent game series looks great decent controls fantastic story plenty to see and do
  16. DasMuel
    Nov 21, 2019
    10
    A beautiful, charming continuation of the series. Of course the smaller budget shows in places but the charm, detail and spirit of the originals is here in spades and Yu Suzuki has managed to better realise the systems of the original game.
  17. xboxbr
    Nov 22, 2019
    10
    that game is exactly like shenmue 1 & 2 with HD textures, and tha's very good! I'm very happy to play this game after so many years after shenmue 2. my only complaim is because this game doesn't have 'pause'. sometimes i need to pause, but I can't.
  18. Dkashola
    Nov 21, 2019
    10
    Shenmue III is a gaming miracle, showing that the positive persistence of a community can make great things happen.

    Like the last two Shenmue games, the third installment brings you an immersive world that offers more than just the A to B breadcrumbs of a narrative, but a believable living world that can distract you for hours being lost in rural China to the streets of Nioawu.    Shenmue III is a gaming miracle, showing that the positive persistence of a community can make great things happen.

    Like the last two Shenmue games, the third installment brings you an immersive world that offers more than just the A to B breadcrumbs of a narrative, but a believable living world that can distract you for hours being lost in rural China to the streets of Nioawu.

    Shenmue was never a series meant for everyone, not everyone will "Get It" but for those who do it's an amazing experience that nothing else compares to.    … Expand
  19. Goddieman
    Nov 23, 2019
    10
    Soul of the year, I just want to say thank you to everyone who is involved in making this masterpiece. Thank you Yu Suzuki for the game, thank you epic for the engine and thank you Shenmue community for all the support.
  20. yusep
    Jan 6, 2020
    2
    I am an old guy, 40 y/o. I played Shenmue 1 and 2 in Dreamcast when they where released. I nevery though they were master pieces but I valued them for what they were.
    I was pretty excited to put some money when the Kickstarted was announced, I wanted to contribute to keep the shenmue legend alive.
    After receiving the Kicsktarter download code I let few months pass to avoid being in the    I am an old guy, 40 y/o. I played Shenmue 1 and 2 in Dreamcast when they where released. I nevery though they were master pieces but I valued them for what they were.
    I was pretty excited to put some money when the Kickstarted was announced, I wanted to contribute to keep the shenmue legend alive.
    After receiving the Kicsktarter download code I let few months pass to avoid being in the hype or the doom stages. I went to the game with the most open possible mind and with low expectations.

    I have to say, the game is a total dissapointment.

    The script is REALLY bad to a point I can't keep playing the game as the character talk like the script was written by a 12 years kid. Everybody in the game talks like they have low IQ. slow, repeating phrases, behaving like they are basically stupid. the English dubbing is bad, unemotional... it feels like a real B series movie with no budget. But even worse as the animations and facial animations are very very bad. The amount of times the character replies with a "i see"is just playing annoying.

    The design of the game is bad, the only thing you do is to run errands, most of the time very Stupid ones. And from time to time you reach a fight where most of the cases you will lose it. the game forces you to grind the training ( very stupid training ).. Fighting is just mashing buttons, nothing deep or tachtical.

    on the tech side, it is ok, graphics themselves are ok. Animations are plain bad... but models and lighting is fine . Performance on PC.. the game is not ultrawide compatible, and I have to play it either fullscreen streched with proper performance or windowed or borderless with bad performance. Tried to play it on a 1080 p TV . the tearing was HORRIBLE. constant terrible line moving vertically on the screen.... the worst I have ever seen.

    A total dissapointment of a game who learned NOTHING from the last 15 years of game development.

    It is bad, there is no other way to describe it. I do not recommend to buy it, not even descounted. Try it if you can get it for free or max 5 dollars.    … Expand
  21. Ramiro1992
    May 19, 2020
    1
    Piece of crap game for a pc crap trilogy. Yu Suzuki is a bald headed ugly **** that took advantage of the autistic Shenmue fans to get zee money from them, pc **** that bought the game were scammed and not refunded after discovering that the game was crap. Thankfully I never liked a single SHenmue game, overrated franchise as always, I would never pay more than $10 bucks for a digitalPiece of crap game for a pc crap trilogy. Yu Suzuki is a bald headed ugly **** that took advantage of the autistic Shenmue fans to get zee money from them, pc **** that bought the game were scammed and not refunded after discovering that the game was crap. Thankfully I never liked a single SHenmue game, overrated franchise as always, I would never pay more than $10 bucks for a digital download link (except if it was a wonderful game) and no more than $30 for a physical game, **** you Suzuki! Shenmue is dead!… Expand
  22. Merifri84
    Mar 1, 2020
    0
    Это не игра, а просто жесть. Ю Сузуки, видимо пора завязывать с тяжелыми наркотиками и переосмыслить в каком году он живет, скучная, однообразная, тягомотина с отвратительной графикой. А ведь так надеялся, что будет интересно...Это не игра, а просто жесть. Ю Сузуки, видимо пора завязывать с тяжелыми наркотиками и переосмыслить в каком году он живет, скучная, однообразная, тягомотина с отвратительной графикой. А ведь так надеялся, что будет интересно...
  23. LINKTJT
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    Stays true to the originals and doesn't try to be something it isn't.

    It's exactly what I was hoping for and I Thank everybody in the community that never gave up on Shenmue.
  24. Jonjen
    Nov 19, 2019
    9
    Fantastic game, picks where the sequel left off, plays just like the classics and that's just perfect. It's everything you wanted from a Shenmue III all them years ago and more.
  25. krojo17
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    Everything I could've asked for. Yu Suzuki and his team dared to achieve the impossible, and they absolutely nailed it. This is a time of great celebration for all fans, and I couldn't be happier to be part of it!
  26. Sahhid
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    One of the best releases of 2019 by far. Absolutely loved this masterpiece.
  27. Buzin
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    I love this game! Shenmue is a masterpiece! Thanks to everyone involved, we made it!
  28. Dokodemodoamike
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    A sequel that is truely worth the name. It turned out way better than i expected. it is made with so much love and passion, you can feel it. People who never played 1&2 maybe get confused at the beginning (the recap video that comes with 3 is too short and lacks of information, you better watch on youtube for better recap videos). But fans will instantly get hooked again. It feels like asA sequel that is truely worth the name. It turned out way better than i expected. it is made with so much love and passion, you can feel it. People who never played 1&2 maybe get confused at the beginning (the recap video that comes with 3 is too short and lacks of information, you better watch on youtube for better recap videos). But fans will instantly get hooked again. It feels like as if nothing happened and it seamlessly flows from Shenmue 2 to 3. The world feels alive and gorgeous, people feel like true personalities. Fighting feels different, but when you get used to it, it feels challenging.
    There is no way a fan of this series will be disappointed. This game has a soul!
    … Expand
  29. Scribe86
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    A perfect continuation to a series left dormant for close to two decades. Yu Suzuki has managed to recapture the spirit of Shenmue from the games from back in the early 0’s whilst managing to include many quality of life changes, making the gameplay experience far more enjoyable. Considering this is initially a crowdfunded project (other parties financially contributed also) I think thisA perfect continuation to a series left dormant for close to two decades. Yu Suzuki has managed to recapture the spirit of Shenmue from the games from back in the early 0’s whilst managing to include many quality of life changes, making the gameplay experience far more enjoyable. Considering this is initially a crowdfunded project (other parties financially contributed also) I think this has turned out much better than expected. The voice acting and audio direction is far superior to previous entries, the controls have been greatly improved and the use of the unreal engine has bought the games visuals up to the current generation. This is a faithful continuation of the series which I think anyone even with the slightest interest in role playing/action adventure games based in the East in the 1980’s should definitely consider playing. … Expand
  30. nanictech
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    I am so impressed by this game. It is truly a masterpiece especially since it came out of a Kickstarter. Can you believe the continuity between a game from 18 years ago. The graphics are impressive and the immersion into the environment and people is so Shenmue like. The story is great but won’t spoil anything.
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Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Most Discussed PC Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. Riot Pixels
    Feb 17, 2020
    84
    If the original dilogy is Iliad, Shenmue 3 is Odyssey, a sequel that even exceeds expectations in some regards.
    Read full review
  2. Game World Navigator Magazine
    Jan 14, 2020
    44
    Despite all Suzuki’s claims that this series is his life’s work, Shenmue 3 feels more like a quick cash-in. [Issue#242, p.62]
  3. PC Games
    Dec 16, 2019
    50
    Even connoisseurs of the first two parts will be a bit sober after taking off their pink glasses. The story is by far not as good as it seemed back then and the gameplay is completely outdated. The fact that Shenmue 3 doesn't come to a conclusion is unforgivable after the long waiting time and the (financial) support of the fans. Players who approach the title without a nostalgia bonus will be annoyed anyway. The grind is pretty hard, the wandering around and the bad dialogues are even harder, but the fact that the game keeps stopping you on purpose is just incredibly frustrating. Hardcore fans can add something to the rating, everyone else can even pull something off.
    Read full review
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