Shenmue III

 PlayStation 4
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1112 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 828 out of 1112
  2. Mixed: 52 out of 1112
  3. Negative: 232 out of 1112
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  1. SomaKurusu
    Nov 19, 2019
    8
    Este juego no toma a nadie por sorpresa, ni pretende hacerlo. Se sabe que técnicamente está bastante desfasado para los tiempos que corren, y que es sin duda un juego que solo va a gustar a los fans de la saga. No obstante, su diseño artístico y banda sonora son de 10. Sus mecánicas jugables son muy similares a las vistas en las otras 2 entregas, lo que va a agradar a los fans y a molestarEste juego no toma a nadie por sorpresa, ni pretende hacerlo. Se sabe que técnicamente está bastante desfasado para los tiempos que corren, y que es sin duda un juego que solo va a gustar a los fans de la saga. No obstante, su diseño artístico y banda sonora son de 10. Sus mecánicas jugables son muy similares a las vistas en las otras 2 entregas, lo que va a agradar a los fans y a molestar a los nuevos jugadores, ya que quizás se hallan quedado algo atrás en el tiempo. Para mi es un juego de 8, por lo que representa esta saga y lo estoy disfrutando mucho, pero solo puedo recomendárselo a los fans de esta franquicia, no a los jugadores que solo buscan graficazos y fotorealismo.… Expand
  2. DespairZz
    Nov 24, 2019
    8
    Slow gameplay with great east atmosphere, interested fight system and modern graphic? Like it
    But... in some moments original dilogy (especially 2nd part) is better. You should be ready to this.
    All fans must have, absolutely. All another must played 1st and 2nd parts primarily! I'll await 4th part!
  3. Ortonator
    Nov 19, 2019
    8
    Full disclosure: I'm a longtime Shenmue fan and someone who backed Shenmue 3.
    Review: Shenmue 3 is what Shenmue fans want - mostly. The game feels like the sequel we were robbed of back in the Dreamcast era. The charmingly awkward dialogue is back, and this time I feel like it's a choice rather than a product of it's era, simply to please the fans who've come to love it so much.
    In    Full disclosure: I'm a longtime Shenmue fan and someone who backed Shenmue 3.
    Review: Shenmue 3 is what Shenmue fans want - mostly. The game feels like the sequel we were robbed of back in the Dreamcast era. The charmingly awkward dialogue is back, and this time I feel like it's a choice rather than a product of it's era, simply to please the fans who've come to love it so much.

    In terms of pacing, Shenmue 3 picks up a lot faster than the previous two games in the series. You're immediately thrown into a "small open world" area and introduced to a variety of mini games and combat. In earlier entries, Shenmue took it's time to build to your first encounter, or let you discover the mini games after the initial "prologue" of the game, but not here. In fact, Shenmue 3 doesn't have a prologue, as it picks up immediately where Shenmue 2 left of, as if the last 18 years never happend.
    As a Shenmue fan, i like this.

    However, the reason I'm giving this an 8 (which is still very high by my standards) and not a 10 is because of 2 things. One of them bugs me as a Shenmue fan, the other just bugs me in general.

    1) The combat: Shenmue 1 & 2 had some great combat. It came down to throws, punches, kicks and dodges. Timing moves right and landing a hard-to-pull-of throw resulted in beautiful animations that made you feel like a martial arts master. The combat felt real, heavy but not sluggish, and rewarding. Shenmue 3, however, ditches the throws entirely and opts for a faster-paced, combo centric fighting system that is a lot more "button mashy." It's... okay. It can be fun. But it doesn't feel as rewarding, and the lack of throw moves altogether (maybe due to budget limitations in the animation department) definitely hurts my experience as a longtime fan.

    2) The main menu: There is no excuse for this game to have a Jpeg for a menu screen. It's a huge diservice to the game. It's the first thing people are going to see, and it's going to make them think they've bought into a cheap experience. Now, i know Shenmue 3 was made on a budget - i helped add to that budget - but an animated, asethetically pleasing menu wouldn't break the bank now, would it?

    Overall, the game is what i wanted, minus 1 or 2 things. It adds new mechanics, which are fine, and gives longtime fans what they want. Although, i really can't say if this game will sit well with anyone who hasn't played the series before. I'm far too invested to pretend to have an objective opinion at this point.    … Expand
  4. bossofscandalz
    Nov 19, 2019
    8
    Du bon shenmue, imparfait mais bon, qui satisfait le fan que je suis. Très satisfait du résultat compte tenu d'un budget qui n'a pas du dépassé les 15 millions de dollars
  5. HIBEE
    Nov 21, 2019
    8
    Its everything a Shenmue fan could hope for. It's not taking any liberties. Straight up feels like you've never left the universe and can walk right back in.
  6. Benwahwah
    Nov 21, 2019
    8
    For me personally this game is a 10/10, however I do see that there are things that newcomers to the series will probably not find acceptable.

    1. Dialogue: I find the dialogue in Shenmue 3 charming. It has stayed very faithful to how the original 2 games are and in one respect I’m grateful for that. But let’s be honest, especially by today’s standards the dialogue leaves a lot to be    For me personally this game is a 10/10, however I do see that there are things that newcomers to the series will probably not find acceptable.

    1. Dialogue: I find the dialogue in Shenmue 3 charming. It has stayed very faithful to how the original 2 games are and in one respect I’m grateful for that. But let’s be honest, especially by today’s standards the dialogue leaves a lot to be desired. The English dub seems to lack a lot of emotion, and some of the lines are very jarring, and don’t seem to follow what was previously said. I really wish that this was an area that was improved. Having said that, I really enjoyed the conversations between Ryo and Shenhua.

    2. Stupidity for the sake of the game: There are certain elements of the game that come across as stupid. Not stupid in a good way, but in a dumb way. For example, during the first area I was in a village of less than 100 people. I needed to find a martial artist, I was told on numerous occasions that ‘I’m sorry, I don’t know anything about that.’ Now don’t get me wrong, I understand that the game can’t hand you everything straight away, but you’re telling me that I’m a village of less than 100 people they don’t know each and every person? That’s just not happening. There are other instances of this kind of thing, but I don’t want to get into spoiler territory.

    Like I said before, I love this game and I’m prepared to forgive them for these discrepancies, which is why I personally have it as a 10/10 game, but objectively I think 8/10 is a lot fairer.    … Expand
  7. MXMARIODX
    Nov 24, 2019
    8
    This game in itself its a miracle, they managed to make a true sequel to shenmue 2 with a fraction of the budget and it really feels like a 2003 sequel made on the first xbox but with a current gen coat of paint (which is what is was aiming for) it really is a game backed by the fans and for the fans. The mechanics and controls are an evolution and refinement if shenmue 2 and the graphicsThis game in itself its a miracle, they managed to make a true sequel to shenmue 2 with a fraction of the budget and it really feels like a 2003 sequel made on the first xbox but with a current gen coat of paint (which is what is was aiming for) it really is a game backed by the fans and for the fans. The mechanics and controls are an evolution and refinement if shenmue 2 and the graphics and sound take good advantage of unreal engine 4… Expand
  8. adom11800
    Nov 26, 2019
    8
    Great game! Shenmue 3 feels truly like the sequel we have waited for. Yes it had it's faults but this game feels very much Shenmue. The graphics and scenery are beautiful, great gameplay with new elements, a fun battle system, some beautiful new Shenmue music that was a joy to hear and the game had the Shenmue charm like the 1 and 2 did. The story was interesting and at times emotionalGreat game! Shenmue 3 feels truly like the sequel we have waited for. Yes it had it's faults but this game feels very much Shenmue. The graphics and scenery are beautiful, great gameplay with new elements, a fun battle system, some beautiful new Shenmue music that was a joy to hear and the game had the Shenmue charm like the 1 and 2 did. The story was interesting and at times emotional too! Funny moments and good new characters to add as well.

    The slow pacing won't be for everyone, this game was made for Shenmue fans and the story and some characters at times seemed light which is a shame as it would have been a better game otherwise. Battle system felt alittle clunky at times too. Eating food all the time got annoying,etc. Too much reused music in some scenes I must add.

    Overall this game really was just a continuation of the story that is only 40% done and what a good sequel it was to add to the series. A great game with awesome fight scenes that I very much enjoyed playing. I love games that feel like an adventure that make you just wanna play them till the end and Shenmue 3 did that. Seriously well done to Yu and his team for making it feel like Shenmue on a budget and after SO long after the originals. The game's moments reminded me of Shenmue 1 and 2 so that made it feel like 'Shenmue III'.

    8.5/10 and I can't wait to play it again with DLC, etc. Please make Shenmue IV Yu Suzuki despite the mixed reception.    … Expand
  9. ChilliHippo
    Dec 3, 2019
    8
    Only a year ago I started for the first time the Shenmue saga so I am no an old fan boy, however I imagined and understood the importance of this franchise in the history of the medium.
    My approach to this 3rd chapter was open minded and, despite the hype, the expectations were quite low knowing that it is a low budget kickstarter project.
    After 30h plus with teenage martial artist Ryo    Only a year ago I started for the first time the Shenmue saga so I am no an old fan boy, however I imagined and understood the importance of this franchise in the history of the medium.
    My approach to this 3rd chapter was open minded and, despite the hype, the expectations were quite low knowing that it is a low budget kickstarter project.
    After 30h plus with teenage martial artist Ryo Hazuki I must say the game felt pretty good to me.
    It is not a masterpiece but it holds the weight of the name on his shoulder quite well. The game features all the quirky characteristics of the first 2 games, which I believe for the average of players could be cons but for me are pros that makes it somehow special. Many people claim that the graphics are from previous generations...what?? (Seriously guys, how can you say that?) This game has some pretty impressive visuals in particular the lighting effects, the selections of material/textures, the 3D models of main characters are top notch instead the NPCs, although they all dubbed in English (or Japanese), are less detailed but still with a cool anime style.
    Even thought it still doesn't tell much, the story is good, the environments are colourful and live, the world crafted by Yu Suzuki's small team screams 80s Chinese culture from every corner: lore, fashion, food, architecture and music generated joyful magic feelings in me that only a few handful Nintendo games (or Studio Ghibli movie) gave me before, something far from being realistic but very close to what a videogame should be.
    Shenmue III has plenty of defects too, the gameplay is not for everybody as it could be slow and annoying in some parts, combat system as well doesn't keep up with modern standards however it becomes quite fun and rewarding when you get used to it. Then the animations, the low frame rate, the constant pop up of NPCs, the repetitions of some dialogues, the storytelling and many others small things could really make you raise the eyebrows but you kinda want to justify them if you think at what this game went through and at the ridiculous budget they had to start with.
    After all, it still feels like a miracle game that gave me awesome moments of fun so I hope it will sell well and that they can continue the franchise with more chapters without seeking anymore alms.
    I would give a nice 7 /10 for people like me who are new to the saga and a deserved 9/10 for the fan who have been waiting and hoping for 19 years and finally can enjoy it. The average final mark would be a solid 8/10.    … Expand
  10. Maxi_Lao
    Dec 6, 2019
    8
    First I'm not a old fan is a new blood
    I played 1&2hd just one year ago
    May be shenmue not a good A-rpg game
    But he still talk a good story
    Some people said this gane play too slow But I still love this play type
    If shenmue4 release I will buy it as soon as possible
    P.s. I bought it from hk psn
  11. NK22
    Dec 24, 2019
    8
    La suite d'un jeu légendaire malgré les difficultés YS à garder l'âme de Shenmue
  12. PoussinElitiste
    Feb 14, 2020
    8
    Early fan of the franchise (I own Shenmue 1&2 on DC + backer of the 3), with overall average press reviews I was worry. I agree with critics on the lack of polish on animation, cut scenes, dialogs and lack of PNJ, and it's the main reason why I didn't give a 10/10. But After complete the game a couple of week (close to 45h) I feel that Yu Suzuki san and his team put their soul into theEarly fan of the franchise (I own Shenmue 1&2 on DC + backer of the 3), with overall average press reviews I was worry. I agree with critics on the lack of polish on animation, cut scenes, dialogs and lack of PNJ, and it's the main reason why I didn't give a 10/10. But After complete the game a couple of week (close to 45h) I feel that Yu Suzuki san and his team put their soul into the game and provide authentic ambiance, poetry and unique experience compared to other AAA popcorn game. And with the lack of money to provide a real AAA kick ass game (thanks SEGA ...) I was greatly surprise Ys net was able to provide a real follow-up to the canonical franchise with such content. They can count on me to support the next episode.… Expand
  13. Magma55
    Feb 28, 2020
    8
    Shenmue III, good game graphics are pretty, but too short storyline. I love the Shenmue's but I wish the next ones to be set longer in storyline. Pressing the action buttons for scenes stuffs and all it asked to be way more faster, in the other shenmue's you had longer delay to press a key to move up next scene and it was more nice this way. Not enough action scenes on this too.I feelShenmue III, good game graphics are pretty, but too short storyline. I love the Shenmue's but I wish the next ones to be set longer in storyline. Pressing the action buttons for scenes stuffs and all it asked to be way more faster, in the other shenmue's you had longer delay to press a key to move up next scene and it was more nice this way. Not enough action scenes on this too.I feel generous cuz I missed the game giving a 8/10 but it could be better game. Too many capsules to collect: should adjust it by adding more secondary quests and thoses are too random, would be nicer to talk to npc's and choose if you want to do a task for them (secondary quest basically). Not enough battles, you have only 2 serious boss to beat or 3 about and Ryo get always his ass kick before he succeed it...Glad there was at least a tournament fight or it be way too poor battles in game. You spend more time in game trying to earn good money, unless ya found nice tricks from trading stuffs.I want more fights, more scenes, more actions and I wanna see Ryo become a pro master! lol… Expand
  14. RTCWFAN
    Jun 20, 2023
    8
    I didn't play the first two parts, so it was really hard to get into the story. But after some reading and hours into the game, I really liked the slow gameplay and the interesting characters. Overall rating: 8.2.
  15. Steyraus
    Jun 9, 2021
    7
    I loved Shenmue 1 and 2. Those games felt like they were tring to feel like Japan and China. The environments were grounded and as realistic to their real world counter parts as the graphics if the time allowed. You felt like you were exploring a Slice of Japan and China, from arctiecture to culture.. Shemue 3 on the other hand feels full on fantasy, everything is baked in day glow andI loved Shenmue 1 and 2. Those games felt like they were tring to feel like Japan and China. The environments were grounded and as realistic to their real world counter parts as the graphics if the time allowed. You felt like you were exploring a Slice of Japan and China, from arctiecture to culture.. Shemue 3 on the other hand feels full on fantasy, everything is baked in day glow and excessivly colourful. It dosent feel like you are exploring a real world area at all. Everthing is to pretty and to unrealistic. It also lacks the foreign charm of the origionals..Even the game itself lacks the charm of the origionals. I also wish they would have just finsihed the story.. There is alot of busy work in Shenmue 3, which is the same as the first two games, but its been 20 years. A more focused to the point experiance just to finsh things up would have worked better in my opinion.… Expand
  16. GamergodsFail
    Nov 29, 2019
    7
    Sometimes I love playing Shenmue 3, sometimes I don't. On one hand, I'm so happy it's finally here complete with a solid narrative, fun activities, arcades, sparring and that classic campy voice work. It's a great throwback! On the other hand, I don't appreciate how dated the gameplay is for a full priced 2019 game. My two major complaints are the new stamina survival mechanic which feelsSometimes I love playing Shenmue 3, sometimes I don't. On one hand, I'm so happy it's finally here complete with a solid narrative, fun activities, arcades, sparring and that classic campy voice work. It's a great throwback! On the other hand, I don't appreciate how dated the gameplay is for a full priced 2019 game. My two major complaints are the new stamina survival mechanic which feels very out of place, as well as the removal of throw moves in combat. These two changes unfortunately made the experience as a whole a bit of a mixed bag for me, but I cannot deny that the love and passion put into this game really shows. It's strictly a game made for fans, by the fans, but not really anyone else.… Expand
  17. gladias9
    Nov 25, 2019
    7
    I'm sorry but 8.2 is too high and this is coming from a Shenmue 2 fan.
    Nice combat, pretty visuals and robust features worthy of the shenmue name for sure..

    But the story and characters are the worst in the series. Nearly 20 years and we still aren't any deeper into this universe, nothing has changed in the grand scheme of things.
  18. OniRyo
    Nov 26, 2019
    7
    Having played as much as i could (having beat the story and as many sidequests and other things) i would say this game does a lot what it should've been nearly 18 years ago on the Dreamcast, but didn't improve a lot on it. Graphically this game is outstanding (besides the many ingame faces but it has a bit of a DC feel to it)  the gameplay is alright and it feels in a lot of ways similarHaving played as much as i could (having beat the story and as many sidequests and other things) i would say this game does a lot what it should've been nearly 18 years ago on the Dreamcast, but didn't improve a lot on it. Graphically this game is outstanding (besides the many ingame faces but it has a bit of a DC feel to it)  the gameplay is alright and it feels in a lot of ways similar to the Shenmue 1 & 2 gameplay, nothing too much changed here, which can feel dated. The game is nowhere perfect but for a Kickstarter game and a low budget for this type of gams it surely did a great job, sadly at the end of Shenmue III it all feels a bit rushed probably due the budget but it's still is a great game.… Expand
  19. Kalcantara22
    Dec 27, 2019
    7
    After almost obtaining all the skill books and have completed the game, i have to say this feels incredible, this is a Fighter RPG, no doubt, loved how the game made me do all the activities just to get the best skill books and Kung Fu levels. I agree with the cons, it's short (if you don't invest time in the cities), the bad modelling of the caracters, i did not enjoy how it endedAfter almost obtaining all the skill books and have completed the game, i have to say this feels incredible, this is a Fighter RPG, no doubt, loved how the game made me do all the activities just to get the best skill books and Kung Fu levels. I agree with the cons, it's short (if you don't invest time in the cities), the bad modelling of the caracters, i did not enjoy how it ended nevertheless i don't think a 7 rated game is not enjoyable, this is shenmue, and feels like shenmue, can't wait for a new release with improvement in the graphics and the story.… Expand
  20. GabFire
    Aug 9, 2020
    7
    Esperei mais de 15 anos para ser feito de trouxa, Shenmue é um dos melhores jogos que pude jogar na vida, amei tanto o primeiro quanto o segundo, só que em 2019, me trouxeram esse jogo bem ruim, faltou ''passar uma massa'' melhor nesse jogo, porque realmente eu como fã me decepcionei e não recomendo.
  21. kosuya
    Jul 7, 2020
    7
    作为一个期待多年的老玩家有点失望，毕竟现在不是2000年，2020年了游戏性还保持在2000年停步不前充满争议。做的太莎木了，以前莎木的缺点依然保留，除了画面跟不上时代的进步(这话看起来很矛盾)，打斗系统甚至退步。我是期待系统能游戏性更足一点。主要失望还是在于剧情进展太慢了！叙事节奏太有问题。后期打斗太水了！没一个向往的bosd。，一点都不像2020年的游戏。但仍希望莎木4快点出来并尽快完结。作为一个期待多年的老玩家有点失望，毕竟现在不是2000年，2020年了游戏性还保持在2000年停步不前充满争议。做的太莎木了，以前莎木的缺点依然保留，除了画面跟不上时代的进步(这话看起来很矛盾)，打斗系统甚至退步。我是期待系统能游戏性更足一点。主要失望还是在于剧情进展太慢了！叙事节奏太有问题。后期打斗太水了！没一个向往的bosd。，一点都不像2020年的游戏。但仍希望莎木4快点出来并尽快完结。
  22. Kaniya
    Nov 23, 2019
    6
    From the moment you boot up the game on PS4 it feels like you are thrown back in time in PS2 & XBOX era. The menu and even the title sequence style of the game is the resemblance of a beautiful time that we all been through and may have forgotten.
    At its core, Shenmue 3 feels like its remake of a game that should have existed 15 years ago but that does not mean the game is disappointing.    From the moment you boot up the game on PS4 it feels like you are thrown back in time in PS2 & XBOX era. The menu and even the title sequence style of the game is the resemblance of a beautiful time that we all been through and may have forgotten.
    At its core, Shenmue 3 feels like its remake of a game that should have existed 15 years ago but that does not mean the game is disappointing. we never really expected shenmue 3 to carry the same cutting edge and revolutionary technology that it had back then. Instead with its relatively small budget , it tries to be more of sequel that is freezed in time and that is not a bad thing.
    Shenmue 3 doesnt have Mesmerising graphics, but the world is immersive enough if you want it to be. There are details in every corner of the game and you can view all the details from close. The world is colorful and pretty. From the green and lovely village to more populated river side area the world comes to life with its rich details in every corner. Top notch sound design and music also helps to breath life and artistic sense into the world.
    When it comes to gameplay, Shenmue doesnt really evolve the formula of the series. Its a game that is between Persona & Yakuza and yet neither of them. You got your romance, socialisation, daily life, adventures and occasionally kung fu fights. The game is filled with tons of dialogues, however I wish these dialogues were written much better. Some of the dialogues are boring and too cheesey. The voice acting is good but its no where near today standards. At times it feels almost too robotic but if you are fan of Shenmue then that is also part of the game's charm. Original shenmue was all about immersing yourself in the city, working, mini game and going through lots of cut-scene and scripted fights. The same is here, you spend majority of your time to be a detective like person and explore places on your own and slowly unfold a story that both long awaited questions & also leave and open some new topics to the lore of shenmue. Shenhua is the highlight of the game and I feel without her this game would have been a massive failure. Other side of gameplay is completely up to you. You want to engage in the world its your choice, thus for people who are not into narrative games shenmue can become boring but if you are fan of such games then you should be fine. Battles have a very dated arcady feeling and they were not my favourite part of the game. they almost feel like Virtua fighter series but for what it is, they are good and add some variety to the gameplay and depths to our character.
    In conclusion, shenmue 3 is a very faithful sequel, i wish the game was more evolved into modern day but judging by its small budget I assume it was the right call to make a game that we all wanted perhaps 15 years ago. Its nostalgic of old times, it reminded me more than the game itself, reminded me the time i discussed about how fascinating shenmue was to my friends at school. if you love shenmue you will not be disappointed. however if you are after game like Yakuza with more focus on fights, skill trees and side quests you might not quiet enjoy this one! this is a game that is designed mostly for existing fans of the original series.
    EDIT: After finishing the game today, I want to add to my review how frustrated and disappointed I am in the story and its conclusion. after 40 hours of campaign & 18 years of waiting and donating more than 100$ this is the worst thing ever! i expected lots of questions to be answered and lots of story progressed but instead he just left too many questions unasnwered and also added more to show its potential for sequels! i dont really see any sequel for this game with such a massive stupid ending. Thanks for nothing.    … Expand
  23. OwtDaft
    Feb 14, 2020
    6
    + For a crowd funded game, graphics are pretty good.
    + Love to see old faces and also Ryo's original voice.
    +- Huge Shenmue fan, so I enjoyed the game despite the many flaws. - New features like herb collecting and the need to eat food only makes the 3rd entry worse. - The game is shorter than 2 and is also padded more. - Another added feature that makes 3 worse is the leveling grind    + For a crowd funded game, graphics are pretty good.
    + Love to see old faces and also Ryo's original voice.
    +- Huge Shenmue fan, so I enjoyed the game despite the many flaws.
    - New features like herb collecting and the need to eat food only makes the 3rd entry worse.
    - The game is shorter than 2 and is also padded more.
    - Another added feature that makes 3 worse is the leveling grind with boring training mini games.
    - With out Sega's stuff, arcade games and capsule toy machines are not as fun.
    - The game lacks the polish of past games and it has the same crowd pop-in only worse.
    - Fighting in the game feels a lot more like button bashing than the past 2 games.
    - Quick time events are far worse and the timing is very strict.
    - The story conclusion we all was waiting for isn't here, in fact the story doesn't progress much.
    - The dialogue, some how is more robotic than the past games and often doesn't make sense.
    - The forklift mini game is back but it's way worse.    … Expand
  24. SWERY_51
    Nov 21, 2019
    6
    Pros :
    + Shenmue is finally back!
    + Except few character models, visuals are pretty nice + It plays and feels like a true Shenmue I & II sequel Cons : - Unlocked framerate and stuttering are very annoying on PS4 Pro - Your stamina is constantly decreasing even when you don't do anything, that's lame - Some dialogues make no sens I could easily add 1 or 2 points to the final    Pros :
    + Shenmue is finally back!
    + Except few character models, visuals are pretty nice
    + It plays and feels like a true Shenmue I & II sequel

    Cons :
    - Unlocked framerate and stuttering are very annoying on PS4 Pro
    - Your stamina is constantly decreasing even when you don't do anything, that's lame
    - Some dialogues make no sens

    I could easily add 1 or 2 points to the final score if they fix framerate and stamina gauge issues.    … Expand
  25. CharAznable
    Nov 22, 2019
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I literally just completed it, ill say I did enjoy it in the sense that it was more of what ive wanted for 18 freaking years but how does one make a 30 hour game with almost zero story progression? Because Yu actually managed to do that, Its all stick and no carrot outside of just enjoying the experience of playing a Shenmue style game again.

    The game did a great job of re-creating the basics of a charming and fun world like the previous games had complete with games, side activities, and things to do. It however on the opposite hand completely failed at bringing together all of that and wrapping it into a story of any significance or even building up meaningful roster of characters for future titles in the series.

    The game has a really bad habit of retreading information and topics from the previous titles without adding to them, and it the presentation of that information both visually and language wise is worse. So not only is it redundant but it also basically just fails at presenting its narrative and dialogue well with all the weird cuts and poor translation in the game. A lot of this could have been forgiven if not for the fact the story progression is simply not there. I kept waiting for something meaningful to happen up until the last hour even, and it just never comes.

    The combat is mediocre, parries and dodging don't work well and the RPG leveling mechanics present serve to only be a grind and a obstacle in order to slow progression in the game and extend its game-play time. The previous system of a standard fighting games combat was far superior and less of a bogged down grind because it was based off your use of mechanics not building up a number in the system, they need to really tighten that up if they get a chance to do so with a 4th game.

    The games cut-scenes have jarring cuts, seem more times than not like filler when they are not repetitive. The polish as a whole is simply no there and feels like it need a lot more time to really come together.
    the world, graphics, variety of mini games compared to previous titles, and the overall musical presentation was stellar easily a 8/10. However the story itself hurts the game severely in my eyes for the stated reasons. The finale seemed so promising as its stunning, and really gave you feeling of the game building up to something big and promising and then its over.    … Expand
  26. Robert88
    Oct 31, 2020
    6
    Hmmm when shenmue 1 came out it was something new and unique and something never done before .. while 2 other developers had progressed the open world genre ... it was clinging on by a thread ... part 3 on the other hand does nothing to offer current gamers , it offers no new experiences ,it is nothing ground breaking .. this is a game that should have been made in 2001-2005 .. the gameHmmm when shenmue 1 came out it was something new and unique and something never done before .. while 2 other developers had progressed the open world genre ... it was clinging on by a thread ... part 3 on the other hand does nothing to offer current gamers , it offers no new experiences ,it is nothing ground breaking .. this is a game that should have been made in 2001-2005 .. the game play mechanics are severely put dated though it does have its moments it shines .. some interactions were memorable .. while many others fall flat .. the progress you made as Ryo in part one and two I feel we’re all lost .. in part 3 Ryo feels dumber , and as if he has not fought in the actual 18-20 years the game has been in development hell ... you look find Ryo struggle with enemies who he would’ve beaten down in part 1-2 which I find it very odd ... that he does not remember any of his training... the story has many inconsistencies, and to many gaps that leave you wondering what just happened .... the ending falls completely flat , and was a very horrible horrible boss battle , if you can even call it a bosss battle ... shenmue 3 is not all bad . And again it has its good moments . But the game is truly lacking , npc popping up on screen in thin air and just magically appearing . It’s very easy to max out your character , combat is very sluggish and you don’t feel like you are actually hurting your opponent ... no throw moves .. npc dialect is very limited ... some of the characters models are horrible .. the American voice acting is even worse than part 1 and 2 ... just play the game in Japanese you will thank me later ... I would only recommend this game for shenmue fans ... the ending is straight up dog crap ... and leaves you with a sour taste in your mouth ... don’t go on here expecting anything spectacular ... I suppose we will have to wait for another 18 years for shenmue 4 and another 18 following that for shenmue 5 .. yu Suzuki should have just closed this chapter and ended the saga once and for all .. or even just add the remaining chapters as a story add on for part 3 put part 4 & 5 as dlc and call it a day… Expand
  27. Chino195
    Dec 21, 2019
    6
    I’m sad to do this but I was really disappointed. Shenmue 1 & 2 are in my top 5 games of all time, if you include them as one title. Shenmue 3 I’ve just completed and I’m safely going to say I will never play this game again. I’m not being hard hitting or controversial but I have rarely liked or rated a game highly if at multiple times throughout the game I’ve started to fall asleep midI’m sad to do this but I was really disappointed. Shenmue 1 & 2 are in my top 5 games of all time, if you include them as one title. Shenmue 3 I’ve just completed and I’m safely going to say I will never play this game again. I’m not being hard hitting or controversial but I have rarely liked or rated a game highly if at multiple times throughout the game I’ve started to fall asleep mid play. Yes capsule hunting and running from fortune teller to flower, moon, bird, wind is tedious but also the repetitive conversations morning and night, the characters and even the storyline - which has had 18 years to get right and not come across as a poorly executed and watered down versions of the previous two. Even when you meeting old characters, friend or foe, I was either bored or thinking ‘wtf!’. When before, previous characters would show up I get emotional because of the tension created but it all fell flat for me here. However, I found an improvement from the previous to be fighting and some of the gambling prize aspects.… Expand
  28. ballistic
    Dec 31, 2019
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I'm a long term fan of the series and backed the project to the tune of $300. I deliberately tried to avoid seeing anything about this game prior to launch in order to avoid ruining it. I'm very surprised at the final product and not for good reasons.

    This game removes all the great parts from the original Shenmue games and expands on the worst stuff.

    Lets start with the good stuff, to be nice. I think the graphics are really very good. It's missing the little detais the first two games had such as bikes down alleys and cats on rooftops but it's a sight to see still.

    The arcade games are fun, in fact they're probably better than in the first 2 games. QTE 3 is fun and the only real source of an enjoyable QTE experience in this game sadly.

    When the story isn't being slow or thin on the ground it's as fun as it was in Shenmue II. There just isn't anywhere near enough of it. Ren is back and he's welcome.

    The terrible voice acting remains but the excellent Virtua Fighter fighting system has been removed. The QTE requires impossibly fast reaction times, think Ghost Hall from Shenmue II. I completed the prequels just prior to starting this game and can assure you that my reaction times have not slowed with age. I failed around 80% of the QTE first time, it made something that was super fun in the original games infuriating. I mean how hard is it to play test this! Grrrr.

    The grindiest, most boring elements have been expanded on. You can now fish to earn money, which is insanely dull. You can collect something like 25 sets of capsules toys, comprised of such mind numbingly fascinating items such as chairs, plastic gems or fire extinguishers. Why would anyone want to do this?

    The music in the original games was awesome. We're talking about one of the best game soundtracks ever made, even to this day. It's good to see it again but as with the first two games it's hugely underutilised. Buy one of the original soundtrack CDs and you'll see what's missing from the games, it's really worth it. The amount of music written but never used greatly outweighs that used.

    However, the way the music fades in and out from one track to another as you run from one area to another is completely unnecessary and jarring.

    Special mention has to go to Shenhua, who has had a lot of plastic surgery since Shenmue II and now looks like the most generic chinese girl of all time. Her lack of personality is breathtaking, she has the wit and charm of an eggy fart in a nightclub.

    I feel this game isn't finished. I think I read Yu Suzuki said it was only 70% complete. Well it feels it. It wouldn't take much to make this into a great game. It's just feels like they ran out of time and money. Maybe we could have a new cut in 10 years time where the story is expanded. I wonder how this game would feel if Yu removed the 'erbs, toys, pots and pans and food nonsense. A damn deal better I'd expect.    … Expand
  29. ace1325
    Mar 31, 2020
    5
    Has been waiting so many years for this game . And even backed it Day 1

    So where do i start ... game is good story wise and i like the grafics But so many things is totaly broken and feels like bad mechanics . Menus movement Etc Some cutscenes people are walking through npc’s like they are ghosts Npc are gone until they suddenly pop in Front of you And a little extra the Way they    Has been waiting so many years for this game . And even backed it Day 1

    So where do i start ... game is good story wise and i like the grafics But so many things is totaly broken and feels like bad mechanics . Menus movement Etc

    Some cutscenes people are walking through npc’s like they are ghosts

    Npc are gone until they suddenly pop in
    Front of you And a little extra the Way they handle the dlc and f**** backers over is a disgrace

    I feel really sad about how this game turned out    … Expand
  30. Dungeon00X
    Nov 23, 2019
    5
    I was hoping for a brand new entry in the Shenmue series that would implement all the new things game developers had learned over the past 10 years. I was sorely disappointed to find out that the game is basically one that was shelved for almost 20 years like opening a time capsule with someone's lunch inside. The game industry has moved on and this game (and Yu Suzuki) clearly have not.
  31. Great_Dragon
    Nov 28, 2019
    5
    The was frozen for 18 years, then Yu Suzuke decided to unfreeze it, added HD textures and released it. That’s it.
    The gameplay is absolutely outdated today. It’s just boring. There is no evolution. It’s the same old Shenmue 1 with new textures. Like HD mod for an old game from fans.
  32. Cannon9
    Nov 19, 2019
    5
    It's an ok game, good story and some characters but there are some rough edges. Graphics are from last gen, there are notable frame drops in base Ps4 at least which is unaceptable since this game should not be that heavy resource demandant, movement is clunky as usual.

    I'd not recommend at full price, wait for a deep sale.
  33. OmegaTucky
    Nov 19, 2019
    5
    Good graphics and atmosphere... BUT DID THEY REALIZE THE FRAMERATE IS A NIGHTMARE !!!! 2FPS... May be 3
  34. Napcoskun
    Nov 19, 2019
    5
    In che senso? Si............................................................
  35. patriarchy
    Apr 10, 2020
    5
    It's as eccentric as the original however seems to rely too much on minigames. I enjoyed weirdness and bad writing of the originals at the time, I don't seem to feel as engaged this time. Combat system is pretty bad. I thought the story will end here and was disappointed to see it did not.
  36. Kirvy1877
    Nov 20, 2019
    5
    About 10hrs in and loving the storyline, relatable characters and graphics. Even if you didn't play the last 2 you can hit the recap option to catch you up on the storyline. Worth the price tag!
  37. djmonster007
    Nov 27, 2019
    5
    It's lacking compared to the what the originals had in the first two games the graphics are subpar compared to first two games as far detail goes but glad that the story was added on I'm glad that it was made I could have been better and wish they had more people walking around to make it seemed like it was more Life like the first one had a lot of people walking around so did the secondIt's lacking compared to the what the originals had in the first two games the graphics are subpar compared to first two games as far detail goes but glad that the story was added on I'm glad that it was made I could have been better and wish they had more people walking around to make it seemed like it was more Life like the first one had a lot of people walking around so did the second one even more people walked around and helped you get the whatever you needed to be by walking there this one not so much which sucks… Expand
  38. XboxPlay14
    Nov 20, 2019
    4
    se ve muy bien el juego y la banda sonora esta genial la verdad pero las fisicas y animaciones no me terminaron gustando parece un juego de la epoca de ps2 en pleno 2019 solo por las animaciones y fisicas
  39. kosanton
    Feb 27, 2020
    4
    Was playing Shenmue 20 yrs ago on my xbox and decided to buy the new Shenmue 3 cause i was curious to see how story goes. Well as it was before it is still one of the most boring games i ever played as the only thing you do is just walk around playing mini games and ask people for directions. Only thing interesting is the story and some beautiful scenery in the game nothing else. By theWas playing Shenmue 20 yrs ago on my xbox and decided to buy the new Shenmue 3 cause i was curious to see how story goes. Well as it was before it is still one of the most boring games i ever played as the only thing you do is just walk around playing mini games and ask people for directions. Only thing interesting is the story and some beautiful scenery in the game nothing else. By the year 2000 game standards this game was revolutionary in terms of open world games and was highly rated. By today's standards this game should be rated no more than 5/10… Expand
  40. Nicj
    Nov 22, 2019
    4
    Stack in the past nothing repeating and
  41. danuffo
    Nov 21, 2019
    4
    El juego es más ABURRIDO que oir una plática de tus abuelos con tus tíos.

    Me aburrió, me aburrió, me aburrió y me aburrió. El juego es caminar y hablar y hablar.
  42. Vgmike
    Nov 19, 2019
    4
    What an absolute disappointment.... probably on par with Duke Nukem Forever. i should add that it runs horrible on my PS4 pro
  43. 5ala7
    Jun 18, 2022
    4
    Made for fans, the magic of shenmue still here, but it need a new orientation and finishing the storie making a Shenmue 4.
  44. barren_sky
    Nov 19, 2019
    3
    Loved the originals, but this series did not age well. The few charming bits are buried under a dump truck full of sub-par gameplay, story and just about everything else.
  45. Sonyer
    Nov 19, 2019
    3
    The Wait is Over & the game is a Big Flop Boring, monotonous, graphics of 15 years ago, this game is lame and I think is one of the worst games of this year, Yu Suzuki what a shame you are.
  46. DarthLoquacious
    Nov 22, 2019
    3
    This wasn’t the game that we wanted. It’s so broken that it’s almost unplayable. Tedious, broken and boring. The terrible translation is funny for two minutes, and then it’s just annoying and insulting. Yu Suzuki really dropped the ball here. Instead of making a satisfactory ending he decided to barely move the plot. And there will never be another game in the series after this. Don’t kidThis wasn’t the game that we wanted. It’s so broken that it’s almost unplayable. Tedious, broken and boring. The terrible translation is funny for two minutes, and then it’s just annoying and insulting. Yu Suzuki really dropped the ball here. Instead of making a satisfactory ending he decided to barely move the plot. And there will never be another game in the series after this. Don’t kid yourself. This thing is over. Make up your own ending and move on.… Expand
  47. Gon412
    Nov 27, 2019
    3
    Honestly a middle of the road mediocre game series but the repetitive and unintuitive gameplay bumps my rating of the game down a notch which doesnt help that the game is mostly cashing in on nostalgia alone.
    Also the faces are an absolute train wreck.
    The game is so niche its hard to recommend a good substitute but i think id still keep my money in my pocket for doom or cyberpunk instead    Honestly a middle of the road mediocre game series but the repetitive and unintuitive gameplay bumps my rating of the game down a notch which doesnt help that the game is mostly cashing in on nostalgia alone.
    Also the faces are an absolute train wreck.
    The game is so niche its hard to recommend a good substitute but i think id still keep my money in my pocket for doom or cyberpunk instead of this heap of a mess.    … Expand
  48. sethdean0
    Oct 6, 2020
    3
    The best part of this game is the opening before the actual gameplay. After that you will ask yourself why am i even playing this.
  49. LoopAj4x
    Jan 17, 2021
    3
    First of all, my review could be a little too positive as I'm a big fan of the series.

    Story telling: It is really disappointing as it doesn't come to a conclusion - it also lacks the shining moments of the predecessors. on the the Positive side: Some of the QTE scenes and videos are really polished, that's the best part of the game - when you are actually not playing. Gameplay:    First of all, my review could be a little too positive as I'm a big fan of the series.

    Story telling: It is really disappointing as it doesn't come to a conclusion - it also lacks the shining moments of the predecessors. on the the Positive side: Some of the QTE scenes and videos are really polished, that's the best part of the game - when you are actually not playing.

    Gameplay: Walking around reminds the old, but lacks a fresh experience. It doesn't feel great like Shenmue 2 neither a typical nowadays experience.
    This is my big disappointment: the fighting system! It feels playing a game with input lag, the frame rate goes under 15 fps on a PS4 Pro. It is hard to believe that this was conceived by the same guy who created Virtua Fighter almost 30 years ago...

    Sound and musics: I've enjoyed, there's a solid piece of work there.

    Overall: This project generated hype, costed millions, and it is really underwhelming.    … Expand
  50. peanut_1223
    Mar 25, 2021
    3
    (I will admit I am only 50% through the game)

    (-) Boring

    (-) Slow

    (-)Awful english voice acting

    (-)Stiff combat

    (-) Terrible dialog

    (-) Stiff character animation

    (-) A story that loses focus

    (+) Good minigames

    (+) beautiful backgrounds and Colors

    (+) Catchy music
  51. Vanhallan
    Jan 4, 2022
    3
    Juro que tentei jogar mas não consegui. Para ser sincero, acredito que as pessoas que deram uma boa pontuação para esse jogo estavam sendo movidas pela nostalgia. O jogo progride de forma lenta. As conversas são lentas. Os personagens se movimentam de forma lenta, parece até que estão cansados. A música até traz a sensação de estar em um ambiente chinês, mas depois de um tempo começa a seJuro que tentei jogar mas não consegui. Para ser sincero, acredito que as pessoas que deram uma boa pontuação para esse jogo estavam sendo movidas pela nostalgia. O jogo progride de forma lenta. As conversas são lentas. Os personagens se movimentam de forma lenta, parece até que estão cansados. A música até traz a sensação de estar em um ambiente chinês, mas depois de um tempo começa a se tornar insuportável. Sei que os jogos anteriores foram muito importantes para o desenvolvimento dos jogos de hoje em dia. Mas sinceramente o volume 3 é um jogo cansativo que me dá vontade de dormir.… Expand
  52. kozzy420
    Nov 19, 2019
    2
    After 5 hours on the game so far, i am not very impressed. Most elements are average to good. Nothing is great in this game, where as Shenmue 1/2 there was lots of great elements. It might improve the more I play, but so far it is decent, but far from great. Check some reviews before you buy
  53. Admer
    Nov 27, 2019
    2
    Убогое, устаревшее дерьмо, выпущенное в 2019 ради сруба денег на фанатах. Да, в своё время игра выглядела и игралась круто, ибо была прорывной как визуально так и по части геймплея. Но сейчас, Игра как визуально выглядит отсталой..так и все геймплейные механики тут за 20 лет ни на грамм не претерпели эволюционных изменений. Бессмысленная бродилка по городу, с наитупейшими диалогами иУбогое, устаревшее дерьмо, выпущенное в 2019 ради сруба денег на фанатах. Да, в своё время игра выглядела и игралась круто, ибо была прорывной как визуально так и по части геймплея. Но сейчас, Игра как визуально выглядит отсталой..так и все геймплейные механики тут за 20 лет ни на грамм не претерпели эволюционных изменений. Бессмысленная бродилка по городу, с наитупейшими диалогами и тупыми, картонными персонажами.
    Кто то скажет, что это всё специально..в стиле игры и лора..Но это лишь бред сумасшедших. Посмотрите на Ту же Зельду - вот это пример игры для фанатов старой серии которая на стоит на месте, а из раза в раз разработчики делают шедевр.    … Expand
  54. CrackedIce
    Dec 4, 2019
    2
    Really badly mad game, so boring and slow. The voices on this game are laughable and this could have been a PS2 game with poor graphics...
  55. xdmon
    Dec 6, 2019
    2
    its a 100% shenmue game ok i get it.
    The graphics barely hit ps3 level.
    The interactions with the other characters and npcs are a joke. Framerate?? i swear its not hit 15fps in some places, and the combat???, the qte events, the mini games?? wtf is this??? The whole game feels like some fans made it not a professional game designers, such a shame and insult to the original first 2    its a 100% shenmue game ok i get it.
    The graphics barely hit ps3 level.
    The interactions with the other characters and npcs are a joke.
    Framerate?? i swear its not hit 15fps in some places,
    and the combat???, the qte events, the mini games?? wtf is this???

    The whole game feels like some fans made it not a professional game designers, such a shame and insult to the original first 2 games and disrespect toward the fans!    … Expand
  56. stobastie
    Nov 21, 2019
    2
    Unlike most of these fake reviews I've actually completed the game. The game is as stiff and wooden as the horse stance. The environments can sometimes look good but that is about it. Animations are god-awful. The ending sequence is okay. The story hardly moves at all. The combat system is worse than the originals somehow. The gameplay is awful and is extremely boring and does not haveUnlike most of these fake reviews I've actually completed the game. The game is as stiff and wooden as the horse stance. The environments can sometimes look good but that is about it. Animations are god-awful. The ending sequence is okay. The story hardly moves at all. The combat system is worse than the originals somehow. The gameplay is awful and is extremely boring and does not have much substance. The music is harsh, on short loops and can get very irritatingly repetitive. Seeing all the unwarranted 10s from fans is expected but still disgustingly dishonest. Fans of this series truly deserved far better than what Yu Suzuki gave us. Pathetic. I'm glad to have gotten something after 18 years of waiting but this is not a good product..… Expand
  57. calvolandia
    Nov 21, 2019
    2
    I do not recommend it, it is ridiculously outdated, I did not know this saga and starting to enter it with this second sequel is a great waste of time and money
  58. EddieRavendark
    Nov 24, 2019
    2
    Huge fan of the original two games, played them both on release. The third instalment almost 20 years later feels like a step backwards. Interacting with NPCs is awful, as is the dialect, the whole food system is poor (feels like there is going to be a Shenmue store coming soon where you buy food with real money).
    I know a lot of people will be marking this 10/10 because they are loyal to    Huge fan of the original two games, played them both on release. The third instalment almost 20 years later feels like a step backwards. Interacting with NPCs is awful, as is the dialect, the whole food system is poor (feels like there is going to be a Shenmue store coming soon where you buy food with real money).
    I know a lot of people will be marking this 10/10 because they are loyal to the series, as am I, Shenmue 1&2 are hands down my most played and favourite games. Shenmue 3 is just not a scratch on the originals.    … Expand
  59. avens
    Jul 25, 2020
    2
    Boring, repetitive, no story progress. It's not really a videogame but a doing chores simulator.
  60. crackajaxx
    Dec 7, 2019
    1
    am i the only sane person left on the fu cck ing planet? this is legitimately one fo the worst if not THE worst game I have ever seen in my entire life. and you people are giving it 10's and "professional" reviewers are giving it high scores like what in the f uck? are you people out of your minds? I got a few more recommendations for you guys, its called Anthem and Fallout 76 and Supermanam i the only sane person left on the fu cck ing planet? this is legitimately one fo the worst if not THE worst game I have ever seen in my entire life. and you people are giving it 10's and "professional" reviewers are giving it high scores like what in the f uck? are you people out of your minds? I got a few more recommendations for you guys, its called Anthem and Fallout 76 and Superman 64 because this game ranks down there with the worst of the worst and you guys are all going "oh man best game ever i love shenmue yaaaayy"

    just.... I'm disgusted. too disgusted for words. neck yourselves all of you. I'll give it a point because it gave me a good laugh from how audaciously awful it was but I'm not laughing anymore.    … Expand
  61. 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!    … Expand
  62. klkevinkl
    Nov 23, 2019
    1
    Shenmue 3 is what happens when you take a 15 year old game and put it through an HD filter. While this game might have been incredible 15 years ago, times have changed. Shenmue has not. It continues to use an old and dated graphics along with voice acting that is mediocre at times and awful at others. Unlike other games from that period that have made it to this time period such as the newShenmue 3 is what happens when you take a 15 year old game and put it through an HD filter. While this game might have been incredible 15 years ago, times have changed. Shenmue has not. It continues to use an old and dated graphics along with voice acting that is mediocre at times and awful at others. Unlike other games from that period that have made it to this time period such as the new Resident Evil games and the Yakuza games, Shenmue has failed to improve on its existing systems, making its gameplay clunky and awkward. On top of that, the game comes to a screeching halt during the climax. There is no epic boss fight, just an unwinnable one where the bad guy is completely invincible and just throws a few punches before the entire game abruptly ends. The result is that you get a game that is woefully incomplete. At least Shenmue 1 and 2 had the decency to wrap up the story in their respective regions by the conclusion, but Shenmue 3 cannot even do that. Instead, it feels like much of the game's length was being dragged out by arbitrary grinding and the game stopped before the story even began in earnest.… Expand
  63. princekael
    Mar 15, 2020
    1
    I don't understand the appeal of this game, it is completely horrible with a myriad of problems.

    First of all, the gameplay is so boring and repetitive. They just throw one gimmick after another at you and you grind away with frustrating controls and the combat system is so outdated that I'm ashamed to even call it a combat system. The models and animations are so barebones and basic,    I don't understand the appeal of this game, it is completely horrible with a myriad of problems.

    First of all, the gameplay is so boring and repetitive. They just throw one gimmick after another at you and you grind away with frustrating controls and the combat system is so outdated that I'm ashamed to even call it a combat system. The models and animations are so barebones and basic, the lack of interactions break any hope of immersion you had.

    The voice-acting is also horrible, everyone sounds like they are dying inside and soul-less. The dialogue didn't help either as many of the lines between characters make no sense, was this game even made for English audiences? It sounds like a really poor translation attempt. It's just so damn cringey!

    The story is so bland I had to ask myself if anything worthwhile was happening in this game.

    All in all, this was the most garbage game I've played in a long time with no redeeming qualities.    … Expand
  64. DuchessSMA
    Mar 22, 2020
    1
    This game, released in 2019, was dated back in 2005 when Yakuza came out. Terrible. Not worth a second of anyone's time.
  65. Lersotakus
    Nov 20, 2019
    1
    mala jugabilidad, mala historia, pesimos gráficos es peor que death stranding
  66. Asketil
    Nov 20, 2019
    1
    Looks like it's coming from 1997. Maybe only a true fan can barely enjoyed it.
  67. Mikilike
    Nov 22, 2019
    1
    Los graficos son basura, las mecanicas son basura, el sonido es basura, no merece absolutamente nada la pena.
  68. TiananmenSquare
    Nov 19, 2019
    1
    Got this from my local store 2 days before it's release and i've been playing it since. it looks like a PS2 game, story is a complete downgrade from the masterpieces that were Shenmue 1 & 2, and to top it off it keeps crashing.
  69. thepc
    Dec 4, 2019
    1
    Very disappointing. The game is buggy and slow, it looks like an early PS3 game, and is just plain unfun to play. The combat is so simple that I thought they were joking at first until I realized that there really wasn't any more to it. The voice acting is amateurish to say the least. And worst of all, the plot doesn't progress at all. As a fan of the first 2 Shenmue games, I was reallyVery disappointing. The game is buggy and slow, it looks like an early PS3 game, and is just plain unfun to play. The combat is so simple that I thought they were joking at first until I realized that there really wasn't any more to it. The voice acting is amateurish to say the least. And worst of all, the plot doesn't progress at all. As a fan of the first 2 Shenmue games, I was really looking forward to this but they might as well have not made it at all for all the plot movement this one has. Save your money and play the Yakuza series instead - they've taken some of the ideas from this series and improved them dramatically.… Expand
  70. nicholsonadam
    Nov 20, 2019
    0
    As a Kickstarter backer at a high level, I can say without exaggeration that Shenmue III has been the single greatest disappointment in my decades of gaming.
  71. madmad90
    Nov 19, 2019
    0
    Bad Story, bad Gameplay and even worse graphics. This is one of the worse games ever released.
  72. valrond
    Nov 20, 2019
    0
    An insult to the backers. I spent $100 when it started on the kickstart, then I had to change to PS4 version cause PC changed from Steam to Epic (a really nice backstab), and on top of that we don't even get the pre-order bonuses that regular people get buying the game.
    We made the game possible and treat backers as sh*t.
  73. doujin
    Nov 20, 2019
    0
    If you are a fan of this series, maybe it will worth a shot to play. But for a newcomers this is really really bad game, core game is a talking simulator 70% of your playtime will be talk to npc and walking to talk with other npc.
    The combat is not smooth and weird.
    Animation is really bad even the mc face look like a polygon game, if the game release in 10 years ago it will be a great    If you are a fan of this series, maybe it will worth a shot to play. But for a newcomers this is really really bad game, core game is a talking simulator 70% of your playtime will be talk to npc and walking to talk with other npc.
    The combat is not smooth and weird.
    Animation is really bad even the mc face look like a polygon game, if the game release in 10 years ago it will be a great game. Maybe......    … Expand
  74. brazucarj
    Nov 20, 2019
    0
    Looks like a Playstation 2 game and plays like a Playstation 2 game. An insult to the backers.
  75. Acekidderuk
    Nov 25, 2019
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. unfortunately time has not been kind and the developer refused to take on board any of gamings advancement in the past 20 years.

    If you want to play a dream cast game in 2019 there are cheaper ways to do it.    … Expand
  76. denton13
    Dec 1, 2019
    0
    продолжение, которое все ждали... но не в таком виде! с такой реализацией игру можно было выпустить на старте ps3. и даже тогда она многих бы разочаровала
  77. Pinheadhell
    Nov 19, 2019
    0
    Fans are overrating this, beware. 20 years after the second game and the story doesn't move an inch, what a joke.
  78. MidShipRope
    Dec 1, 2019
    0
    Абсолютная бездарщина, которой в принципе не должно быть в индустрии.
    Она не дает какой-либо прогресс, она лишь займет ваше время, рассказав целый ноль сюжета.
    Она заставит вас смотреть на тарелку из рулетки дольше, чем на сцены с героями. Она заставит ваши глаза потеть от увиденной боевки прошлой эпохи.    Абсолютная бездарщина, которой в принципе не должно быть в индустрии.
    Она не дает какой-либо прогресс, она лишь займет ваше время, рассказав целый ноль сюжета.
    Она заставит вас смотреть на тарелку из рулетки дольше, чем на сцены с героями.
    Она заставит ваши глаза потеть от увиденной боевки прошлой эпохи.
  79. thanospatisia13
    Feb 24, 2020
    0
    most boring game ever.
  80. DrazekIronwing
    Dec 3, 2019
    0
    The game is a poorly envisioned pile of wank. Shenmue fans (I was one of them) are the ONLY people who are happy with the finished game, and even then I'd argue that there's a great number of them, myself included who are less than happy with the finished game. Is it all the Shenmue you could want? sure, if you want to play the worst, most grindy and mind numbing game of your life withThe game is a poorly envisioned pile of wank. Shenmue fans (I was one of them) are the ONLY people who are happy with the finished game, and even then I'd argue that there's a great number of them, myself included who are less than happy with the finished game. Is it all the Shenmue you could want? sure, if you want to play the worst, most grindy and mind numbing game of your life with graphics from the PS2 era.

    I enjoyed Shenmue 2, which is why I kickstarted Shenmue 3 however I was super un-impressed when they forced Epic exclusivity on us and all the game updates I've seen since have been getting worse and worse.

    The lip-synching and voice acting (bar maybe 2 or 3 voices i've heard) are completely atrocious!

    The method of levelling up your fighting skills is mundane, uninspired, grindy and boring as all hell.

    Ys Net haven't learned ANYTHING since the last Shenmue game, it's as if Yu Suzuki has been hiding in his bedroom for the last 20 years with his hands over his eyes and hasn't taken on board a single development from an entire 2 decades of awesome games throughout the years.

    If you're gonna sit there and try to tell me that this game is 'good' in any capacity, compared to the plethora of indie and double A titles we've had over the years... then you have lost all integrity as a gamer.

    Do you know what you should be playing instead of this drivel? - Yakuza, pick one, any of the Yakuza games are basically this but 100x better in every freaking way.    … Expand
  81. leyt1125
    Nov 28, 2019
    0
    9 and 10 points to this game are voted by bots, just look at their profile - 2 ratings: 10 for PS and PC version of shenmue3 and that's it
    Disgusting
  82. TNTNitro
    Nov 19, 2019
    0
    I am very sad to see what this classic franchise has become. on my PS4 the graphics are blurred, 720p and 30fps. In the game the commands do not respond well, the mini games are very poorly done and boring, turtle racing.... Where are we? in 2019? very disappointed.
  83. Horizon77
    Nov 20, 2019
    0
    Worst game ever made the graphics and gameplay very disappointing i really feel bad
  84. moskitto2411
    Nov 20, 2019
    0
    This is what I waited 17 years for? It's so bad, kickstarter was a fraud. Hope its the last one.
  85. tastytoaster
    Nov 19, 2019
    0
    Health drains too fast, the camera angles are **** **** this game, shouldn't have backed it on kickstarter
  86. Suppkip
    Nov 20, 2019
    0
    Graphics are outdated, animations are very stiff.
    Voice acting is horrible.

    This game is a waste of money, that's the truth.
  87. guardianking
    Nov 20, 2019
    0
    Es un gran juegazo, no hagais caso a las review de la prensa ya que falsean la realidad, merece el precio que tiene.
  88. Taf1010
    Dec 8, 2019
    0
    Симулятор гринда. Скучный сюжет (которого максимум час). Никакого прогресса по сравнению с 2 частью
  89. KarimovWaves
    Dec 25, 2019
    0
    Shenmue 1 and 2 were good. This game is crap. They deleted throws in fight and story only progresses 10 minutes. The grind is heavy. Basically a flopped game
  90. Vano_Sanchez
    Jun 21, 2020
    0
    This game is absolute trash. Worst game ive ever played. Terrible story, characters, promises, animations, dialogues.
  91. Uclisse
    Nov 28, 2020
    0
    Hacía tiempo que no sentía lo que he sentido con este juego, que basura mas grande, que aburrido, tosco y lento es este juego. Una tortura es mas simple y mejor que esto
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Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 78 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 78
  2. Mixed: 41 out of 78
  3. Negative: 7 out of 78
  1. PSX Extreme
    May 18, 2020
    30
    What a horrible experience this was. Whatever minuscule redeeming qualities this game might have are drowned out by just how infuriating it is. And I can’t think of anybody who is a fan of this franchise that can honestly call this game good with a straight face. Get this game if you’re a fan of the series, but don’t be surprised if it just ends up making you hate yourself for waiting nearly two decades for what is essentially the video game equivalent of Freddy Got Fingered.
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  2. PSX Extreme
    May 18, 2020
    30
    What a horrible experience this was. Whatever minuscule redeeming qualities this game might have are drowned out by just how infuriating it is. And I can’t think of anybody who is a fan of this franchise that can honestly call this game good with a straight face. Get this game if you’re a fan of the series, but don’t be surprised if it just ends up making you hate yourself for waiting nearly two decades for what is essentially the video game equivalent of Freddy Got Fingered.
    Read full review
  3. Cubed3
    Apr 13, 2020
    50
    Shenmue 3 is a tough recommendation for general audiences. It won't please the die-hard fans of the originals due the step backwards in terms of game design. Neophytes who are curious about it will be confused and bored by the sleep-inducing pace, plus the how the voice acting has not changed since the early '00s. The visuals may have improved, and the loading times are a thing of the past, but this is still has the soul of a Dreamcast title. It won't live up to the expectations that fans have, nor will it excite interest in the franchise. Nothing of substance gets solved by the conclusion, and there's a lack of a pay-off to playing such an intentionally slow experience. The highs in Shenmue 3 involve doing what amounts to nothing; that is just taking in the atmosphere and exploring.
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