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. aladrin
    Nov 27, 2019
    10
    18 years later returns one of the best games most anticipated by all the continuation of shemmue a great saga that was born in dreamcast and now we can enjoy on pc and ps4 the wait to deserved the wait! Thank you very much Yu Suzuki, and the YS Net development team for bringing us this long-awaited continuation.
  2. Hazuki38
    Nov 27, 2019
    10
    First, no, I’m not a bot. Yes, I created an account specifically for reviewing this game. Why? Because I have been waiting for it for almost two decades, I backed it on KS and I feel that this game, and Yu Suzuki still need my support. And yes of course I have played the game, game that I could not be happier with!! It has literally everything I was hoping for, and some more. Atmosphere,First, no, I’m not a bot. Yes, I created an account specifically for reviewing this game. Why? Because I have been waiting for it for almost two decades, I backed it on KS and I feel that this game, and Yu Suzuki still need my support. And yes of course I have played the game, game that I could not be happier with!! It has literally everything I was hoping for, and some more. Atmosphere, slower pace, music, story, even the fighting system is good once you get used to it. It’s Shenmue at its best! NO OTHER game allows you to experience what this game does. NONE, period. Yes the dialogue cutscenes could have been better handled, but honestly, after an hour or so, it is not noticeable anymore. And this is certainly not bothering enough to affect my rating, hence the 10/10. When I read that “it looks like a PS2 game”, it’s just plain ridiculous, game is gorgeous. Sure, if what you are after is an action packed game, with big quest markers in the middle of the screen, where you can kill hundreds of NPC’s… then this one is not for you. But if you want to experience something unique, charming, poetic, that has this 80’s feel, that is martial arts focused, where you take your time… Just get it and you’ll be in for a treat!… Expand
  3. wongtrip
    Nov 27, 2019
    10
    A fantastic piece of video game history finds a worthy sequel. You'll be surprised how alive the world is. For example, each progress allows new dialog options with the NPCs which does so much for the immersion. This game isn't for everyone but if you commit yourself to it, Shenmue 3 offers a unique gaming experience.
  4. Horst123
    Nov 27, 2019
    10
    One of the best Games recently published. Play it and dive deep into Chinese culture.
  5. AtheisT_
    Nov 27, 2019
    10
    Quando joguei pela primeira vez Shenmue ficou logo apaixonado pelo jogo, pela primeira vez vi um jogo tão realista em cada para cada missão podias resolver com soluções diferentes, tudo no jogo era detalhado ao pormenor, passou de imediato a ser do meus jogos favoritos na altura juntamente com final fantasy, resident evil e metal gear.
    Depois de muitos anos a espera do Shenmue 3 cheguei a    Quando joguei pela primeira vez Shenmue ficou logo apaixonado pelo jogo, pela primeira vez vi um jogo tão realista em cada para cada missão podias resolver com soluções diferentes, tudo no jogo era detalhado ao pormenor, passou de imediato a ser do meus jogos favoritos na altura juntamente com final fantasy, resident evil e metal gear.
    Depois de muitos anos a espera do Shenmue 3 cheguei a perder a esperança e pensei mesmo que nunca iria sair, quando soube que ia sair o shenmue 3 fiquei com mais entusiasmo do que ff7 remake mas depois de comprar o shenmue 1 e 2 remaster fiquei com grande desilusão o jogo que a 18 anos estava muito a frente do seu tempo estava completamente ultrapassado, o o jogo envelheceu muito mal, os controlos são terríveis e os combates frustrantes.
    Por isso perdi muito expectativa sobre o shenmue 3 e pensei que iria ser uma grande desilusão ao qual me enganei completamente, já a muito tempo que não me divertia tanto a jogar um jogo e dava por mim a jogar horas e horas sem fazer nenhuma missão principal XD.
    Sim Shenmue 3 tem algumas falhas mas 70 de critica é ridículo sei que não é um 10 mas nunca abaixo de 8,5, neste momento a critica dos videojogos está a ficar igual ao do cinema não da para confiar.

    Agora é esperar pelo Shenmue 4.

    Ps: Formiga e André se querem jogar comprem que eu não empresto XD    … Expand
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. AndyMavis
    Nov 27, 2019
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. After 18 years we finally get out of the cave! Brings back all the memories of the Dreamcast. Won’t be for everyone as this game needs to be played slowly as you can leave your own life at home and jump into a 1980’s Chinese movie. Mastering Kung fu, catching chickens, finding thugs (not sailors), pail toss, forklifts, chopping wood the list goes on with so much to experience but with the main aim to find Lan Di and avenge your fathers death. Hopefully SEGA get back on board to finish the story for Shenmue 4.… Expand
  9. broj446
    Nov 26, 2019
    10
    Amazing it's as if was made a decade ago and not a clone of cinema games of today . It's exactly what I wanted in a 3rd game of shenmue I'd of hated it if was just another clone of modern games . Now 4th game could maybe bring it up to date a bit more
  10. Huntsx877
    Nov 26, 2019
    10
    True sequel. You get lost in the beautiful world and map design. Side quests are engaging and not a chore. You are encouraged to explore the maps in an interesting way. Very charming characters and story, completely unique experience. I would recommend anyone with patience to play this.

    The combat is still satifying, although it is a small step down. What's improved is the training and    True sequel. You get lost in the beautiful world and map design. Side quests are engaging and not a chore. You are encouraged to explore the maps in an interesting way. Very charming characters and story, completely unique experience. I would recommend anyone with patience to play this.

    The combat is still satifying, although it is a small step down. What's improved is the training and building up your kung fu, attack and stamina.

    Game is amazing by any standard let alone a crowdfunded game    … Expand
  11. 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
  12. Ldt1
    Nov 26, 2019
    10
    i was so worried about this game as a big fan of 1 and 2, when it was announced at e3 i thought wow with sony backing him! then realized it was a kickstarter, the first 2 where technically stunning, at the time i had never seen games like them i was blown away they were so groundbreaking, and i thought well as a kickstarter 3 cant be that, as tbh the only company that could probably affordi was so worried about this game as a big fan of 1 and 2, when it was announced at e3 i thought wow with sony backing him! then realized it was a kickstarter, the first 2 where technically stunning, at the time i had never seen games like them i was blown away they were so groundbreaking, and i thought well as a kickstarter 3 cant be that, as tbh the only company that could probably afford to do a technically groudbreaking game at this time on this current gen is probably rockstar, so i thought hope he sticks to classic shenmue as i thought it could so easily b a tacky/ buggy/ crappy 3d poor performance game, i just wanted more story / more shenmue! and omg Yu delivered, i love this game so much, it really does play and feel like shenmue, but the 'game world / area ' looks really nice, its such a breath of fresh air/ change of pace to wander around the beautiful village/ world, so peaceful, the dialogue is what you would expect from shenmue, there are so many nice touches in the village, so much to do i find myself wasting days not progressing just getting caught up in 'stuff', the music is outstanding, and i found myself very quickly caring about the well being of the village, and they just went and made Shenhua the most adorable/ lovable person ever shes so sweet and caring! Everything i wanted it to be, and thankfully none of the stuff that had me worried, in fact i'am blown away by shenmue again that Yu managed to create a game like this as a kickstarter! there are a few minor technical issues but nothing that has affected my enjoyment, this game will get a lot of hate but its meant for the fans! let the others carry on playing the same old stuff they have been for years now and their ubisoft effect games with their graphically amazing open worlds that are very boring and completely empty! the one question I'm left with is 'where do i sign up for 4's kickstarter?… Expand
  13. 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
  14. S_Austin
    Nov 26, 2019
    9
    As a fan of the original 2 games I backed this on kickstarter, it was a heck of a wait, but for me it was worth while.
    As I'm an old school gamer who grew up on fogger, and space invader, then onto the nes and so on, I love old single players, with a good story, plenty to see and do, and so far I'm extremely grateful and pleased that shenmue 3 has everything I wanted, ok it's not a modern    As a fan of the original 2 games I backed this on kickstarter, it was a heck of a wait, but for me it was worth while.
    As I'm an old school gamer who grew up on fogger, and space invader, then onto the nes and so on, I love old single players, with a good story, plenty to see and do, and so far I'm extremely grateful and pleased that shenmue 3 has everything I wanted, ok it's not a modern aaa game, but it's not meant to be, it's shenmue!     … Expand
  15. Niohk
    Nov 26, 2019
    10
    A reminiscent of its earliest instalments with a few more things added to the fray. If you're looking for a 90s throwback but with a modern touch, this is it!
  16. mastachris
    Nov 26, 2019
    10
    SHENMUE 3 finally is here, i still remember the first time when i played it on DC, it was amazing, and almost 20 years pasts, SHENMUE returns with its new episode, great one with awesome music, the gameplay is classic,
  17. oliverchg
    Nov 26, 2019
    10
    Ya solo el mero hecho de volver a recorrer la calles, con toda su vida y sus cuidados detalles, vale la pena.

    Dispone de las mecánicas de los juegos anteriores más actualizadas. No te decepcionará, Si que se hecha en falta un salón recreativo más atractivo, asi como los juguetes en capsulas, bastante decepcionantes, si bien están mejor integrados que en las otras versión para sacar    Ya solo el mero hecho de volver a recorrer la calles, con toda su vida y sus cuidados detalles, vale la pena.

    Dispone de las mecánicas de los juegos anteriores más actualizadas. No te decepcionará, Si que se hecha en falta un salón recreativo más atractivo, asi como los juguetes en capsulas, bastante decepcionantes, si bien están mejor integrados que en las otras versión para sacar capsulas y recibir recompensas por ello.    … Expand
  18. Autoshooter
    Nov 26, 2019
    10
    Amzing!!! astonishing, astounding, fabulous, fantastic, fantastical, incredible, marvelous, miraculous, phenomenal, prodigious, stupendous, unbelievable, wonderful, wondrous.
  19. manfromeast
    Nov 26, 2019
    10
    How can it be old if there is nothing like it at all?
    Shenmue is a Genre
    It not copy and past like today standard games play the same way just upgrade graphic
  20. luminousncc
    Nov 25, 2019
    10
    18 years later I can see a honest inside from the game producer, the gameplay is also interest.
  21. 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.
  22. Robt47
    Nov 25, 2019
    10
    Perfect way to build on the first two and a joy to experience , cant wait to complete multiple playthroughs !
  23. AndrewJumpen
    Nov 25, 2019
    10
    Story goes on... The game that I've been waiting all my life, this is continuation to the epic saga ✨
  24. Gimbo98
    Nov 25, 2019
    10
    Great game, super. Up to the expectations for hardcore fans and new gamers. It suffers from uneven reviews.
  25. Blockcaptain86
    Nov 25, 2019
    9
    A 9 out of 10 for Shenmue Fans because its exactly what we wanted but because the game is VERY old school its problematic for new arrivals! For them its probably a 6 out of 10!
  26. NikSoren
    Nov 25, 2019
    10
    Despite the crazy and sometimes awful mid-production teasers and trailers both the original fanbase and newcomers won't find a single flaw in this game.
  27. BenQuoueck
    Nov 25, 2019
    10
    The game that will follow you all your life. Fun, immersion, martial arts, storyline.. cannot wait for the 4!
  28. Nozomi
    Nov 25, 2019
    10
    Everything a sequel should've been. A true continuation of the series. Hopefully we won't have to wait another 18 years for the next.
  29. mpvega
    Nov 25, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It's the game shenmue fans have been waiting for. If your a fan your going to love it . If not a fan it may be for you.… Expand
  30. Jaoalle
    Nov 25, 2019
    10
    Just an awesome sequel, just for the fans! Its even better than I hoped for, but maybe not for people not familiar to the story. The game is intentionally slow and “awkward”, like the games in the series are. I was afraid that it was going to try to be modern and relevant, but am so happy that it stays true to what Shenmue is. And the graphics are beautiful!
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Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

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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.
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  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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