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. NorthernIronMan
    Nov 24, 2019
    10
    Spend time getting to know Shenhua, she is a guiding light for Ryo who needs to know that he's not on his own. This is a very spiritual game, and Ryo walks the path of a young noble warrior in modern times. The heart and soul of the Buddha is in this game.
    It won't be appreciated by the self entitled, and its message will be lost on them. That's why the reviews are so devisive. You can    Spend time getting to know Shenhua, she is a guiding light for Ryo who needs to know that he's not on his own. This is a very spiritual game, and Ryo walks the path of a young noble warrior in modern times. The heart and soul of the Buddha is in this game.
    It won't be appreciated by the self entitled, and its message will be lost on them. That's why the reviews are so devisive. You can only lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink the water. This is not just a game, it's a journey to enlightenment!    … Expand
  2. 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.
  3. Gimbo98
    Nov 25, 2019
    10
    Great game, super. Up to the expectations for hardcore fans and new gamers. It suffers from uneven reviews.
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. Walid84
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    The long awaited masterpiece has finally come and it has nothing to be ashamed compared to other actual games. Despite the low budget, this game is beautiful in every way : story, dialogues, fighting system, music, graphics also are quite seducing. This game has to be lived like a life experience, seen like a painting and read as a poem. I haveb't finished the game yet so there is no riskThe long awaited masterpiece has finally come and it has nothing to be ashamed compared to other actual games. Despite the low budget, this game is beautiful in every way : story, dialogues, fighting system, music, graphics also are quite seducing. This game has to be lived like a life experience, seen like a painting and read as a poem. I haveb't finished the game yet so there is no risk for me to spoil, but trust me, this gale is something unique, and after a few minutes you can't help being addicted.… Expand
  7. 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.
  8. 200ft87
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    This game is a miracle. Period. Buy this game, you wouldnt regret it. Everyone should experience shenmue 3 at least once.
  9. Veskalin
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    After all this years I cannot believe this game actually came out. It feels like shenmue, it plays like shenmue, it’s another masterpiece. I love it. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
  10. zetabosio
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    Worth the wait, after so many years, this game its in out hands to continue this great journey
  11. vanjoelsandwich
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    A wonderful game.
    Has loads of what's missing in the industry right now. Authenticity.
    People should play this. Because past some technical imperfections due to budgetary issues, this game has more to offer than many AAA games with massive budget.
    A heartufl game.
  12. Mello24
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    18 Years Worth the wait! The game is created as if it has never left us, which is more the one can ask for! Thanks to Yu Suzuki and the Ys team Shenmue III is here and better than expected!
  13. hragimov89
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    I was mislead by strange character design first. But when I get to control Ryo, I felt exactly same perfect experience as first two parts of the Great Saga. Just try the game, it's special.
  14. BlueOneTrunk
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    A fitting continuation of the Shenmue Saga. While some things are different, the heart and soul of what endeared the series to fans back in the day is there in spades. Truly the game we've all put our heart and souls into backing and hoping for. Everything from the music to the look of the world is exactly what you'd expect from a Shenmue released in 2019. Just like in it's initialA fitting continuation of the Shenmue Saga. While some things are different, the heart and soul of what endeared the series to fans back in the day is there in spades. Truly the game we've all put our heart and souls into backing and hoping for. Everything from the music to the look of the world is exactly what you'd expect from a Shenmue released in 2019. Just like in it's initial release, Yu Suzuki does an amazing job of making the world feel alive and full of little things. It's not a game bogged down by waypoints or quest markers. Over all, I am glad to finally have the game in my hands. It's actually a dream come true and I'm proud to have been through this journey with the rest of the Shenmue community.… Expand
  15. Shinolive
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    Thanks Yu Suzuki!
    Masterpiece , work of art, great music !
    Great direction and gameplay coming as legitimate sequel .
  16. Mrmoney
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    Wow, gives me goosebumbs. Feeling like im 20 again. Great job Deep Silver. 10 p
  17. Cloudy83
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    Regresa la continuación de uno de los mejores videojuegos de la historia. No estoy de acuerdo en que esté anticuado como dicen muchos, sigue siendo muy divertido en todos los apartados y muy disfrutable. Minijuegos, exploración, combates, quicktime, y una soberbia historia. Obra maestra.
  18. Koteloz
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    Shenmue 3 his music his history his fighting system and excellent graphics. Keeps his esscence intact.Some technical problems that can ve solved with an update such as the synchronization of some melodies and loading errors. Shenmue 3 an excellent game for those who are new in the saga, and Masterpiece for those who expected it for years.
  19. Nenwalka
    Nov 21, 2019
    10
    Espectáculo puro para el corazón,solo los que vivieron esa época dora sabrán el valor que tiene esta gran obra de arte.
    Y los que no la vivieron decirles que lo compren (I,II;III) y aprendan lo que es un juego hecho con el alma.
  20. Finalstar
    Nov 21, 2019
    10
    Yu Suzuki give me that shenmue experience that i hope for I love it I can’t wait what’s happening in this third part
  21. 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 yous tart 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
  22. shenhaZ
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    Shenmue III has some technical issues, but its essence is still top-notch. If you're a fan of the series, this game is a must-play (but you probably know it already).
  23. slash_quake
    Nov 22, 2019
    10
    This is all I've been waiting for 20 years! Since I bought Shenmue 1 for my Dreamcast back in 2000 this has been my favorite game ever, I thought I would never have the same feeling again while playing a game. After all these years Shenmue 3 was able to do this again. Thanks Yu Suzuki
  24. stefanosn82
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    Shenmue 3 as well as the two previous games have one important aspect that no other game has. It’s not the graphics, its not the gameplay, its not the music, it is something above all these. All the above aspects exist in ordee to create a unique feeling for the game where you can’t find anywhere else. To all the people out there stop experiencing games for what they are instead try toShenmue 3 as well as the two previous games have one important aspect that no other game has. It’s not the graphics, its not the gameplay, its not the music, it is something above all these. All the above aspects exist in ordee to create a unique feeling for the game where you can’t find anywhere else. To all the people out there stop experiencing games for what they are instead try to feel the games. Shenmue is like the parthenon that stands thousands of years at the same place reminding an era. Shenmue is the parthenon of video games. Congratulations to ysnet , deep silver , shibuya productions. All the people who love video games should be happy about Shenmue 3 and united and instead of argue with each other let us all find in our hearts what is this feeling that will make all gamers friends and united. Please try to feel and enjoy this game. enjoy the game.… Expand
  25. totneschap
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    Excellent game, Suzuki has done the series proud with this long awaited installment. The graphics are gorgeous, the gameplay is superb, the music is absolutely incredible and the storyline is as brilliant as the first two.
  26. carreracarrera
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    el juego es maravilloso, calca completamente el amor que le teniamos a las versiones anteriores y mantiene el sabor a ellos. este juego esta hecho para los fans que querian mas. es bueno tener de nuevo shenmue despues de tantos años
  27. jjonmetacritic
    Dec 1, 2019
    10
    Love it. Really nice continuation of everything we loved about the first 2 games. Graphics are faithful to the original style with nice modern updates. The same voice actors return. I'm a very happy customer.
  28. 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
  29. Kyo_JP
    Dec 3, 2019
    10
    As a long time videogame player Shenmue III is a blessing. Yu Suzuki has demonstrated that under the coat of technical marvel that the previous titles were he still can deliver a slow paced, calm, daily rutine game such as no other in the market. There is no game out there in the open world genere as inmersive in the day to day rutine as this one. Visualas are good for a low budget game,As a long time videogame player Shenmue III is a blessing. Yu Suzuki has demonstrated that under the coat of technical marvel that the previous titles were he still can deliver a slow paced, calm, daily rutine game such as no other in the market. There is no game out there in the open world genere as inmersive in the day to day rutine as this one. Visualas are good for a low budget game, music is great, gameplay is what a Shenmue sequel is suposed to be.

    I am glad that it ignores all trends of the last years, because if I want to play another generic lifeless open world game I would be checking the usual suspects. Shenmue III is a masterpice.    … Expand
  30. Crazymilanfan
    Nov 19, 2019
    9
    I have played very little of Shenmue 3 till now. Having played on Dreamcast 2 decades ago and then remaster on ps4, as a fan I find this game great. As many would have mentioned that the feel is very much of shenmue and why we loved the game in the first place. My rating is for the fans of the series as I would call this game for fans only and for us it delivers despite it very low budgetI have played very little of Shenmue 3 till now. Having played on Dreamcast 2 decades ago and then remaster on ps4, as a fan I find this game great. As many would have mentioned that the feel is very much of shenmue and why we loved the game in the first place. My rating is for the fans of the series as I would call this game for fans only and for us it delivers despite it very low budget compared to modern games.… Expand
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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.
    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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