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. Starscream178
    Nov 22, 2019
    9
    A faithful and glorious return the series with a few missteps.
    Just finished not to long ago. For those ready to jump in, get ready for some sweet savory Shenmue action, because that's what you're getting, for good and bad. All the cliche Shenmue parts are there, cheesy voice acting (in parts good, and in parts horrible - which is pure Shenmue and forgivable), massive exploration on a    A faithful and glorious return the series with a few missteps.
    Just finished not to long ago. For those ready to jump in, get ready for some sweet savory Shenmue action, because that's what you're getting, for good and bad. All the cliche Shenmue parts are there, cheesy voice acting (in parts good, and in parts horrible - which is pure Shenmue and forgivable), massive exploration on a large scale and small, and an awesome almost and maybe mystical story line.

    Where the game falls flat is the lack of return of key voice actor from the previous entries to the series, Eric Kelso definitely comes to mind. The other issue, being the certain battles in the game being a little to easy, and some story pacing could have been a little tighter. All things considered though, a spectacular return to the series, a complete blast right back into the 90's/early 2000's.

    If Shenmue IV is anywhere near as good as Shenmue III, I can't wait to see what happens next! Great job Backers, Dev Team, Suzuki and Cedric as well!    … Expand
  2. Msisk110
    Nov 22, 2019
    10
    The game honors the franchise and continues it with perfect continuity. I loved and enjoyed the lush and beautiful artlike visuals and the intriguing story. Brilliance at its finest
  3. gamesi
    Nov 22, 2019
    10
    Some of the nicest graphics I have seen when it comes to environment this is shenmue thew and thew funded buy the fans made for the fans i have seen much worse with much higher budget games shenmue 3 is a massive game with lots of shops and food stores to visit you can now customize Ryo and buy new stuff for him to wear there is endless arcade games later on in the game there is so much inSome of the nicest graphics I have seen when it comes to environment this is shenmue thew and thew funded buy the fans made for the fans i have seen much worse with much higher budget games shenmue 3 is a massive game with lots of shops and food stores to visit you can now customize Ryo and buy new stuff for him to wear there is endless arcade games later on in the game there is so much in this its unbelievable note kids or young adults that never grew up with shenmue well probably won't get its quirky dialog it's what the fans loved about the first 2 back in the day, and they carried the same formula over to shenmue 3 ones again fan service and its what makes shenmue shenmue it wouldn't be otherwise so in my opinion new comers maybe but fans of the first 2 absolutely… Expand
  4. Marcerocker
    Nov 22, 2019
    10
    Pura nostalgia para los que jugamos en la sega dreamcast, mantiene la jugabilidad pero mejorada a los tiempos actuales
  5. Sergeynest
    Nov 22, 2019
    10
    Shenmue 3 has all the ingridients of the previous titles and it also adds new gameplay elements that make this new experience even more imersive. Fans of the series will definitely love it, as for newcomers they will either hate it or fall in love with it.
    Advice for new Gamers: If you are tired of all the new games that play the same and that lack heart and soul, then give this game a    Shenmue 3 has all the ingridients of the previous titles and it also adds new gameplay elements that make this new experience even more imersive. Fans of the series will definitely love it, as for newcomers they will either hate it or fall in love with it.
    Advice for new Gamers: If you are tired of all the new games that play the same and that lack heart and soul, then give this game a chance because it might surprise you and it might as well make you fall in love with it    … Expand
  6. bayramali
    Nov 22, 2019
    10
    Bu oyun hayranları için özel olarak yapıldı. Ben beğendim. Hikayeyi bilenler tereddüt etmeden oyuna dalsın. İlk defa oynayacaklar da 2018 hd olan versiyonunu oynayıp devam edebilirler.
  7. combosax
    Nov 22, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Un fantastico ricordo che affiora. Chi è appassionato di videogiochi deve assolutamente supportare uno dei giochi che ha fatto la storia. Giocarlo dopo tutto questo tempo è una gioia incommensurabile.
    GraZie di tutto SUZUKI San.    … Expand
  8. Aitorillu
    Nov 22, 2019
    10
    This game offers more than Shenmue 1 & 2, with better graphics, and continues the story that we all are looking for. I love the mini games, the calm path of the game, how the story is explained slowly and very intimate way. Exactly as the first ones. Its a different game that obviously not everyone will like, but this game experience should be lived by all gamers, start from Shenmue 1 andThis game offers more than Shenmue 1 & 2, with better graphics, and continues the story that we all are looking for. I love the mini games, the calm path of the game, how the story is explained slowly and very intimate way. Exactly as the first ones. Its a different game that obviously not everyone will like, but this game experience should be lived by all gamers, start from Shenmue 1 and give it a few hours before make any judgement.

    I’m more than happy with the game, I didn’t expect the revolution that the first ones were, now that task belongs to Remedy with GTA series. But nowadays all “open world games” are violent, repetitive, ultra long and not very deep on their stories, so I think Shenmue is more like a very food book you like to read in calm and enjoy the story and fun of it. The fighting system is still one of the best in the insdustry.

    So great game, great story, I truly recommend it.    … Expand
  9. Sersnake
    Nov 22, 2019
    9
    Everything we always wanted! A game with the fans in mind, no matter the cost.
  10. clpalmer1973
    Nov 22, 2019
    10
    As a stand-alone game, Shenmue 3 is a well-written, nice-looking, and leisurely-paced game. (If you're looking for GTA China, this ain't it.) However, given the game's tight budget and production limitations, the game should be considered a masterpiece. The way players are led from situation to situation organically as the story unfolds deserves special note, as when Ryo is playing withAs a stand-alone game, Shenmue 3 is a well-written, nice-looking, and leisurely-paced game. (If you're looking for GTA China, this ain't it.) However, given the game's tight budget and production limitations, the game should be considered a masterpiece. The way players are led from situation to situation organically as the story unfolds deserves special note, as when Ryo is playing with children and stumbles on a set of clues. It isn't done via cutscene. It isn't accomplished by forcing the player to do, well, anything. In it's way, it's a freer experience than GTA or Yakuza. There are other things to do than simply go around committing crimes. You are not constantly attacked on the street. You could very well choose to simply idle the days away, and will likely spend a few days doing just that. That's the beauty of the storytelling. Ultimately, you are free enough to invest time and identity into Ryo as a character, making him feel like an extension of yourself. This is probably why those who have gotten into the Shenmue series are so invested into it. It's not just Ryo's story; it has become part of our story. Is the game perfect? No more so than life. Again, that's part of the genius. For those willing to invest the time and operate at the pace intended by the game, this will be an epic experience. For those looking for a quick adrenaline rush, who prefer games with no story and lots of PvP action, this will bore you. (Fortnite junkies beware.) For the real gamers, those who want to be drawn in and transported, this is the game for you.… Expand
  11. AnabelYuna84
    Nov 22, 2019
    10
    La historia continua, se ha mantenido la esencia original; pero con un apartado gráfico actual. Si lo que buscas es un juego de acción y guantazo limpio sin parar para arreglarlo todo y que la trama avance este no es tu juego. Si te gustan las grandes tramas pausadas, de observar el entorno y empaparte de la información que personajes y escenario te pueden dar esta saga es para ti. Eso sí,La historia continua, se ha mantenido la esencia original; pero con un apartado gráfico actual. Si lo que buscas es un juego de acción y guantazo limpio sin parar para arreglarlo todo y que la trama avance este no es tu juego. Si te gustan las grandes tramas pausadas, de observar el entorno y empaparte de la información que personajes y escenario te pueden dar esta saga es para ti. Eso sí, cuidado con engancharte porque llevo 20 años buscando algo como "Shenmue" y no existe, las únicas dosis de esta adicción son sus tres entregas.… Expand
  12. 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
  13. Jimj
    Nov 22, 2019
    9
    If you were a fan of the series or a newcomer I think you'll enjoy this game
  14. Sobski117
    Nov 19, 2019
    8
    The wait is over! Shenmue III is finally here and it doesn't disappoint. I've been building this game up in my head for so long and it's crazy that for the most part it's met my expectations. The graphics are great (although there is some heavy texture pop-in that hopefully will get improved on in a patch), the story carries on directly from where II left off and also doesn't disappoint.The wait is over! Shenmue III is finally here and it doesn't disappoint. I've been building this game up in my head for so long and it's crazy that for the most part it's met my expectations. The graphics are great (although there is some heavy texture pop-in that hopefully will get improved on in a patch), the story carries on directly from where II left off and also doesn't disappoint. This is a game that fans and those who know what they're getting should enjoy. Performance on the PS4 Pro could be better but hopefully (as with the texture pop-in) that will be ironed out in a future patch.… Expand
  15. Nicj
    Nov 22, 2019
    4
    Stack in the past nothing repeating and
  16. georgina15
    Nov 22, 2019
    10
    Very happy with this game! It is an experience worth living much more different than all the violent games around. This game is peaceful, a videogame that you can play with your children and enjoy every funny minute of it. So many jokes and so much trolling on modern games that try to play it serious.
    Hahahaha Have you seen any Thugs?? Congratulations to the team made it. We want Shenmue    Very happy with this game! It is an experience worth living much more different than all the violent games around. This game is peaceful, a videogame that you can play with your children and enjoy every funny minute of it. So many jokes and so much trolling on modern games that try to play it serious.
    Hahahaha Have you seen any Thugs?? Congratulations to the team made it. We want Shenmue 4 & 5 now that the game engines and everything are ready i am sure following games will rock!!!    … Expand
  17. DaNeash
    Nov 22, 2019
    10
    A love letter to fans of this series and a satisfying continuation to the story. "It looks like a PS2 game" is basically code for "I desperately need my eyes checked".
  18. Mikilike
    Nov 22, 2019
    1
    Los graficos son basura, las mecanicas son basura, el sonido es basura, no merece absolutamente nada la pena.
  19. Julian86arg
    Nov 22, 2019
    10
    Great game with an interesting story and a full vivid open world. The soundtrack is also great.

    A true secuel to an amazing saga.
  20. streapper
    Nov 22, 2019
    9
    It's the Shenmue experience that fans were waiting for. The music, the history, the conversations, the environtment... All is awesome. I can't say the same for the graphics, is not the revolutions that suppose the Shenmue I & Shenmue II at their time also there is a problem with the camera during the conversations, the characters are walking - speaking & then the camera change the positionIt's the Shenmue experience that fans were waiting for. The music, the history, the conversations, the environtment... All is awesome. I can't say the same for the graphics, is not the revolutions that suppose the Shenmue I & Shenmue II at their time also there is a problem with the camera during the conversations, the characters are walking - speaking & then the camera change the position and the characters are stopped, speaking in other place (the environment is not the same), then the camera change the position again and the characters are walking as before, is a feeling like a "cut & paste scene" during the conversation. But the rest is pure magic. Thank Yu Suzuki!… Expand
  21. Burnsy2k87
    Nov 22, 2019
    10
    A dream for the fans of Shenmue who have waited for so long, I was hoping they wouldn’t change it much because it wouldn’t feel the same and thankfully they didn’t, the voice acting is still terrible in a good way the character models just look smoother for those who have played the previous 2 games they will love it, stunning environments and although it hasn’t changed much it feels soA dream for the fans of Shenmue who have waited for so long, I was hoping they wouldn’t change it much because it wouldn’t feel the same and thankfully they didn’t, the voice acting is still terrible in a good way the character models just look smoother for those who have played the previous 2 games they will love it, stunning environments and although it hasn’t changed much it feels so much better to play than the clunky movements in the previous 2 games.
    For new comers    … Expand
  22. TMac075
    Nov 22, 2019
    10
    According to the budget given, Yu Suzuki and his team 's work was amazing. Finally we can keep playing this amazing story.
  23. scarzall
    Nov 22, 2019
    10
    Amazing follow up to an amazing story. Shenmue is not just a game, it's also a work of art. You need to take your time with it and just enjoy the atmospheric feel it gives you. For anyone who enjoys modern, fast pace action games I can see them struggling to get into Shenmue. Anyway a beautiful game and I can't wait to see what happens next.
  24. dazburrell
    Nov 22, 2019
    10
    I am loving it. It still feels like shenmue, but it is also a welcome departure from the conveyor belt of modern games that all feel very similar.
  25. Nexxtone
    Nov 22, 2019
    9
    Alles was wir wollten ist genau dieses Spiel, und wir haben es bekommen...
    Grafik nicht mehr ganz uptodate, aber das spielgefühl ist genau das gleiche wie damals... Einfach nur top
  26. o0Triforce0o
    Nov 21, 2019
    10
    Amazing. Just to be playing this game is an honour. Beautiful graphics, an amazing story and I would have paid this amount just to play the mini games within this game themselves! Would give it more than 10 if I could. Well done Shenmue!
  27. Raven1221
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    This is exactly what I hoped Shenmue 3 would feel like! It's not as perfect video game, but its perfect to the long time fans. What Yu and his team did on budget of around 7 million is astounding! A lot of quality of life improvements have been made while still retaining the feel of Shenmue. I'm in love!
  28. james1991
    Nov 21, 2019
    10
    It's exactly what you would expect as a fan. If you liked the first 2 games you'll like this one. As for the people complaining about the graphics it's not a AAA game he made the game with about 1/10 of the budget of a AAA game and i feel they did a great job when you take that into consideration. as for the ending it's obviously not a definitive ending as the plan is to have 4 of them atIt's exactly what you would expect as a fan. If you liked the first 2 games you'll like this one. As for the people complaining about the graphics it's not a AAA game he made the game with about 1/10 of the budget of a AAA game and i feel they did a great job when you take that into consideration. as for the ending it's obviously not a definitive ending as the plan is to have 4 of them at least and any fan of the series will understand that. I hope this will generate enough money to allow him to finish the series.… Expand
  29. gcar4525
    Nov 21, 2019
    10
    This game is everything I’ve been waiting for for 18 years. It’s a magical dream come true!
  30. NunoLiNik
    Nov 21, 2019
    10
    Único jogo que te faz sentir como viver uma vida em outra realidade. Venha o 4 e o 5. Terminar a história de uma vez.
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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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