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. MrAndersonPG
    Nov 20, 2019
    9
    For fans of the series, this is a true Shenmue experience. Everything that you loved about the game has stayed intact. I was worried that the game was try to conform to modern standard but what I received is a traditional experience that fans will love. "You know what the great about Shenmue is? I keep getting older and it stays the same". Fans will really enjoy the game though newcomersFor fans of the series, this is a true Shenmue experience. Everything that you loved about the game has stayed intact. I was worried that the game was try to conform to modern standard but what I received is a traditional experience that fans will love. "You know what the great about Shenmue is? I keep getting older and it stays the same". Fans will really enjoy the game though newcomers will probably say to themselves "What the hell is this?" Over all, this is what I wanted and this is what i got. Thank you, Yu Suzuki!… Expand
  2. Hadesillo
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    One of the most beautiful and refreshing experiences in videogaming this year.
  3. Lummy316
    Nov 21, 2019
    10
    Reviewed this on so many other sites, so will keep it to the point here! It’s awesome. It’s a game that’s stuck to its routes... not in the past. It’s exactly how it should be, it hasn’t been rebooted into something unrecognisable, it’s true to the original form. In some way, yes, I may have improved greatly by a new way of playing, maybe uncharted style, but in some ways, this is SHENMUEReviewed this on so many other sites, so will keep it to the point here! It’s awesome. It’s a game that’s stuck to its routes... not in the past. It’s exactly how it should be, it hasn’t been rebooted into something unrecognisable, it’s true to the original form. In some way, yes, I may have improved greatly by a new way of playing, maybe uncharted style, but in some ways, this is SHENMUE fans game, not a corporate money grabber.
    If you loved the originals then this is no different. Maybe the future instalments will take a little leap into the modern world of games, but by doing that in a big way, takes the mystic charm away.
    This is the underworld indie type game franchise that redefined open world gaming. This game saga deserves so much more respect for what it achieved 20 years ago.
    Yes there are tediously annoying things about this game by today’s movie epic gameplays, but this a minor gripe for an otherwise fantastic story, and simplistic gameplay, it’s a stress free game, easy to stroll through and just enjoy.
    This game is about the fans, nothing more, nothing less. Sometimes the simple things are all that is needed.
    Pick it up, it’s decent, and as a continuation of this story it’s not to be missed. Special game, that isn’t about making money.    … Expand
  4. Dobuita-Badass
    Nov 21, 2019
    10
    True to the originals and doesn’t try to do anything pretentious or new for the sake of it. Stunningly beautiful and full of martial arts mystery. Fans of the original game must play this. Newcomers may just find they have the compatible personality to enjoy this game.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. JLPStaedtler
    Nov 22, 2019
    10
    Shenmue is Shenmue and no other game can't be offer the same. A little gem that casual gamers won't appreciate like other mainstream games.
  10. 83tnt
    Nov 22, 2019
    10
    My dream comes true. Nothing to complain. Yes this game is not nowadays standard AAA games, but Shenmue wonderful it own way. Maybe there is something not perfect in the game-play ( maybe they want to make the game nostalgic, or the lack of budget) but whoever you are at least try it once in your life. Begin from Shenmue 1 and go on. Enjoy the story and you'll see Shenmue is masterpiece.My dream comes true. Nothing to complain. Yes this game is not nowadays standard AAA games, but Shenmue wonderful it own way. Maybe there is something not perfect in the game-play ( maybe they want to make the game nostalgic, or the lack of budget) but whoever you are at least try it once in your life. Begin from Shenmue 1 and go on. Enjoy the story and you'll see Shenmue is masterpiece. To me Shenmue is not just a game. It's art.… Expand
  11. Thatryancole
    Nov 23, 2019
    9
    Overall no it isn't perfect no game is. Hard boundaries prevent exploration until specific points in the story. Subquests are very easy and sometimes painful to miss. But the story is compelling the combat feels great and the economy of in the game is very strong. I LOVE the game and personally can't wait for shenmue 4 to be realized hopefully this time it won't take 20 years to get there.
  12. UKSmeagal
    Nov 23, 2019
    10
    Finally the saga continues in true old school Shenmue style perfect scenery, beautiful music and atmosphere. Any fan of the Dreamcast epic must buy this game!!
  13. PhoenixMirror
    Nov 23, 2019
    10
    This game is just like the original two. Like what Ari said, it's almost like this was already built on the dreamcast and than brought to modern tech.
  14. Merk61
    Nov 24, 2019
    10
    Loving the game, sure it's not for everyone and i get it if some people don't like it but doesn't deserve all the hate by the reviewers. Regarding my point of view it's what i wanted and i'm finally super happy to be able to play the game and to me it's great.
  15. AkiraYuki
    Nov 24, 2019
    10
    I bought the original Shenmue back in the day for Dreamcast and enjoyed it but when I imported the european version of Shenmue 2 with english subtitles and japanese voiceover I was floored by how that change completely altered the ambiance and mood of the game for me. All of a sudden it didn't feel like a campy asian movie but a frigging blockbuster. To this day I still consider Shenmue 2I bought the original Shenmue back in the day for Dreamcast and enjoyed it but when I imported the european version of Shenmue 2 with english subtitles and japanese voiceover I was floored by how that change completely altered the ambiance and mood of the game for me. All of a sudden it didn't feel like a campy asian movie but a frigging blockbuster. To this day I still consider Shenmue 2 my favorite single player experience ever. Thus, the first thing I did was switch the language to japanese and there I was all over again. It really feels **** epic in japanese and campy as hell in english so do switch to the japanese language. As far as I'm concerned all 3 games are masterpieces - just again switch that audio to Japanese.… Expand
  16. SuperShrooms
    Nov 23, 2019
    10
    Perfect modern upgrade to a traditional one of a kind game. Shenmue has a special feeling to it that would have been lost if this game was made with a more modern approach. They kept a fine balance of modern and traditional classic feel which is absolute perfection to the people this game matters to most. If you didn't grow up with these games then I wouldn't expect you to understand thePerfect modern upgrade to a traditional one of a kind game. Shenmue has a special feeling to it that would have been lost if this game was made with a more modern approach. They kept a fine balance of modern and traditional classic feel which is absolute perfection to the people this game matters to most. If you didn't grow up with these games then I wouldn't expect you to understand the magic here.… Expand
  17. 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!
  18. 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.
  19. 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
  20. mattazoso
    Nov 22, 2019
    10
    It's perfect! There is a special charm of Shenmue / Dreamcast sensibility that cannot be faked!! The game exhibits an artfulness and an appreciation for subtly, atmosphere, technique and the small things in life that can feel lacking in modern gaming. What a breath of fresh air :)

    The chunkiness around the edges is not enough to outweigh its triumphs. Also switching to Japanese Voice    It's perfect! There is a special charm of Shenmue / Dreamcast sensibility that cannot be faked!! The game exhibits an artfulness and an appreciation for subtly, atmosphere, technique and the small things in life that can feel lacking in modern gaming. What a breath of fresh air :)

    The chunkiness around the edges is not enough to outweigh its triumphs. Also switching to Japanese Voice with English Subtitles is a far smoother and more authentic feeling experience with better voice performances being in Yu Suzuki's native language. Same goes for 1 and 2, worth a replay this way if you never have!!

    I went straight from beating Shemue 1 and 2 into 3 and it is SEAMLESS.

    Better that Yu Suzuki stick to his roots and build up methodically into next-gen, matches the Shenmue sensibility. For me I like running around the spaces, which are beautiful, doing a bit of this and that, talking to random people, new Lucky Hit is AMAZING!! I always enjoyed looking forward to unlocking the next space, new arcades and the next set of kung fu development. How much can I level up to defeat the mini-boss you're not supposed to be able to beat yet?? Was able to accomplish this just like in the originals at level 20!! :D

    I'm doing horse stance with Ryo and my thighs are burning up! Lol

    Now I'm dreaming if Yu Sazuki could take all of the feedback and experience from Shenmue 3 and blend it into Shenmue 4 with a proper budget!! O_O Now that Yu is caught up to speed and has captured these wonderful vibes as is, where he could go from here would be a league all its own!!    … Expand
  21. Waldentravis
    Nov 22, 2019
    9
    The game embodies all of the magic that made the first two games special. Controls have been tweaked to play better on current generation hardware. This is a true sequel to a fantastic franchise.
  22. cap083
    Nov 22, 2019
    9
    First of all I have to say that Shenmue1(+2) were my first open world games to expirience back in the days. That said I love all those cheesy dialogues, japanese (nowadays known as yakuza) creepiness[...] I also love the tank like steering of the character + the virtua fighter light fights. What I hate about S3 is the rural landscape to start of and that there are no more throwing moves.First of all I have to say that Shenmue1(+2) were my first open world games to expirience back in the days. That said I love all those cheesy dialogues, japanese (nowadays known as yakuza) creepiness[...] I also love the tank like steering of the character + the virtua fighter light fights. What I hate about S3 is the rural landscape to start of and that there are no more throwing moves. But fu** that - the moment the title screen pops up I forget everything I know about nowadays gaming and I am hooked to my ps4cpad/pc gamepad like an addict coming a long way from rehab. All this cheesiness, and ignorance of 2019 gaming standards keeps me hooked to the screen like I was back in the 90's. I do 't give a flyi g **** about the fact that it looks like an indie game in beta instead of a triple a title it tried to be back in the days. Shenmue3 is just what I wanted it to be...some kind of "antichrist" to nowadays gaming standards and all this blueprinted gaming **** they serve us every day.
    I really don't know how the story is moving along after luke 3 hours trollin around in this ****ed up village, but hell yeah shenmue is and has always been a bitter sweet journey...not a concert of wishes from your favorite band to just lay back and enjoy    … Expand
  23. blibbero
    Nov 23, 2019
    10
    Shenmue 3 is amazing and exactly what I was hoping for. If you're considering this game and you're a fan of the first or second. Remember the Wude. To act without hesitation, to do what is right.
  24. MC-SHARKYYY
    Nov 23, 2019
    10
    This is a true love letter to shenmue 2 and continues the series beautifully the game is breathtaking for a kickstarter funded game and gives you the typical shenmue experience you expect yu and his team have delivered for long time fans. newer player's might not take to the game straight away but these games hook you in and leaves you looking for answers as you look to avenge yourThis is a true love letter to shenmue 2 and continues the series beautifully the game is breathtaking for a kickstarter funded game and gives you the typical shenmue experience you expect yu and his team have delivered for long time fans. newer player's might not take to the game straight away but these games hook you in and leaves you looking for answers as you look to avenge your character's father who was killed in the beginning of shenmue 1 the combat system is easy to pick up and the mini games etc are also fun.… Expand
  25. SegaFredo
    Nov 24, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. J'ai attendu Shenmue 3 si longtemps qu'il m'est difficile d'être réellement objectif.

    En tant que jeu indépendant, il n'est évidemment pas à la hauteur des standards AAA actuels; mais il s'en sort tout de même remarquablement bien; et sous bien des aspect, a su dépasser les attentes que j'avais placé dedans au vu du développement. Le jeu reste magnifique grâce à une réelle direction artistique qui rend les environnements extérieurs réellement majestueux; et les intérieurs fourmillent toujours de détails qui transmettent le côté toujours aussi "naturaliste" de l'oeuvre.

    En terme de gameplay, le jeu a su conserver la recette qui a fait son succès, et c'est avec une émotion certaine que l'on reprend cette quête auprès de PNJ qui nous deviennent de plus en plus familiers. La progression est cependant plus linéaire que Shenmue 1&2; et les différents quartiers de la ville ne s'ouvriront qu'au moment souhaité, c'est un peu frustrant par rapport à la liberté que l'on avait dans les précédents opus et qui faisait clairement leur charme. Elle est également ralentie par la quête perpétuelle d'argent, au travers d'une multitude de mini jeux et de quêtes secondaires; mais on ressent que c'est guidé par la volonté des développeurs de faire prendre son temps au joueur afin qu'il profite de l'aventure et de son ambiance unique.

    Cependant, j'ai été particulièrement déçu par la construction narrative de cet opus, qui fait refaire en deuxième partie du jeu quasi exactement la même chose que dans la première, et plus on le voit venir et plus la déception s'installe. C'est d'autant plus frustrant que, autant la première fois qu'on se fait battre par le premier boss, on peut l'imputer au faible niveau du personnage ou l'inexpérience du joueur dans le système de combat, et se dire que la défaite était évitable (un peu comme le fameux combat contre Chai dans le YOU Arcade); autant contre le deuxième boss je me suis fait battre alors que j'avais maxé mon kung-fu et que j'avais littéralement explosé le boss avant que la cut-scene fatidique ne se déclenche.

    L'autre gros point noir est pour moi le manque cruel d'intérêt des personnages. Aucune relation réellement marquante ne se tisse avec les différents personnages rencontrés lors de l'aventure; alors que c'était un point capital de la série, au point que les scènes d'adieux de Shenmue 1 et 2 étaient réellement poignantes, ici ça n'est clairement pas le cas, et on retiendra finalement très peu des noms des différents personnages (les consonances chinoises n'aident malheureusement pas). Les personnalités de Ryo et Shenhua ainsi que leur relation ne sont finalement que très peu mises en avant et n'évoluent guère au fil du jeu. Idem pour les deux boss du jeux qui sont totalement oubliables (à l'inverse de Terry, Baihu ou encore Douniou) à l'exception de leur chara-design grotesque. La présence trop court et trop tardive de Lan-Di et Niaosun ne parviennent malheureusement pas à relever le niveau.

    Il y a des **** défauts que l'on pardonnera facilement au jeu à cause de ses modestes moyens; mais ceux-là n'en fait pas partie.

    En résumé, si j'ai au départ été réellement émerveillé de reprendre l'aventure où elle s'était arrêtée il y a 18 ans; passée la deuxième moitié du jeu, il s'est installé chez moi une certaine frustration qui ne m'a finalement pas quitté jusqu'à la fin du jeu. A ce titre, Shenmue 3 constitue donc une réelle déception comparé au 2; dont le final en apothéose tant en terme artistique, narrative, poétique, et visuelle laissait le joueur dans un état de plénitude totale; ici malheureusement absent.

    Je me console en espérant que cet épisode n'aura peut-être servi finalement qu'à mesurer l'intérêt à ce jour pour la saga, dans l'hypothèse d'un 4ème épisode plus ambitieux. A ce titre et pour ne pas nuire aux ventes du jeu et à l'avenir de la série je lui mets un 10, mais si je devais être totalement honnête, ce serait plutôt un 7.    … Expand
  26. GamerBrasil
    Nov 24, 2019
    10
    O game está mais cadenciado se comparado ao segundo , load times bem reduzidos , porém no PS4 há alguns problemas de drop frame , poup in exagerado , mas isso não atrapalha nem um pouco o a jogabilidade.
  27. JelleyBrown
    Nov 24, 2019
    10
    Shenmue III is not as good as the first two, but that is a high bar to reach, and is its only objective flaw. A lot of "critics" may claim that it is archaic and outdated, but it is not. The game is designed in such a way as to appeal to fans of the series, not to bring in new ones, which is fine. Nobody who likes the original games will have such gripes about Shenmue 3. Personally, myShenmue III is not as good as the first two, but that is a high bar to reach, and is its only objective flaw. A lot of "critics" may claim that it is archaic and outdated, but it is not. The game is designed in such a way as to appeal to fans of the series, not to bring in new ones, which is fine. Nobody who likes the original games will have such gripes about Shenmue 3. Personally, my only subjective complaint is the graphics. Shenmue pushed graphics far but Shenmue 3 looks like it could run on an Xbox 360. That is the downside of barely scraping up the funds to even make the game, I suppose, so the scale of the production is totally un-Shenmue in that sense, though it is understandable.

    Ignore the bad and even the middling reviews--if you are a fan of the series with a reasonable set of expectations, you won't be disappointed. IGN reviewed Pokemon Sword & Shield, praising them for evolving despite being the worse in the series, but then rips into Shenmue III. It really shows you how out of touch critics are from real gamers.    … Expand
  28. Seguero
    Nov 24, 2019
    10
    Espere 18 años para ver esta hermosa continuación, que feliz me siento de terminar esta 3 parte,
    Gracias Yu suzuki por entregarnos esta 3 parte y espero con ansias una 4 parte.
    Sencillamente para mi el mejor juego de la historia

    VIVA SHENMUE..............
  29. Tedroos
    Nov 24, 2019
    9
    Not just a game but a beautiful Zen like experience. The cozy atmosphere incredible attention to detail and addictive gameplay loop set Shenmue 3 apart from other games. One of the best of 2019.
  30. Jos2215
    Nov 25, 2019
    9
    Shenmue 3 est le meilleur Shenmue à ce jour. Une vraie réussite. Vivement le 4.
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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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