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. Eggoyuken
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    After 18 years this feels like the game fans have been waiting for. The graphical improvements from the Dreamcast era are a welcome addition, and other than a different of fighting mechanic (which isn’t a bad thing in my opinion) this feels like a true continuation of a classic series.
  2. arturobugarin90
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    Una experiencia sin. Igual contiene mucho arte chino y es mucho mejor de lo que se esperaba y se siente como si jugaras sus antecesores
  3. SethRindner
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    A gorgeous, faithful successor to the classic titles released almost two decades ago. It evokes the same exact feeling I had playing the originals back then. Any Shenmue die hard will be in heaven playing this game. I only wish they dug deeper on the combat which is still more than fine. If they really focused on the fighting to make it somewhat comparable to the AAA titles of the day,A gorgeous, faithful successor to the classic titles released almost two decades ago. It evokes the same exact feeling I had playing the originals back then. Any Shenmue die hard will be in heaven playing this game. I only wish they dug deeper on the combat which is still more than fine. If they really focused on the fighting to make it somewhat comparable to the AAA titles of the day, say, with its own multiplayer game modes, it may have incentived a bigger audience to buy the game and helped lead to future titles.… Expand
  4. henritoxbox
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    This game is the perfect continuation of the story of Shenmue. You have a town to explore, people to met, gambling and jobs, capsule toys and a lot of training/fighting. If you love the previous game, you will love this one for sure. Thank you Yu Susuki san!
  5. abeyface
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    Amazing and unlike anything you have played. Immerse yourself in a piece of art.
  6. Noornabi
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    Game lives up to all the E3 hype and I can see why fans were going mad over this, not many games like this out there, outstanding game well deserving high score considering this game was crowd funded, a must buy for martial arts fans
  7. wyno_
    Nov 29, 2019
    10
    This game is the BEST of all time !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  8. TheHeroSpot
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    Shenmue III doesn't try so hard to be like other modern games and embraces what it is, a Shenmue game. It's a breath of fresh air for the videogame industry and is definitely a true sequel to the Dreamcast originals.
  9. SlashQuake
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    What Yu Suzuki did with a kickstarter game is unbelievable! The game is not a triple A, but it has all the qualities a game needs to be fun! I love it.
  10. Domeni
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    Shenmue III is finally here, a game for the fans and newcomers to enjoy the story of Ryo Hazuki a boy from Japan on a quest to seek revenge for his father murder by the man called Lan Di. I wanna thank the community for never giving up and Yu for believing in us and giving us the third game of Shenmue.
  11. The_Dorkside
    Nov 21, 2019
    10
    Shenmue 3 is a hard one. it's an unpolished, yet polished diamond that rejects everything modern gaming has to say. Shenmue 3 does this in a splendig, refreshing manner. I'm giving this game 10/10, not as a fan of the series, but rather as a celebrating the game for it's uniqueness, offering something no other game does. And your appreciation for the game comes down to the effort you putShenmue 3 is a hard one. it's an unpolished, yet polished diamond that rejects everything modern gaming has to say. Shenmue 3 does this in a splendig, refreshing manner. I'm giving this game 10/10, not as a fan of the series, but rather as a celebrating the game for it's uniqueness, offering something no other game does. And your appreciation for the game comes down to the effort you put into the game yourself.

    The biggest problem with Shenmue today, is that people have a hard time grasping what the game actually is. To explain this in the simplest way possible, Shenmue 3 is a story driven, world-simulation, adventure fighting rpg, with a mixture of collecting and micro managing resources.

    The story takes place chronologically in a 24h/day system in which every day, even the mundane ones, is being played. A story sequence that could fit into a 10 minute cut scene in a modern game, can take Shenmue 15 hours to complete. The reason for this is that you as a player need to deal with everyday life of the main character Ryo Hazuki. If you are open minded and take your time, you start living and breathing the world of Shenmue, you start worrying about your financial situation, how the earn money effectively, how to become a better martial artist, while at the same time helping the people you start to care for. After 15h in Bailu village, you know every nook and corner, at the same time, you know the inhabitants by name, their personality and when you talk to your friend Shenhua about them you realize that you actually know all the people she is referring to. When NPCs are mere background noise in other games, Shenmue actually presents believable (yet somewhat awkward) characters to the world they inhabit.

    I don't think this game is for everybody. But with that being said, If you start playing the game.... think of it as a "world simulator". If you are expecting Uncharted 4 and try to shoehorn those traits into this game, you haven't allowed yourself to be open minded to games in general, or the appreciation of the beauty that is called Shenmue.

    We need more Shenmue. because the game is a "one of a kind" that defies the rules of modern (boring) AAA-climate. The game isn't perfect, But I am willing to let these minor stuff pass just out of the sheer complexity of the game.    … Expand
  12. XodiousBlack
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    If you are a fan of this series you will LOVE this game. It oozes with the charm that made me not only fall in love with the first two games! If you are new to the series there is still plenty of fun to be had for such a low budget title! Cheers to another entry in my favorite series of all time!
  13. Baihu
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    Incredible atmosphere, quirky characters, addictive gameplay loop, the best Shenmue yet
  14. AlexDuhajhi
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    The game that everyone has been waiting for 18 years ! It is clear that it's not the same kind of games as the "AAA" games but I'm glad it remains true to it's predecessors. I think that everyone can enjoy Shenmue 3.
  15. ProjectKatana
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    Make no mistake those of you who are looking for a game that transcends time and is basically an ASMR, look no further. The Shenmue series, tells a story of a teenager who lost everything and is forced to become a man on his 18th birthday, when his father is murdered right in front of him. These trials and tribulations, bring our young hero from Japan all the way to China, where he is setMake no mistake those of you who are looking for a game that transcends time and is basically an ASMR, look no further. The Shenmue series, tells a story of a teenager who lost everything and is forced to become a man on his 18th birthday, when his father is murdered right in front of him. These trials and tribulations, bring our young hero from Japan all the way to China, where he is set on a path to set the wrong things right. From Legendary Creator Yu Suzuki Creator of titles like Outrun, Space Harrier, Virtua Racing, Daytona USA, After Burner, Virtua Fighter, Fighters Megamix, Fighting Vipers, F355 Challenge and many more. Took his team and gave a sequel 18 years in the making, you get to experience a game locked in a time capsule. Before the dawn of over stimulating fps, and flashy games. Shenmue brought you FREE-Full Reactive Eyes Entertainment. Enjoy this title, and remember, "It appears that Lan-Di will try to make us of both mirrors" Master Chen… Expand
  16. GBUK101
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    After an 18 year wait, the day arrived that I never thought would happen. This is a worthy addition that keeps to the spirit of the first two games. It picks up where part 2 finishes and your straight back into the story.
  17. Red_Eileen
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    Developped like an independant game and really good.
    Sure thing, it's not a 100 millions $ budget game but it clearly does a good job.
    For Shenmue players, great improvements : more things to do and explore, more story secrets to discover, and still this martial arts spirit based on wisdom and self improvement. For non Shenmue players, well you shall play the two others, it would be    Developped like an independant game and really good.
    Sure thing, it's not a 100 millions $ budget game but it clearly does a good job.

    For Shenmue players, great improvements : more things to do and explore, more story secrets to discover, and still this martial arts spirit based on wisdom and self improvement.

    For non Shenmue players, well you shall play the two others, it would be better. But even, you will discover a poetic and nice game where you HAVE to take your time, and this is a major feature of the franchise. You're not to rush and finish the game quickly but rather discover it as much as you want and take pleasure while doing this. Fights are rather complex but you will be used to it quickly.

    You still don't know i you buy it ? Well take a risk once in a lifetime and discover a new univers and a cool way of playing videogames    … Expand
  18. Evenstar1985
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    Love the game so far, well as an original shenmue 1-2 fan it’s not a surprise.

    Edit: all these fake rates 0 points saying it looks like a PS2 game, have you ever played PS2 games in your life?
  19. RepiReal
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    Great game! Ryo is back! Its game of the year! I hope we will see Shenmue 4 ín the future!!!
  20. Usefulidiot
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    Exactly what us shenmue fans wanted. Almost surreal to be playing this game. The nostalgia is strong.
  21. Hadesillo
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    One of the most beautiful and refreshing experiences in videogaming this year.
  22. Pinoy
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    Truly a game remarkable on its own. The sequel was well worth the wait. Contrary to popular belief, the games failure In 2001 was brought about by factors and not by th actual game in itself. From the maker of revolutionary game maker Yu Suzuki. Just as he never faltered or gave up, so did the countless fan base. And now here we are. After 18 years... We have a sequel... Enjoy it like fine wine..
  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. Tamarama
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    Love it! Hopefully another one is made! Shenmue 1 and 2 are great too! Beautiful game.
  25. Shenmueforever
    Nov 21, 2019
    10
    Shenmue 3 is a love letter to fans and newcomers alike such an amazing and beuterfull masterpiece amazing scenery the whole game took me on what i can only describe as one heck of a spiritual an heartfelt journey wow everybody did an amazing job and id love a shenmue 4 please keep this saga going am speechless yu suzuki is a true inivator
  26. 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
  27. B1zz3r
    Nov 21, 2019
    10
    It has been a decade since Ryo returned, but the moment you start the game you want to discover the world of Shenmue 3. This is a game that is made for the fans, not for the masses.
  28. ChefExcellence
    Nov 21, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. First thing you need to realise is they’ve tried to make the game as close to the original on purpose. For that reason, the controls are clunky and the camera angles can be annoying sometimes, just like they were on a Shenmue 1 & 2. The graphics are muchly improved, not so much the background and unimportant textures like the grass, but the details on people’s faces and reflections on windows etc. Anyone who claims that the graphics are ‘terrible’ or ‘PS2’ graphics are clearly deluded! Having said that, as I mentioned above, the textures on the less important stuff like the grass are definitely PS3/Xbox 360 graphics. The rest of the game though is definitely PS4 worthy, for instance there are reflections and things on wooden doors that move and such as the door is opened. Could the graphics have been better? Yes they could have, but graphics don’t make the game, the story does that!

    I don’t personally see the series picking up many new fans purely down to the clunky controls mentioned above, but for longtime players of both games on the Dreamcast and Shenmue 2 on the OG Xbox they are exactly as I remember! One big advantage this game has over the first two is the huge leap in processing power. The first games were plagued with loading screens, but thanks to the power of the PS4 they are now a thing of the past for most of the game.

    I love the new health system, this was something that was planned for Shenmue 1 and 2 but never made it to the final game (despite the fact that you could still buy the food). I also loved the little nods and Easter eggs hidden throughout the game.

    A lot of people seem to complain about the games ending but to be honest, any true Shenmue fan would have seen the ending coming a mile away. Yu Suzuki already said countless times before the game launched that the story isn’t even 50% complete.

    I always give honest reviews for games, even ones I am a huge fan of as a I believe it’s the only way developers are able to make better titles. Now it’s time to be critical and list the very few things that I didn’t like about the game.

    - The inability to skip dialogue. I can understand not skipping it with main characters, that’s fair. But do I really need to hear the same stuff over and over again when I go to practice martial arts or chop some wood? You can skip it once you’ve listened to it once per day but as soon as you go to sleep you have to listen to it again before you can skip it.

    - The forklift job is only there for nostalgia purposes really. You get paid very little and could earn more money in the same amount of time chopping wood.

    - As I mentioned above, I like the new health system but I really wish running had a separate stamina bar and didn’t result in you losing health.

    P.S.

    One final thing the story does that I don’t agree with, there’s a lot of interaction between Ryo and.... Oh never mind, I’m just gonna say it, FOR GOODNESS SAKE KISS THE GIRL ALREADY!!!    … Expand
  29. davidfabuel
    Nov 21, 2019
    10
    Continuación directa del Shenmue I y II. Volviendo a la esencia de los 128 bits con una dirección artística y sonora increíble.

    Absténganse jugadores de COD, FIFA o casuals en general. Imprescindible para gamers de la antigua escuela.
  30. 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.
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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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