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. StabWound
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    It retains all of the charm the dreamcast games had and feels like a true sequel. They really aimed at pleasing the fans with this one, and made no compromises to gain a larger audience. It's exactly what I wanted.
  2. CDK86
    Nov 24, 2019
    10
    Having waited 20 years for this sequel, I’m so happy they haven’t radically changed the formula!
    Some people seem to hate this game, perhaps as they’re used to modern games holding their hands.
    This is classic gaming in a modern and it’s a wonderful thing to behold.
  3. 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
  4. Dietsoap
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    10/10 it's perfect, masterpiece, GOTC, etc. Thanks Yu! Niao Sun is my waifu btw
  5. evinho
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    The best shenmue ever...

    The best of year. Congratulantions................
  6. LINKTJT
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    Stays true to the originals and doesn't try to be something it isn't.

    It's exactly what I was hoping for and I Thank everybody in the community that never gave up on Shenmue.
  7. 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
  8. Alecj
    May 14, 2020
    10
    Bottom line -- If you like Shenmue, this is the best Shenmue game ever made. You will love it. Its got all the qualities you come to the franchise for, plus now its got a modern look and feel.

    If you dont like Shenmue, this wont change your mind...but you knew that. If you havent ever played Shenmue, try the remastered collection which contains Shenmue 1 & 2. If you enjoy it, getting    Bottom line -- If you like Shenmue, this is the best Shenmue game ever made. You will love it. Its got all the qualities you come to the franchise for, plus now its got a modern look and feel.

    If you dont like Shenmue, this wont change your mind...but you knew that.

    If you havent ever played Shenmue, try the remastered collection which contains Shenmue 1 & 2. If you enjoy it, getting to the third game will be that much more exciting.

    Its a unique experience, a wonderful one. Shenmue 3 was everything i could have hoped for when it was announced.
    As far as the franchise expectations go.....its a ten out of ten..    … Expand
  9. 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).
  10. Wickio
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    Absolutely a worthy successor to Yu Suzuki's magnum opus. Maintains all of the qualities of the first two entries while providing some quality of life improvements to help ease newcomers into the franchise. May be a tough jumping off point for those unfamiliar with the series, but anyone who has had the pleasure of playing the first two games will find this an absolute joy to experience.Absolutely a worthy successor to Yu Suzuki's magnum opus. Maintains all of the qualities of the first two entries while providing some quality of life improvements to help ease newcomers into the franchise. May be a tough jumping off point for those unfamiliar with the series, but anyone who has had the pleasure of playing the first two games will find this an absolute joy to experience. Anyone who has an interest in the history of gaming and the origin of what we now call the "open world" genre owes it to themselves to check this out.… Expand
  11. zetabosio
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    Worth the wait, after so many years, this game its in out hands to continue this great journey
  12. xgoldenboyx
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    Shenmue 3 is a epic 90's throwback. This game made me feel exactly as i did the first day playing Shenmue. Everything from the sound effects when picking to everything else that is meticulously re created and feels just like the originals.
  13. rbzsfg
    Dec 3, 2019
    10
    Exactly what I've wanted for 18 years. It 100% feels like Shenmue. The gameplay, the atmosphere, and the pacing. I absolutely love it. My personal GOTY.
  14. Nikonni
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    The game is everything I have been waiting for since the originals on Dreamcast. It’s a pity it never got a chance on Segas machine :( truly a work of art and I can’t wait for the next 2 games to complete the story. Buy this game and live a once in a lifetime gaming experience.
  15. Sharp
    Jan 5, 2020
    10
    After 35hrs in the game, I can confidently already say that this is the most polished, well-thought out Shenmue game there is in the series. If you liked the first two, I'd say you will be positively surprised the third installment is better than you expected. It is a more refined Shenmue experience, a rural Chinese compact version of the first game, with interesting world and characterAfter 35hrs in the game, I can confidently already say that this is the most polished, well-thought out Shenmue game there is in the series. If you liked the first two, I'd say you will be positively surprised the third installment is better than you expected. It is a more refined Shenmue experience, a rural Chinese compact version of the first game, with interesting world and character building in it. Reviews are a strange thing, I enjoyed this game more than most of the metascore 85+ (both critics and user score) games in the last 20 years. Slow-down with Shenmue 3, the world is already too fast as it is.… Expand
  16. Mrbuckminster
    Nov 21, 2019
    10
    So happy this game made release! I whole new generation for people to get to experience the most immersive world in gaming. This game does not disappoint.
  17. kujaligula
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    Este vídeo juego es una leyenda viviente, es parte de una saga que es y fue un parte aguas en la evolución de los videojuegos , la interacción , conversaciones , es traer a la vida una joya de antaño de la extraordinaria consola Dreamcast
  18. 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
  19. OldSilentHill
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    Shenmue magic is back in a "indie-kickstarter" form, and we can't be more happy about it!
  20. sweed1234
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    Amazing successor to the original shenmie games. This game is what us old school shenmue fans wanted for a long time and a game newcomers would also love. It retains some of that original shenmue essence.
  21. Della64
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    Stunning visuals, colors, lights, the nature
    ... It's incredible what they achieved with that small budget. And the audio is incredible too, the nature sounds are nothing seen so far in a videogame. The story is catching me and the fighting system is really hard (playing at hardest difficult) hardest
  22. vgmkyle
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    What can I write? Shenmue III is finally here. After all these years. It doesn't matter what the critics say as the series has always been misunderstood. Even as time went on by the community remained loyal for almost two decades. I think that's the real testament here.
  23. tomyvengeance7
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    And the miracle begins ......... Shenmue 3 is here (this is unreal) and keep the magic alive Gorgeous artistic , the finest gameplay and AWESOME environments ........
  24. LuluHollinha
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    This game is **** incredible just play you will have a por of fun one of the best
  25. 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
  26. Avorax
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    LOVE the Game so Far.Is the BEST tribute to the saga and to the dreamcast, the year of 20 anyversary.
  27. ManualTiga
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    Absolute Amazing.
    Gameplay awesome, slow pacing like Shenmue I and II.
    What fans expected for years.
    Yu you are the man!
  28. cubia59
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    Shenmue III is one of a kind and you'll either like it or hate it. If you're a fan of the first two games, there's absolutely no doubt that you'll love the 3rd game. Everything is there to make you happy : story continuation, QTE, fantastic OST, epic moments, mini games and even new features like fishing, training your kung fu etc.

    Game has a good replay value since you can play in 4    Shenmue III is one of a kind and you'll either like it or hate it. If you're a fan of the first two games, there's absolutely no doubt that you'll love the 3rd game. Everything is there to make you happy : story continuation, QTE, fantastic OST, epic moments, mini games and even new features like fishing, training your kung fu etc.

    Game has a good replay value since you can play in 4 different difficulties : easy, normal, hard, extreme.

    I'm not going to talk about the story as it's one of the main element of Shenmue and something you should enjoy while playing, but you'll love it.

    Is Shenmue III comparable to the recent AAA games technology wise ? Probably not. No game is perfect and Shenmue is one of them. However, Shenmue III is a perfect Shenmue game.

    And even if you haven't played the first two games and want to give it a shot, you still have the possibility to watch a complete story recap of Shenmue I & II directly from the main menu (but I still suggest to play the games, it's a way better experience).

    Huge thanks to Yu Suzuki, the development team, all the fans out there and to all the newcomers who'll give it a try.    … Expand
  29. 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
  30. Victikur
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    Gracias y más gracias.
    Por haber creado esta enorme continuación.
    Está a la altura de las expectativas, teniendo en cuenta la dificultad que ha conllevado su desarrollo.
    JUEGAZO que será de culto como los dos anteriores.
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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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