Shenmue III

Nov 19, 2019 7 years ago

Gameplay Trailer 1 / 8

Type Base game 2019 Genres Adventure Fighting Hack and slash/Beat 'em up Role-playing (RPG) Companies Shibuya Productions · Publisher · Deep Silver · Publisher · Neilo Inc · Supporting · Ys Net · Developer · ININ Games · Publisher Follow Log in to follow

Shenmue III is an action-adventure video game and the sequel to the 2001 game Shenmue II. It follows teenage martial artist Ryo Hazuki in his quest to find his father's killer in 1980s China. In 2015, Suzuki launched a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign to help fund Shenmue III and the campaign met its initial target of $2 million USD in under eight hours. The campaign ended in July having raised over $6 million, becoming the most funded video game in Kickstarter history.

What it’s like

Shenmue III is a deliberate, slow-burn action-adventure that prioritizes atmosphere and nostalgic immersion over modern pacing. Set in the vibrant, sun-drenched Bailu Village of 1980s China, the experience revolves around Ryo Hazuki’s relentless quest for revenge, driven by a mystery that unfolds through dialogue trees and environmental interaction rather than constant action. The game feels like a time capsule, offering a persistent world where every vending machine and NPC interaction contributes to a lived-in, tangible sense of place. While the combat relies on rhythmic, arcade-style brawling with quick-time events, the true strength lies in its cinematic presentation and audio design, which create a moody, romantic tone. It is less about tight mechanical innovation and more about savoring the ritualistic exploration of a beautifully rendered, albeit dated, open world that rewards patience and attention to detail.

Strong in Atmosphere / MoodAudio / MusicExploration / WorldStory / NarrativeVisuals / Art

Keep in mind The pacing is notoriously slow, with long stretches of walking and dialogue that may frustrate players seeking immediate action or modern game design conventions. The combat and RPG systems feel shallow and repetitive, lacking the depth expected from contemporary titles in the genre.

AI-generated from catalog data, informed by reviews from metacritic.com, avclub.com, empireonline.com, nichegamer.com, gameinformer.com.