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CRITIK

Shenmue III

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Shenmue III
Item: Shenmue III
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2019

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Crime, Open World, RPG, Fighting, Single Player

AvailableNov 19, 2019

PlatformPC, PlayStation 4

DeveloperYs Net

Overview

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.

Elsewhere

6.5

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

39%

Mixed (50-79)

54%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Shenmue III are quite varied. Some critics, such as GameStar and Hooked Gamers, praise the story for its engaging and immersive nature. They highlight elements such as the spiritual journey, the quest for revenge, and the exploration of traditional Chinese architecture and landscapes in the province of Guilin. These positive aspects contribute to the overall enjoyment of the story for players. However, there are several critics, including IGN, AusGamers, and Destructoid, who express disappointment with the story. They mention that it feels inconsequential, drawn-out, and lacking momentum. The pacing is criticized for being slow, and some critics feel that the story does not provide a satisfying conclusion or enough progress in the overarching storyline. The lack of a definitive ending and the focus on the journey rather than the destination are also mentioned as negatives. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a mixed opinion of the story in Shenmue III. While some critics appreciate the continuation of the story from the previous games and the exploration of new characters and plotlines, others feel that it falls short of expectations and fails to deliver a compelling narrative. The slow pacing and lack of significant progress in the story are common criticisms. However, it is worth noting that there are still critics, such as Twinfinite and We Got This Covered, who believe that the game provides a satisfying experience for fans who have been eagerly waiting for the conclusion of the franchise.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are split on Shenmue III's story: some praise its engaging elements like spiritual journey and Chinese landscapes, while others criticize it for feeling inconsequential, slow-paced, and lacking a satisfying conclusion. Overall, opinions are mixed, with some appreciating the continuation of the story and new characters, while others find it disappointing and failing to deliver a compelling narrative.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

19%

Mixed (50-79)

70%

Negative (0-49)

11%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Shenmue III are varied. Some critics, such as IGN and Easy Allies, appreciate the improvements made to the gameplay compared to the previous games. They mention that the combat has been streamlined and the progression system is more satisfying. Additionally, Easy Allies highlights the wide assortment of mini-games and their contribution towards meaningful progression. AusGamers also acknowledges the focus on realism and mundane tasks, such as eating and training regularly, which adds depth to the gameplay experience. However, there are several negative aspects of the gameplay that critics point out. Hooked Gamers and Game Informer criticize the outdated gameplay system and the tediousness of the mini-games. Windows Central and Destructoid mention clunky combat mechanics and a lack of direction, respectively. GameSpot and RPG Site express frustration with the unsatisfying combat and frustrating stamina and dialogue mechanics. Slant Magazine and RPG Fan highlight the slow pace, repetitive tasks, and back-and-forth nature of the gameplay. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Shenmue III's gameplay has both positive and negative elements. While there are improvements and additions that enhance the experience, such as streamlined combat and mini-games, there are also outdated mechanics, tedious tasks, and a lack of direction that hinder the overall enjoyment. Critics like Guardian and Impulsegamer appreciate the slow-paced progression and various activities available, while others, such as GameGrin and RPG Fan, feel that the gameplay follows too closely to the formula of the previous games, resulting in repetitive tasks and slow progression. It is clear that the gameplay of Shenmue III has its strengths and weaknesses, and individual preferences will play a significant role in determining whether players find it engaging or tiresome.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics' opinions on Shenmue III's gameplay are mixed. Some praise the improvements like streamlined combat and meaningful mini-games, while others criticize outdated mechanics, tedious tasks, and lack of direction. Positive aspects include realism and variety of activities, but negative points include clunky combat and slow progression. Overall, Shenmue III offers a mix of strengths and weaknesses, with individual preferences determining its appeal.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

36%

Mixed (50-79)

61%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Shenmue III, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects highlighted by the reviewers. Starting with the positives, several critics praised the game's visuals and attention to detail in recreating the landscapes. AusGamers and Windows Central both commended the stunning landscapes, colorful flowers, and traditional architecture that immerse players in a picturesque countryside. GameStar also mentioned the rustic and charming graphics, with traditional Chinese buildings and lush natural areas. Additionally, CGMagazine and Impulsegamer appreciated the combination of photorealism and anime aesthetics, which faithfully realized the concept art from the Dreamcast era. On the other hand, there were some negative aspects mentioned by the critics. IGN and RPG Fan criticized the stiff character movement and inconsistent character designs, with IGN specifically mentioning that the NPCs sometimes appear more like mannequins in conversations. Destructoid and We Got This Covered expressed disappointment with the graphics, describing them as anachronistic and falling short of modern-day standards. PlayStation LifeStyle and ZTGD also noted that the visuals were lacking compared to modern games, with ZTGD stating that the game still feels like a title from 20 years ago. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that while Shenmue III has its visual strengths, there are also areas that could use improvement. The stunning landscapes, detailed environments, and charming atmosphere were praised by critics such as Game Informer, Hardcore Gamer, and Slant Magazine. However, the stiff character movements, inconsistent designs, and graphics that feel outdated were criticized by reviewers like IGN, RPG Site, and We Got This Covered. Despite the mixed opinions, it is clear that the game's visuals have managed to create an immersive world that captures the essence of rural China, even if it doesn't fully meet the expectations of modern AAA titles.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed opinions on Shenmue III's graphics and visual design. Positive points include stunning landscapes and attention to detail, while negatives mention stiff character movements and outdated graphics. Overall, the game's visuals impress some but fall short for others, capturing the essence of rural China but lacking modern AAA standards.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

38%

Mixed (50-79)

31%

Negative (0-49)

31%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of Shenmue III has received mixed reviews from the critics. On the positive side, several critics praised the game's soundtrack, describing it as romantic, immersive, and well-done. GameStar and CGMagazine specifically highlighted the use of Chinese instruments and modern compositions that added to the overall experience of the game. Additionally, Gaming Age commended the music for keeping with the tradition of the previous games' fantastic scores. The peaceful moments in the game were also praised, with RPG Fan emphasizing the soothing score that enhanced these moments. However, the voice acting in Shenmue III received significant criticism from multiple reviewers. IGN, Windows Central, AusGamers, God is a Geek, RPG Site, and Hardcore Gamer all expressed disappointment with the voice acting, describing it as hilariously bad, stilted, clumsy, terrible, horrid, and middling. The poor delivery of lines and stilted dialogue made conversations difficult to sit through, as mentioned by RPG Site. Windows Central and AusGamers also criticized the voice acting for detracting from the seriousness of the story. The unskippable interactions and lack of skippable dialogue, as noted by AusGamers, further added to the negative aspect of the voice acting. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that while the soundtrack and music in Shenmue III are praiseworthy, the voice acting falls short. The positive aspects of the sound design and music, such as the romantic and immersive soundtrack, are overshadowed by the negative opinions on the voice acting. The lackluster performances, awkward dialogue, and poor delivery were major points of criticism among the reviewers. However, it is worth noting that some critics, such as DualShockers and Push Square, found redeeming qualities in the game's voice acting, specifically in terms of fan service and humor in character exchanges. Despite these mixed opinions, the overall sentiment leans towards disappointment with the voice acting in Shenmue III.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics praise Shenmue III's soundtrack for being romantic and immersive, with Chinese instruments adding to the experience. However, the voice acting receives heavy criticism for being hilariously bad and detracting from the story's seriousness. While some find redeeming qualities in the voice acting, the general consensus is disappointment with its lackluster performances and awkward dialogue.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

45%

Negative (0-49)

50%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in Shenmue III, it becomes clear that there are both positive and negative aspects to consider. Some critics, such as GameStar and DualShockers, appreciate the intentionally exaggerated and entertaining nature of the voice acting, with characters being portrayed as caricatures. This adds a sense of charm and endearment to the game, as described by Destructoid. Additionally, the dialogue is noted to have moments of naivety, humor, and wisdom, providing depth to certain conversations, as mentioned by GameStar. However, the majority of critics express negative opinions towards the voice acting in Shenmue III. IGN, Windows Central, AusGamers, and God is a Geek all criticize the poor delivery and quality of the voice acting. IGN goes as far as describing it as hilariously bad, while Windows Central specifically mentions that it detracts from the seriousness of the story. The stilted and clumsy interactions, as pointed out by AusGamers and RPG Site, further contribute to the negative perception of the voice acting. Guardian and PlayStation LifeStyle add that the dialogue can be wooden, badly delivered, and suffer from inconsistent pronunciations. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Shenmue III is a significant weak point of the game. While there are a few positive aspects, such as the intentional exaggeration and charm, the negative opinions outweigh the positive ones. The stilted and awkward dialogue, poor delivery, and lack of consistency in pronunciation are consistently mentioned as major drawbacks. Critics like Game Informer and RPG Fan note that these issues can make conversations difficult to sit through and may even detract from the overall experience. Therefore, it can be concluded that the voice acting in Shenmue III is generally considered to be below par and in need of improvement.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in Shenmue III. Some praise its exaggerated charm and humor, while others criticize its poor delivery and inconsistency. Overall, the majority of critics feel that the voice acting is a significant weak point of the game, detracting from the overall experience.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

17%

Mixed (50-79)

83%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance of Shenmue III, the PC version seems to have fared better compared to the PlayStation 4 Pro. Windows Central, who played the game on PC, states that it performs well with customizable settings. This suggests that players on PC have the advantage of optimizing the game to their preferences, resulting in a smoother experience. On the other hand, the PlayStation 4 Pro version, as mentioned by Windows Central, appears blurry and lacks major enhancements. This indicates that the game may not have been fully optimized for this console, resulting in a less visually appealing experience. Moving on to the PlayStation 4 version, there are mixed opinions regarding its technical performance. Gaming Age mentions occasional slowdowns and excessive loading times, which can be frustrating for players. Twinfinite also points out control issues, visual hitches, and quick-time events that are too fast. These criticisms suggest that the technical performance on the PlayStation 4 platform may not be as smooth as desired, with some noticeable flaws and inconsistencies. Despite these negatives, there are also positive aspects mentioned by some critics. Hardcore Gamer states that the game runs perfectly fine on an old PS4 without any technical issues. VGC mentions rough edges, including lighting transitions and NPC delays, but also highlights the enjoyable experience of wandering and existing in the game's world without checklists and UI clutter. These positive remarks indicate that while there may be some technical hiccups, they do not necessarily detract from the overall experience of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Shenmue III has some technical issues and rough edges, particularly on the PlayStation 4 platform. However, it is important to note that opinions vary, with some critics experiencing smoother gameplay on PC or older PS4 models. The game's technical performance seems to be a mixed bag, with both positives and negatives depending on the gaming platform. Players should consider their preferred platform and tolerance for technical imperfections when deciding to play Shenmue III.

TL;DR

technical performance

Shenmue III's technical performance varies across platforms, with the PC version offering smoother gameplay thanks to customizable settings, while the PlayStation 4 Pro version falls short with blurriness and lack of enhancements. The PlayStation 4 version receives mixed reviews, citing slowdowns, loading times, and control issues. Despite some technical hiccups, critics also note positive aspects like a seamless experience on older PS4 models. Overall, critics agree that the game has technical issues, particularly on the PlayStation 4, but opinions vary depending on the platform. Players should consider their platform preference and tolerance for imperfections before diving into Shenmue III.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

100%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Shenmue III are varied, with some positive aspects highlighted. DualShockers mentions that the game offers a lot of freedom and different ways to overcome roadblocks, which can enhance replayability. Push Square also points out that the game provides side activities, arcade games, and collectibles to keep players occupied, which can contribute to replay value. These aspects suggest that players can find enjoyment in exploring different paths and engaging in various activities during subsequent playthroughs. However, there are also negative aspects mentioned by the critics. Game Informer states that while the game offers freedom to explore and do side activities, the critical path mostly involves talking and fighting, which can be frustrating. This limitation may discourage players from wanting to replay the game multiple times, as the core gameplay loop remains relatively unchanged. Hardcore Gamer adds that there is not much new story information to discover in subsequent playthroughs, implying that the narrative aspect of the game may not provide enough incentive for replaying. Overall, the consensus among the critics seems to be mixed regarding the replay value of Shenmue III. While some aspects, such as freedom, multiple ways to overcome obstacles, and side activities, contribute positively to replayability, other factors like repetitive gameplay and lack of new story information may diminish the desire to replay the game. It is worth noting that Gaming Age mentions playing through the game multiple times, indicating that there may be some replay value for certain players. However, Impulsegamer suggests waiting for a price drop to get better value, implying that the overall replay value may not be strong enough to warrant an immediate purchase.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics have mixed opinions on the replay value of Shenmue III. Positives include freedom, varied gameplay options, and side activities enhancing replayability. However, repetitive gameplay, lack of new story content, and a focus on talking and fighting may deter multiple playthroughs. Some suggest waiting for a price drop to justify purchasing.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

27%

Mixed (50-79)

65%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Overall, the opinions of the critics regarding the overall verdict of Shenmue III are mixed. There are several positive aspects of the game that are highlighted by the reviewers. Hooked Gamers, GameGrin, and Guardian all praise the game for its nostalgic and faithful follow-up to the series, providing an enjoyable experience for fans. They appreciate the game's charm, emotional engagement, and the way it stays true to the original vision of the series. The atmospheric and detailed world of Shenmue III is also commended by VGC, who considers it a worthy sequel that fans have been waiting for. However, there are also several negative aspects of the game that are mentioned by the critics. IGN, Windows Central, and God is a Geek criticize the dated aspects of Shenmue III, such as its clunky combat, poor voice acting, and archaic menus. They also highlight the lack of progressiveness and improvements seen in open-world games over the past years. The game's adherence to the past and its determination to retain the feel of its Dreamcast ancestors are seen as drawbacks by GameSpot. Additionally, Screen Rant and PlayStation LifeStyle express disappointment in the lack of a proper ending and the unresolved story, respectively. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Shenmue III is a game that will primarily appeal to fans of the series. It delivers on the expectations of long-time fans, providing a nostalgic and faithful continuation of the story and gameplay. Critics like Easy Allies, Game Informer, and RPG Fan appreciate the game for scratching the itch and reminding players why the series was important. However, the game's adherence to the original formula and its dated design may not appeal to newcomers or casual audiences, as mentioned by CGMagazine and Hardcore Gamer. The mixed opinions on Shenmue III suggest that while it may not be perfect, it offers a unique and rare experience that fans of the series will enjoy.

TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on Shenmue III. It's praised for its nostalgic charm and faithful follow-up to the series, but criticized for dated aspects like clunky combat and poor voice acting. Fans of the series will likely enjoy the nostalgic continuation, but newcomers may find the adherence to the original formula less appealing.

CRITIK

Reviews

136 reviews found

Slant Magazine

PlayStation 4

Dec 1, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game's deliberate pacing, down-to-earth character interactions, and mundane activities fulfill a vision of steadfast humanity within a martial arts revenge tale. The reviewer appreciates the game's artistic conviction and considers it a beautiful journey to undertake.

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DualShockers

PlayStation 4

Nov 25, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shenmue 3 is a promise fulfilled for fans, offering an antiquated design with charm and a legitimate Shenmue experience. It may not appeal to everyone due to its dated gameplay and visuals, but it stays true to the series' original vision.

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GameGrin

PlayStation 4

Dec 9, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is a great return for the series, staying true to its roots and providing an enjoyable adventure game experience. It may have some niggles due to its adherence to the original formula, but it draws players back into Ryo's world and is beloved by fans.

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Hooked Gamers

Dec 6, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shenmue III is a great experience overall and comes recommended.

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VGC

PlayStation 4

Nov 20, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shenmue 3 is a worthy sequel and exactly what fans have been waiting for. It is atmospheric, detailed, and cohesive, but the slow pace and lack of character development may not appeal to everyone.

Guardian

PlayStation 4

Nov 29, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is described as a substantial and nostalgic experience, offering epic and calming escapism

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We Got This Covered

PlayStation 4

Dec 4, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shenmue III is praised for its charm and ability to charm fans of the series despite its flaws. Die-hard fans will likely enjoy it, but others may question its appeal.

Twinfinite

PlayStation 4

Nov 27, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shenmue 3 is a strange and unique experience that stays true to the series, but may not appeal to newcomers

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Gaming Age

PlayStation 4

Jan 7, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer was left unfulfilled with Shenmue III, but still enjoyed the experience. They recommend it to Shenmue fans, but caution first-timers about the pacing.

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Hardcore Gamer

PlayStation 4

Dec 2, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shenmue III is a Shenmue title that may not be perfect, but it offers a unique experience that fans of the series will enjoy.