Summary

Release Year: 2019
Genres: Adventure, Fighting, Hack and slash/Beat ’em up, Role-playing game (RPG)
Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4
Developers: Ys Net
Publishers: Deep Silver, Shibuya Productions

Shenmue III: A Nostalgic Return to a Beloved Franchise

Introduction

Shenmue III is the long-awaited sequel to the critically acclaimed Shenmue and Shenmue II, released in 1999 and 2001 respectively. The game was successfully crowdfunded on Kickstarter in 2015, becoming the most funded video game in the platform’s history. Shenmue III was finally released in 2019, much to the delight of fans who had been eagerly anticipating its arrival for nearly two decades.

Story

Shenmue III picks up where Shenmue II left off, following teenage martial artist Ryo Hazuki on his quest to find his father’s killer. The game takes place in 1980s China, and Ryo’s journey leads him to the bustling city of Bailu Village. There, he must navigate a complex web of criminal organizations and uncover the secrets behind his father’s death.

Gameplay

Shenmue III is an open-world action-adventure game that combines elements of martial arts combat, exploration, and investigation. Players control Ryo as he explores the game’s detailed environments, interacts with NPCs, and engages in intense hand-to-hand combat.

The combat system in Shenmue III is robust and satisfying, with a variety of moves and combos that Ryo can learn and master. Players must carefully time their attacks and blocks to defeat their opponents, who range from street thugs to skilled martial artists.

In addition to combat, Shenmue III also features a number of minigames and side activities that players can engage in. These activities include gambling, fishing, and playing arcade games. These minigames provide a fun and rewarding way to break up the main story and earn extra money.

Graphics and Presentation

Shenmue III features beautiful and detailed graphics that bring the game’s world to life. The environments are rich and immersive, and the character models are expressive and lifelike. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with a mix of traditional Chinese music and modern electronic tracks.

Reception

Shenmue III received mixed reviews upon release. Some critics praised the game’s beautiful graphics, immersive world, and satisfying combat system. However, others criticized the game’s repetitive gameplay, lack of innovation, and technical issues.

Despite the mixed reviews, Shenmue III was a commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide. The game’s dedicated fanbase was thrilled to finally experience the continuation of Ryo Hazuki’s story, and they eagerly await the next installment in the series.

Conclusion

Shenmue III is a nostalgic return to a beloved franchise. The game features beautiful graphics, immersive combat, and a compelling story. While it may not be the most innovative or groundbreaking game, it is a solid and enjoyable experience for fans of the series and newcomers alike.