Shenmue 3 Review Round-Up: What The Critics Are Saying (UPDATED)

After 18 years of waiting, Shenmue 3 has finally arrived, allowing players to continue the journey of Ryo Hazuki as he attempts to avenge the death of his father. Along the way, he’ll batter thugs, work menial jobs and, if he’s lucky, inquire about the location of some sailors.

With a lengthy wait between Shenmue 2 and 3, a successful Kickstarter and some controversies regarding Shenmue 3’s transition to the Epic Games Store, many are wondering if that time (and in some cases, financial) investment was worth it now that the game is out today. With that in mind, here’s what the critics are saying about Shenmue 3.

It’s worth noting that reviews are thin on the ground at the moment despite the embargo lifting. It would appear that, in the case of GamesRadar+ at least, they received code quite late in the day, and were only able to start playing the game seven hours before the embargo lifted. In any case, we will update this article over the coming days as more reviews emerge.

 

VG24/7 (Kirk McKeand) | 3/5

Still, despite these annoyances, despite the fact that it’s a game designed with decades-old sensibilities, I enjoyed my time with it. It doesn’t have the conclusion we’ve been waiting two decades for and it barely drives the story forward at all, but the climactic battle is as satisfying as that 70-man tussle in the first game’s harbour.

Read the VG24/7 review right here.

 

GamesRadar+ (Justin Towell) | 4/5

So many modern reworkings and sequels have ripped up cherished, established canon recently, but not Shenmue 3. This game works because it’s so genuine, honest and feels 100% authentic next to the originals. You have to take into consideration that this game was literally made for its own fans and in that respect it’s a massive success. Despite its wholly predictable flaws, it’s a better Shenmue 3 than I ever dared imagine and feels like no other game except its own predecessors. Fans couldn’t have asked for a more authentic sequel. 

Read the GamesRadar+ review right here.

 

Eurogamer (Martin Robinson) | Recommended

A more astute critic might point out that the performances are uneven, the character models sometimes look wayward, you’re kind of limited as to what you can do and nothing of note really happens. That’s not me, I’m afraid. Yes, Shenmue 3 can look and play like a Dreamcast game. But it looks and plays like a Dreamcast game that’s as off-kilter, maddening, magical and majestic as the original Shenmue games, both all-time classics. I think there’s good reason to rejoice in that. 

Read the Eurogamer review right here.

 

Destructoid (Chris Carter) | 7/10

I was torn writing this review as I went back and forth multiple times on whether or not Shenmue III’s adherence to the past was worth the squeeze. In spurts, it’s not. But as I walked back to Shenhua’s cottage to turn in for the night after a hard day’s work, earning back the money I had gambled away, it hit me: people just aren’t making many games like this anymore. We may never even get something like this again if Shenmue IV isn’t greenlit, which would be a shame.

Read the Destructoid review right here.

 

IGN (Kyle Hilliard) | 5.9/10

Rejoining Ryo Hazuki’s quest to avenge his father is exciting, but Shenmue 3 feels like a game that has ignored the innovation and progress of the last 20 years of video game development.

Read IGN’s review of Shenmue 3 right here. 

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