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Shenmue III

PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2020

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Quick resume

Shenmue III sees the eagerly anticipated continuation of the epic story-driven saga. Take control of Ryo Hazuki, a teenage martial artist, determined to unravel the mystery behind his father's murder and to exact revenge on the killer.

Global score

73/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Role-playing (RPG), Fighting

Pros

  • Faithful continuation of shenmue series
  • Detailed and immersive environments
  • Long playtime with varied activities
  • Strong narrative and character interactions
  • Nostalgic appeal for fans

Cons

  • Slow pacing and repetitive grinding
  • Awkward voice acting and dialogue
  • Combat system criticized as clunky
  • Story progression feels rushed or incomplete
  • Some character models and animations are stiff

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players can explore environments freely, choose when to engage in side quests or main story, and manage their own time and activities."

  • Competence
    2

    "Combat requires skill and training, but also involves repetitive grinding and predictable mini-games."

  • Competition
    -3

    "Focus is on personal progress and story rather than competing against others; no mention of PvP or leaderboards."

  • Continuation
    4

    "Many players report long playtimes, multiple playthroughs, and habitual engagement with the game."

  • Cooperation
    -4

    "Gameplay is primarily single-player with limited social interaction beyond NPC dialogue."

  • Creativity
    -2

    "Players interact with a fixed world and story; limited customization or creative building."

  • Domination
    -4

    "Interactions are balanced and respectful; no evidence of exerting control or superiority over others."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game to immerse in a detailed world and escape real-life stress through exploration and story."

  • Expectation
    -3

    "Players engage out of personal desire and nostalgia rather than obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    1

    "Some exploration and trying new moves, but largely following established routines and story progression."

  • Exploration
    4

    "Players explore detailed environments, discover secrets, and interact with many NPCs with unique routines."

  • Expression
    -3

    "Limited character customization; mostly fixed character appearances and preset aesthetics."

  • Fantasy
    1

    "Story grounded in martial arts and realistic settings, but with some mystical and narrative elements."

  • Fellowship
    -4

    "Experience is solitary with minimal social connection beyond NPC interactions."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players develop skills through training and learn story details, showing personal development."

  • Health
    -4

    "Gameplay encourages sedentary play with no physical activity; stamina system is in-game only."

  • Idle
    3

    "Players engage in slow-paced, relaxed gameplay with opportunities for short or long sessions."

  • Intimacy
    -3

    "Interactions are mostly surface-level with NPCs; no evidence of forming close emotional bonds."

  • Leadership
    -4

    "No leadership roles; players follow story and complete tasks without managing others."

  • Progression
    4

    "Strong focus on acquiring items, upgrading skills, and completing quests to advance."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Game offers a chill, slow-paced experience with moments of flow and tension release."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Visuals and music provide sensory enjoyment, though some character models are awkward."

  • Status
    -3

    "Achievements exist but social recognition is minimal; focus is on personal experience."

  • Story
    4

    "Strong narrative immersion continuing a long-running plot with character interactions."

  • Strategy
    2

    "Combat and quest completion require some planning and skill, though many tasks are repetitive."

  • Thrill
    -2

    "Game is slow-paced with limited suspense or risk; QTEs are challenging but not thrilling."

  • Value
    3

    "Players feel the game offers good value through long playtime and nostalgic appeal."

  • Violence
    1

    "Combat is present but not emphasized; game also focuses on non-violent activities like fishing."

  • Survival
    1

    "Some resource management (stamina, money) but low risk of failure or death."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026