Shenmue III similar games & best alternatives
Shenmue III
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
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Autonomy3
"Players can explore environments freely, choose when to engage in side quests or main story, and manage their own time and activities."
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Competence2
"Combat requires skill and training, but also involves repetitive grinding and predictable mini-games."
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Competition-3
"Focus is on personal progress and story rather than competing against others; no mention of PvP or leaderboards."
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Continuation4
"Many players report long playtimes, multiple playthroughs, and habitual engagement with the game."
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Cooperation-4
"Gameplay is primarily single-player with limited social interaction beyond NPC dialogue."
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Creativity-2
"Players interact with a fixed world and story; limited customization or creative building."
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Domination-4
"Interactions are balanced and respectful; no evidence of exerting control or superiority over others."
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Escapism4
"Players use the game to immerse in a detailed world and escape real-life stress through exploration and story."
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Expectation-3
"Players engage out of personal desire and nostalgia rather than obligation or external pressure."
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Experimenting1
"Some exploration and trying new moves, but largely following established routines and story progression."
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Exploration4
"Players explore detailed environments, discover secrets, and interact with many NPCs with unique routines."
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Expression-3
"Limited character customization; mostly fixed character appearances and preset aesthetics."
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Fantasy1
"Story grounded in martial arts and realistic settings, but with some mystical and narrative elements."
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Fellowship-4
"Experience is solitary with minimal social connection beyond NPC interactions."
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Growth3
"Players develop skills through training and learn story details, showing personal development."
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Health-4
"Gameplay encourages sedentary play with no physical activity; stamina system is in-game only."
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Idle3
"Players engage in slow-paced, relaxed gameplay with opportunities for short or long sessions."
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Intimacy-3
"Interactions are mostly surface-level with NPCs; no evidence of forming close emotional bonds."
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Leadership-4
"No leadership roles; players follow story and complete tasks without managing others."
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Progression4
"Strong focus on acquiring items, upgrading skills, and completing quests to advance."
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Relaxation3
"Game offers a chill, slow-paced experience with moments of flow and tension release."
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Sensation2
"Visuals and music provide sensory enjoyment, though some character models are awkward."
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Status-3
"Achievements exist but social recognition is minimal; focus is on personal experience."
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Story4
"Strong narrative immersion continuing a long-running plot with character interactions."
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Strategy2
"Combat and quest completion require some planning and skill, though many tasks are repetitive."
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Thrill-2
"Game is slow-paced with limited suspense or risk; QTEs are challenging but not thrilling."
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Value3
"Players feel the game offers good value through long playtime and nostalgic appeal."
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Violence1
"Combat is present but not emphasized; game also focuses on non-violent activities like fishing."
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Survival1
"Some resource management (stamina, money) but low risk of failure or death."
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Last update: 06/03/2026