Shenmue III

Last year, SEGA AM2 finally released a re-mastery their most demanded video game- Shenmue I & II, after 17 years! However, it was still just a re-mastery. On November 19, after 18 years, the gaming community will see the story of their cherished game from teen-hood (or even childhood) continue into a third part, at last. Shenmue III is one of the longest awaited release in video-game history-not to mention the fact that the last game ended in a cliffhanger! Unsurprisingly, the hype is high for this one-and so is the expectations.

This elegant and classic theme is a treasure rarely seen in today’s popular video games. The trailer itself, with its sweet, peaceful music and nostalgic characters and setting, moved many watchers and fans to tears of joy- it is what we have all been waiting for. The game has been designed to appeal for both fans and new players, as it contains a recap of the previous story and gives an experience for everyone to enjoy, no matter what their level or history with the story.

The Shenmue world is an open-world RPG, designed to give players maximum interactivity with a stunningly developed map and unique characters. You will play the role of Japanese martial artist Ryo Hazuki: previously loved as a teenager, now an adult. The mission is to continue to explore the mystery around Ryo’s father’s murder, fueled by revenge to find the killer- Lan Di. Many aspects of the plot from the previous two games have been hinted in the trailer to continue into this one-an exciting prospect for fans.

Your character will change and grow as Ryo masters his martial arts skills. Shenmue III introduces what fans speculate to be a mysterious love interest, Shenhua, and a new antagonist. The game has been described as a ‘life stimulation’ game, in which players have the freedom to experience the game in many ways. For this reason, Shenmue has been called ‘revolutionary’ in its approach to gaming, as it gives something that the traditional action-packed, violent, intense games do not.

It is a gaming experience with a lot of freedom and diversity, filled with melodrama and culture. You can explore, play mini games within the game, practice your martial art skills, fight enemies in hand-to-hand combat and solve brain-wracking mysteries and puzzles. What comes to us all as a surprise is that the pretty, grandiose visuals and experience of the game were created by a budget from crowd-funding, making the production that much more impressive. For the action lovers, the gameplay does come with thrilling chases, intense free battles and flexibility in the martial art skill.

Available to be played on PS4 as well as PC, Shenmue will be retailed at Amazon, SimplyGames, Gamestop and 365games-just to name a few.