10 Video Games That Made Expensive Comebacks (And Still Failed)

Considering Shenmue pioneered quick-time events, open worlds, and other mechanics, it's apparent the Japanese-oriented brawler was ahead of its time.

But since the project cost an outrageous amount and was a Dreamcast exclusive, making a profit was unfeasible. When Shenmue II also bombed, Yu Suzuki's potential franchise seemingly fizzled away.

Both instalments may have failed, but the admiration for Shenmue grew with time, causing them to develop a cult-following. Realising there was still a deep love for his creation, Suzuki organised a Kickstarter campaign for a third Shenmue in 2015.

Amazingly, Shenmue III became the fastest crowdfunded project to reach $1 million and the first Kickstarter game to raise over $6 million. It ended up raising $20 million in the end, surpassing its original goal ten-fold. It looked like the fanbase would be lining up in the streets to get their hands on this long-awaited sequel.

That's why it's depressing to learn Shenmue III was a major bomb. In fact, it failed to outsell 2018's remaster of the original.

Worst of all, this highly anticipated instalment wasn't very good. Although its predecessors pushed the boundaries, Shenmue III was more of the same, making it coming across as dated and unimaginative.