11 Video Games Destined To Be 2018's Biggest Sleeper Hits

2. Shenmue III

Shenmue 3
Sega

Despite the long time between releases - with over fifteen years passing since Shenmue II dropped back in 2001 - it thankfully doesn't look as though the developers have changed up their approach too much going into the overdue sequel.

However, while the focus is still on continuing the dangling plot of the last game and once again creating intricately detailed worlds for players to explore, thanks to the unprecedented success of their Kickstarter campaign, this time around the studio can be even more ambitious with realising their vision.

Intending to create multiple distinct hubs for players to explore and indulge in the quirky side activities the franchise is known for, it's clear that the devs are hoping to create the most expansive entry in the cult-classic series yet, hopefully without losing the depth and complexity that made the original games so memorable.

While previous releases in the series were notorious under-performers, the gaming world has evolved quite a bit in the decades since. Players respond much more kindly to slower-paced titles like Shenmue which, combined with the reputation it's earned as a classic of a bygone era, could see the sequel sky-rocket to stardom when it drops late next year.

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Josh has over 11 years of experience as a published writer, having worked nine of those years as a full-time content producer at WhatCulture. In that period he has created hundreds of articles, videos and podcast episodes for multiple WhatCulture channels, specialising in gaming, horror and film & TV. He now primarily works as a senior content producer and presenter on WhatCulture Gaming where he co-hosts the WhatCulture Gaming Podcast, a top 3 UK most listened to gaming podcast that he co-created in 2018. Over the years he has reviewed several high-profile gaming releases, covered industry events with on-site reporting, opined on breaking news, and even kicked off his interviewing career by chatting to childhood hero, Tommy Wiseau.