Shenmue 3: 10 Things It Needs To Be Successful

4. Improve Route-Finding And Minimize Player Frustration

Shenmue III 3
Sega

Personally, I loved the fact you had to actually walk up to physical map signs whilst walking the streets of Hong Kong and zoom in using analogue triggers to look and scan the street names. I also liked the fact you could buy maps to help find your way. But it did take time.

Time is ever more precious as gamers grow older, start careers, have families or otherwise get busy with adult life. Nobody truly has time to learn to such a degree.

I'm not saying we need satellite navigation as with Grand Theft Auto nor a line painted on the ground to show exactly where to head next. And we especially don't want NPCs jabbering in the ear about where we should be heading next.

Indeed, part of the joy of Shenmue is definitely in the possibility of getting lost or disoriented and having to find your own route around the town, city or village you're in. But an optional slightly easier navigation system might help ease new players into the game: perhaps the giant floaty arrow as seen in games like Bioshock or Crazy Taxi? Just a thought.

Contributor

Bryan Langley’s first console was the Super Nintendo and he hasn’t stopped using his opposable thumbs since. He is based in Bristol, UK and is still searchin' for them glory days he never had.