Shenmue III Review: 10 Ups & 6 Downs

6. If It Ain't Broke, Improve It Anyway

Shenmue III Notebook
Ys Net

Although Shenmue III remains utterly faithful to the conventions and systems of the series, it isn't entirely to a fault. Indeed, any actual faults within those old systems have been ameliorated, but crucially, not overhauled.

Take the notebook as an example. Ryo's jotter was perfectly functional in the first two games, and would have pleased fans no end if reproduced as was. Shenmue III's notebook, however, introduces a superb tab system, and is used as a scrapbook of sorts for maps, photos, and other little crucial doodles. They are subtle, smart changes which in no way spoil the charm or flavour of the feature.

The same applies to the RPG elements bolted onto the fighting system. It's nothing special - either build your attack by sparring or boost your endurance practicing stances - but it's a very natural evolution that gives the game just that little more depth compared to either of its predecessors.

Advertisement
In this post: 
Shenmue III
 
Posted On: 
Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.