Shenmue III Review: 10 Ups & 6 Downs

2. The Story Continues...

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It's hard to say whether this is a positive or a negative at this stage - another 18 years on tenterhooks waiting for something approximating an ending will ensure it's the latter - but *SPOILER ALERT* Shenmue ends, like James Bond, promising that Ryo Hazuki will return.

Unbelievably, after all this time, we're still no closer to a resolution on this epic revenge saga. A heartfelt message from Yu Suzuki after the credits reveals that, not only did the game quite obviously outstrip its original ambitions, but that the veteran designer, now in his 60s, will do everything in his power to see the series through.

The prospect of Shenmue III was, for the longest time, beyond reasonable hope. That the words 'Shenmue IV' are now being uttered with a degree of legitimacy stretches the credibility of the entire universe. Given the manner in which this project not only met but in many ways surpassed its stated goals - and all on a shoestring - Shenmue fans should be very excited indeed about what a fourth - yes, fourth - game in Ryo's journey can accomplish.

Of course, another sequel is far from guaranteed. But that's OK too: there's something strangely reassuring about yearning for more Shenmue.

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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.