Shenmue III Review: 10 Ups & 6 Downs

5. Recycled Music

Shenmue III beats of rage
Ys Net

Although nothing quite matches the emotional tug of Shenmue II's soaring Morning Fog's Wave, or the sheer majesty of Takenobu Mitsuyoshi's main theme - beautifully rearranged numerous times throughout this game - Shenmue III's original music is nevertheless an aural treat. Unfortunately, it's in desperately short supply.

Expanse means expense, and with the game's second area, Niaowu, flourishing much further than the original plans - and budget - anticipated, a few corners have been filed down. That means that virtually every establishment along the bustling littoral and beyond is soundtracked by music recycled from Shenmue II's various outlets. Whilst the tracks are rarely inappropriate, they're too familiar to work in a game with such a discrete focus on sense of place.

For the most part, Shenmue III escapes the pitfalls of so many retro revivals, in forging original content without resorting to repetition. The rehashed audio is one area where it stumbles.

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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.