Shenmue changed the face of video games. The series, considered to be the father of free-roaming, open-world RPGs, returns to the fore this year with the release of Shenmue III.
Shenmue III resumes the epic storyline started by master storyteller Yu Suzuki more than 20 years ago. Suzuki, a pioneer of open-world games and immersive experiences, is set to add a bold new chapter to the sweeping tale of young martial artist Ryo Hazuki.
Soon, players will be able to resume Hazuki’s breathtaking journey.
Shenmue III brings to life an exciting, living-and-breathing world, one filled with thrilling locales to explore, puzzles to solve, and enemies to thwart. Players take the role of Ryo Hazuki in a story-driven and revenge-fueled adventure with a cast of incredible characters. Powered by innovative and skill-adaptable Free Battle and Special Skill systems, Shenmue III is the sequel fans have been waiting for.
Players will find Shenmue III a deeply personal experience, with rich landscapes and towns brimming with action. Shenmue III is not to be “played,” but rather “lived.” Days in Shenmue III are spent exploring, talking with unique characters, and taking part in exciting activities throughout the world. As Ryo, players grow and master their kung-fu power by training and gaining new skills, enabling them to face off against fearsome enemies.
Each game of Shenmue III, as with each person’s life, will be a unique adventure.
Shenmue III isn’t just for fans of the series. It’s for everyone.
Yu Suzuki’s newest adventure blends elements from beat-’em-ups, simulations, and RPGs, but is designed for people of all levels of skill and experience. The immersive world of Shenmue III will appeal to everyone who loves a good story, great characters, and beautiful environments.
Don’t worry! Shenmue III includes a special “recap digest” movie created by Yu Suzuki that retells Ryo Hazuki’s story from the beginning. Players can also speak to non-player characters they encounter to learn all about the events of the first two Shenmue games.
Yu Suzuki has created some of the best video games ever made, including Space Harrier, Daytona USA, and Virtua Fighter. Now, he returns to write and direct the third installment in the beloved Shenmue series.
In Shenmue III, players can expect a rich, deeply enthralling story and an unparalleled journey across China.
The Shenmue series has been known for its inimitable characters, and Shenmue III continues this tradition. Players exploring Shenmue III’s vibrant world will find it populated with all manner of villagers, shopkeepers, villains, and heroes.
Shenmue III offers a dramatic and challenging Battle System, one where players can upgrade Ryo Hazuki’s move set in order to defeat the toughest foes.
Shenmue III lets players explore a gorgeous, charm-laden, and danger-filled China. From festive towns to dark and dank enemy lairs, Shenmue III provides players with a wealth of vistas to immerse themselves in.
A new cruise ship has arrived in the Niaowu harbor.Various types of entertainment can be enjoyed aboard the ship, as well as challenge missions which can only be played here. Also, new outfits for Ryo can be obtained by clearing mini-quests encountered onboard.
*You must have reached Niaowu or have save data on which the game has been cleared to play.
One day, Ryo encounters Zhang Shuqin - a subordinate of Zhu Yuanda, who had helped Ryo out in the past.
Just as Ryo thinks that he's renewed an old friendship, he learns that Zhang has been kidnapped. But by whom - and why?
*You must have reached Niaowu or have save data on which the game has been cleared to play.
*Includes new story quests not available in the main game.
Special exclusive items can also be obtained by clearing these quests.
The participants in this race are...
The hero of the story, facing off against destiny, Ryo Hazuki;
The elusive, treasure-seeking Wuying Ren;
and, making her first appearance in this game, Ryo's sparring partner, Wei Zhen.
The three contestants engage in battle while racing their way through the course.
Reach the finish line in first place to acquire awesome items.
Another event will be held simultaneously in which you’ll search for Bailu’s official mascot: “Bailu-chan”!
Find as many Bailu-chans as possible to get a leg up on your opponents during the race and acquire some fantastic items.
*You must have reached Niaowu or have save data on which the game has been cleared to play.
In search of clues that will lead him to his father’s killer, the mysterious Lan Di, Ryo Hazuki leaves Yokosuka for Hong Kong. With the help of new friends, he finds his way to Xiuying Hong, but she will not divulge what Ryo has come looking for. Ryo finds out a man named Yuanda Zhu has information on the mirrors and Lan Di, and is hiding out in Kowloon.
Making his way into Kowloon with ally, Ryo makes his way to Yuanda Zhu through the underside of Hong Kong, ruled by Chinese mafia. Ryo gets the information he needs from Yuanda Zhu, but loses him to Lan Di.
To go after Lan Di, Ryo must head to Bailu Village in Guilin. Once there, he meets a young girl who will forever change his destiny.
Can any trace of the man who killed his father be found?
What mystery do the twin mirrors hold?
Story of Shenmue
1986, Yokosuka
In the suburbs of Yokosuka, the Hazuki Bukan Jujutsu Dojo is visited by some mysterious men. The master of the dojo, Iwao Hazuki, confronts the man in the deep green Chinese long gown, but is vastly overpowered and falls. His son tries to help, but is easily brushed aside. Ryo held captive, Iwao was questioned by the mysterious man.
"Where is the mirror?" The man pressed. With nothing else he could do, Iwao tells of the mirror’s whereabouts.
The mysterious man, now in possession of the mirror inscribed with a dragon, turns to Iwao and says, "You remember Zhao Sunming? You killed him!" And with that, the man delivers Iwao the killing blow.
The man turns to leave with the Dragon mirror, and is called by his underling, "Lan Di." On his back is embroidered a dragon, flashing wickedly.
“Keep friends, those you love, close to you.”
With Iwao’s last words his heart, Ryo sets off on a long journey, swearing to avenge his father.
Story of Shenmue II