After disconnecting the brain from the demo version reserved for Shenmue III backers, only one thought continues to flash in the head: Yu Suzuki's work is the most serious candidate for the title of the most divisive work of 2019.
As much for the entire fanbase of the series, as and above all for the generic community that benefits from technological content, Shenmue III is prefigured as a canticle recited in memory of a video game that no longer exists, a kick to the zebedees to ten years of playful evolution and, at the same time, a tribute to the times that were, offering a textured envelope that, although pleasing to the eye, quite evidently manifests its distinctly retro heart.
However, no one can object to one fact, for sure: Shenmue III, like his illustrious predecessors, will boast over a vast cornucopia of different contents that, probably, alone will be worth the price of the ticket.
The introduction of various mini games, all with their own self-consistency (already in this demo it was possible to experiment many of them), and sub-plots to be explored in the way that best suits your attitude will certainly help to increase that sense of belonging to a universe, the one frescoed by the master Suzuki, dense and rich in nuances, today as yesterday.
But it is also true that, pad in hand, you instantly realize how the only upgrade in the controls is represented by the possibility of controlling the virtual camera with the analog stickright side. It is then that that stupid smile of disenchantment, printed while admiring the endless flowery meadow that is the background to the vicissitudes narrated in this short demo, begins to twist a little. The controls appear woody, and the animations of Ryo Hazuki do not help, confirming limping today as two lustres needles.
It is still too early to sum up, of course, considering the brevity of the experience proposed by the demo, which can be easily exhausted within a quarter of an hour, and certainly the positive elements are not lacking. The question, however, recurs: will they be able to cover the conspicuous rigidity of the gaming system and will they be able to deliver that memorable title that everyone, including EpicTrick, has been waiting for too long?
The visual impact, as if that were not enough, alternates good things with aspects that we would probably have easily done without. Unreal Engine 4 proves to be a graphic engine capable of managing Shenmue III's dreamy atmospheres with ease, managing to bring a good overall package to the video. Too bad that, in addition to the aforementioned animations, occasionally there is some stuttering too much and not exactly exciting polygonal models.
It seems impossible, but Shenmue III is about to be welcomed by the siliceous limbs of PlayStation 4 and PC. Will he be able to repay all this waiting? November 19th is not really that far away and the entire editorial team, like hundreds of thousands of gamers in love with the series, stands at the window and waits, hoping that the weight of the years does not become unbearable even for a giant like Yu Suzuki.
► Shenmue III is an Adventure-Action game developed by Neilo Ys Net and published by Deep Silver for PC and PlayStation 4, the video game was released on 19/11/2019
Shenmue III is a beautiful game that cannot be missing from your collection: we have decided to evaluate it with a 77%, if you are interested in learning more you can read the Shenmue III Review
