Shenmue 3's launch trailer is equal parts wistful and grandiose
The long-awaited return of Ryo Hazuki is upon us.
After years of breathless anticipation, Shenmue 3 finally launches on November 19. Above is the launch trailer, and it seems pretty on-brand: there's thoughtful black and white passages, some very urgent dialogue, a few instances of fisticuffs and a red clad woman with a very menacing laugh.
"Journey deep into rural China as you take on the role of Ryo Hazuki, a Japanese teenager hellbent on finding his father’s killer—a story of adventure, mystery, friendship, martial arts, and ultimately, revenge," reads the YouTube description. I haven't played a Shenmue game, but I'm definitely keen to see what the fuss is about.
Of course, Shenmue 3 is now a timed Epic Games Store exclusive, which rustled feathers to the extent that refunds were offered to Kickstarter backers. If that controversy is no concern to you the outlet is positive: Samuel Roberts wrote back in July that it feels like a game from 20 years ago, and he means that in a good way.
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Shaun Prescott is the Australian editor of PC Gamer. With over ten years experience covering the games industry, his work has appeared on GamesRadar+, TechRadar, The Guardian, PLAY Magazine, the Sydney Morning Herald, and more. Specific interests include indie games, obscure Metroidvanias, speedrunning, experimental games and FPSs. He thinks Lulu by Metallica and Lou Reed is an all-time classic that will receive its due critical reappraisal one day.