Shenmue I x Shenmue III

Shenmue I x Shenmue III

~ Similarities between Shenmue I and Shenmue III ~

Shenmue III is a calm and relaxing game that reminds me a lot of the first game in the series. In today’s blog post, I’ll talk about all the things in Shenmue III that bring back memories of Shenmue I. Shenmue III shares many similarities with the original game, which I find beautiful and deeply resonant.

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~ Slow Pace ~

Shenmue III adopts a deliberate, slow-paced style similar to the first game, which I really appreciate. The nostalgic Shenmue I vibe resonates with me, especially after the chaos in Kowloon. The slower pace in Shenmue III fits perfectly within the narrative, and I believe Shenmue IV will likely mirror the pace found in Shenmue II.

After the chaos Ryo experienced in Kowloon, he starts living in the peaceful Bailu Village with Shenhua, making her home a second home for him. I find this wonderful and sweet.

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Shenmue III is where Ryo need to be more patient and calm, even receiving guidance from Master Sun on this. It represents a calm period in Ryo's journey, particularly in Bailu Village, and I love that. The third game feels like the calm before the storm, and if Shenmue IV happens, I believe it will bring the storm.

I know some people expected Shenmue III to be more like Shenmue II, but it seems that was never Yu Suzuki's plan for the series.

Personally, I really enjoy that Shenmue III is similar to Shenmue I. To me, it is sweet and beautiful. I understand it's not to everyone's taste, and some people find it boring, but I love slow-paced games like Shenmue I and Shenmue III.

Shenmue III shares many similarities with the first game. Bailu Village, in terms of size, is similar to Yokosuka. It may not be as big as other open-world locations, but it has depth in its dialogues with NPCs, the conversations with Shenhua and the overall feel of the world, along with many other thing.


~ Calm Vibe ~

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For me, Shenmue III has a different vibe and atmosphere—it's calming and that's okay with me. Shenmue III didn’t need to be like Shenmue II to be good.

In my opinion, Shenmue III captures the feel of the first game, especially in Bailu Village. Yu Suzuki and his team weren’t afraid to create another slow-paced game, and I like that. This slower pace fits really well in Bailu Village, which feels like a second home for Ryo.

We have the little girl, Lin Zhou, whom Ryo talks to, similar to Megumi-chan in the first game. The other kids in the village remind me of the children in Shenmue I. I love the hide-and-seek moments between Ryo and the kids in the third game; they are really sweet and remind me of the first game. I cherish these calm and peaceful moments in the Shenmue series.

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Ryo stays at Shenhua’s house and has to return every night, similar to his routine in Yokosuka. He has his own room, and Shenhua takes care of the house, much like Ine-san did. Some areas in the game only become accessible later, similar to the first game. We have the Bailu Martial Hall near the house where we can train, similar to the Hazuki Dojo, and much more. Shenmue I has a homely feel, Shenmue II has an epic and adventurous feel, and Shenmue III blends the homely feel in Bailu Village with the adventurous feel in Niaowu.

Shenmue III has so many elements that remind me of the Shenmue I vibe.

Shenmue III is a calm and relaxing game, much like the first game, and I love that.

To me, Shenmue III is the calm before the storm, and I think Shenmue IV will be the storm. Shenmue III focuses on Ryo living with Shenhua in Bailu Village, treating it as a second home and strengthening his bond with Shenhua. It's about training and becoming even better in martial arts and so much more.

Now, Shenhua is important to Ryo, and Ryo is important to Shenhua. In the game, we learn many things about both characters, Bailu Village, and much more. I love all these details and information in the game. The conversations between Ryo and Shenhua are interesting, calm and sweet.

If I remember more details about the similarities between Shenmue I and Shenmue III, I will edit this post.


~ Final Thoughts ~

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Shenmue III reminds me of the first game in many ways, and I find that beautiful. I think Shenmue IV will be more like Shenmue II.

To me, Shenmue III is a game to be played slowly, allowing you to explore, enjoy nature, and live in Bailu Village as if it were Ryo’s second home. Playing the game fast might lead to an Stressful experience, as even Yu Suzuki has mentioned.

I believe Shenmue III was designed for a calm and slow experience. I respect that some people find it boring and don't enjoy it, but to me, Shenmue III was a sweet, calm and beautiful experience. Could some things have been better in the game? Yes, but overall, I think Shenmue III is a beautiful and sweet game.

To me, Shenmue is more than just Ryo seeking revenge for his father. It's about the people Ryo meets along the way and what he learns from them. It's about Ryo's growth as both a martial artist and as a person. It's about friendship, coping with loss, and understanding that the journey itself is more important than the destination. Shenmue is about embracing this wonderful journey step by step, among many other things.


I love that Shenmue III is similar to the first game. What about you? How do you feel about this? Please tell me in the comments below. Thank you all for reading, and remember to keep your friends and loved ones close. See you in my next blog post. Bye bye. ~ Hikari ~
 
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I'm gathering a lot of resources for Shenmue III at the moment and something that hit me was how cozy Bailu Village is! It was this shot at night which struck me, how many of the villagers gathered past nightfall at the Fast Kitchen for a meal at the end of the day. I haven't played the game for years but the display of how close the community really took me back revisiting here. Just a little moment I wanted to share as I feel Shenmue III's Bailu did a lot right! :)
 
"I believe Shenmue III was designed for a calm and slow experience."
I 100% agree :)

My first playtrought took me 70 hours, play it very slowly, most of the time i walked instead of running through the city, and it was a great experience :)

On my second playthrought, it took me 27h only for Bailue village
 
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