Shenmue III Enhanced Edition Announced with Major Upgrades and New Platforms

Shenmue III Returns with an Enhanced Edition

Publisher ININ Games and developer YS NET have officially unveiled Shenmue III Enhanced, a significantly upgraded version of the third installment in the beloved series. This new edition aims to retain the core essence of the original game while introducing a wide array of improvements and expanding its availability to more platforms than ever before.

The original Shenmue III notably came to life thanks to a highly successful Kickstarter campaign, raising over $6.3 million from more than 69,000 backers. This made it one of the most funded games on the platform. However, despite this overwhelming support, the game's commercial performance after its November 2019 launch was modest, with relatively low sales even in its home country of Japan.

What's New in Shenmue III Enhanced?

This enhanced re-release promises a comprehensive overhaul, focusing on both visual fidelity and player experience. Here’s a breakdown of the key improvements players can look forward to:

• Improved Graphics and Performance: Expect faster loading times, increased detail in environments, and overall smoother gameplay.
• 4K Resolution Textures: Characters and environmental objects will appear sharper and more detailed thanks to high-resolution textures.
• DLSS and FSR Support: The game will support NVIDIA’s DLSS and AMD’s FSR upscaling technologies on compatible platforms, allowing for better performance without sacrificing visual quality.
• Increased NPC Density: The game world will feel more alive with a higher population of non-player characters in towns and areas.
• Modern and Classic Camera Modes: Players will have the option to choose between a contemporary camera perspective or a classic view reminiscent of the original Shenmue and Shenmue II.
• Gameplay Enhancements: New optional settings include stamina adjustments and automatic health recovery before combat sequences.
• Streamlined Interactions: Players can now skip cutscenes and dialogues, and QTE (Quick Time Event) scenes will offer increased reaction time for a more forgiving experience.
• Improved Menu and Interface: The game's menus and user interface will be easier to navigate, with new purchase notifications to keep players informed.
• Flexible Customization: Most of the new enhancements mentioned above can be toggled on or off, allowing players to tailor their experience to their preferences.

Release Details and Future Plans

While no trailer or specific screenshots of the Enhanced Edition have been released yet, and a firm launch date remains under wraps, YS NET and ININ Games have confirmed the platforms. Shenmue III Enhanced will be available on PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and “Nintendo” – though it is currently unclear which specific Nintendo Switch model this refers to.

For those who already own the original Shenmue III, the developers have stated that a method for upgrading will be provided. Full details regarding the game’s release and the upgrade path are expected to be revealed during Gamescom, an upcoming major gaming event. This enhanced edition offers a chance for new players to experience Ryo Hazuki's journey with significant quality-of-life improvements, while also providing existing fans a reason to revisit the world of Shenmue.