It’s a Calming Experience
In the world of epic AAA games with tons of action, Shenmue 3 is a different kind of experience. The game doesn’t hold your hand, and oftentimes, doesn’t even give you a lot of direction as to where to go or what to do next.
From the start Shenmue 3 tries to get you into a regimented experience, schedule out each in-game day. You need to work a job chopping wood to make money, need to train your martial arts, spend time investigating your next step in the story, etc.
Yet for all this, Shenmue 3 essentially lets you do whatever you want. There are combat encounters, but they’re few and far between, making them feel more serious when they do happen.
Walking around Bailu, and alter Naowu, is simply a calming, almost meditative experience. Take in the gorgeous sights and sounds, buy a few capsules, chop some wood, bet on turtle races. Do whatever you want, really.
