BDeggs
2019
I'm glad that the series got a continuation and I have no regrets in taking in the Kickstarter. "Shenmue III" does have its strengths, but also some weaknesses.
For the positives, the music is great. The surrounding environments are stunning. There's more options to make money, including the returning forklift jobs. Shenhua proves to be a great companion to have around. I love returning to her house every night just to chat with her. Also, I love being able to call Ryo's friends to catch up. That's wholesome right there.
As for weaknesses, I'm not a fan of Ryo's health decreasing and having to eat every time. The combat is even clunkier than its predecessors. There are a couple of paywalls (5,000 yuan to a learn a move? Get out of here!) Also, the story feels like filler. By the end, I feel like not much was accomplished.
Still, I don't hate it. It has its qualities, even if it is countered by those pitfalls. I really don't want this series to be dormant again. I want to see Ryo complete his journey. As of now, though, it doesn't seem likely.
For the positives, the music is great. The surrounding environments are stunning. There's more options to make money, including the returning forklift jobs. Shenhua proves to be a great companion to have around. I love returning to her house every night just to chat with her. Also, I love being able to call Ryo's friends to catch up. That's wholesome right there.
As for weaknesses, I'm not a fan of Ryo's health decreasing and having to eat every time. The combat is even clunkier than its predecessors. There are a couple of paywalls (5,000 yuan to a learn a move? Get out of here!) Also, the story feels like filler. By the end, I feel like not much was accomplished.
Still, I don't hate it. It has its qualities, even if it is countered by those pitfalls. I really don't want this series to be dormant again. I want to see Ryo complete his journey. As of now, though, it doesn't seem likely.
2001
The gameplay is definitely more refined, with more options to make money and being able to fast-forward certain moments instead of waiting. I'm not a fan of the gambling mini-games, though. When the best way to make money is by save scumming, it's counterproductive from the immersive gameplay.
The story is epic and gripping, retaining that sense of mystery and discovery. The supporting cast is just as strong. Ren is a great ally, Xiuying is wise and bitter, and Joy is... well, a joy to be around. The Guilin chapter at the end is also a nice breather and ends with an intriguing cliffhanger.
It's hard to say whether I prefer this to the first one. This is more refined, but I also liked how relaxing the first one was. I'd say they're equal for the time being.
The story is epic and gripping, retaining that sense of mystery and discovery. The supporting cast is just as strong. Ren is a great ally, Xiuying is wise and bitter, and Joy is... well, a joy to be around. The Guilin chapter at the end is also a nice breather and ends with an intriguing cliffhanger.
It's hard to say whether I prefer this to the first one. This is more refined, but I also liked how relaxing the first one was. I'd say they're equal for the time being.
1999
Loved how immersive the gameplay was, with almost everything being interactive. It's deliberately slow-paced, but it also reminds you to manage your time. I couldn't get enough out of talking to people, going to the arcade, or collecting capsule toys. I also found the story to be engaging, and when it ended, I was definitely interested in seeing what comes next.
You can make fun of the English voice acting all you want. It's definitely cheesy, but I think it's also part of its charm. Some sentimental moments do feel genuine at times, so I can't... completely fault it.
The combat is clunky, but still doable. I'm not a fan of the QTE's. They break the pace a bit.
You can make fun of the English voice acting all you want. It's definitely cheesy, but I think it's also part of its charm. Some sentimental moments do feel genuine at times, so I can't... completely fault it.
The combat is clunky, but still doable. I'm not a fan of the QTE's. They break the pace a bit.
Short, but sweet. The story is all right and the gameplay is a return to form after the last couple of experimental titles. There's even some replay value with stuff to complete if you're up for it.
I'm not familiar with tower defense gameplay, but from what I've experienced, it's okay. The story is whatever and the jokes are extremely dated. On the bright side, though, the campaign is only a few hours long, so it doesn't overstay its welcome.
I remember the multiplayer being fun.
I remember the multiplayer being fun.
When playing in co-op, it's extremely fun. When playing alone, it's all right. Nothing much else to add.
This is the peak of the series. It evolves the gameplay even further with the addition of the small planets to platform, the best Clank gameplay, and a great amount of side content. The story is also satisfying to experience, being at its most sincere and hilarious. It doesn't get any better than this.
Nothing terribly wrong. The gameplay is great, and I like the puzzle-oriented nature. The one where you brew a drink is a highlight for me.
I don't mind it being short, but it's lacking in content. Even the other short titles afterwards have replay value, like Skill Points, collectibles, and side missions.
I don't mind it being short, but it's lacking in content. Even the other short titles afterwards have replay value, like Skill Points, collectibles, and side missions.
A good debut on the PS3. The traditional gameplay is a lot of fun, with a good selection of weapons, excellent gunplay, and tons of good replay value. I also like that the story is more involved, a far cry from the more episodic stories of the previous games.
2008
Decent portable title, but one of the weaker entries. Clank's gameplay is fine enough and Ratchet's makes up the gladiator fights which are also okay. Qwark's is whatever. The rhythm mini-games are awful; they don't even match the beat of the music.
This is one of the few games in the series that I didn't bother completing 100%. Probably not worth the effort.
This is one of the few games in the series that I didn't bother completing 100%. Probably not worth the effort.
A decent portable title that has what we've come to expect from a Ratchet & Clank game. There's even a good amount of content to keep you occupied.
The story is generic and forgettable, with not many well-written jokes. The weapons are kind of weak in comparison to other titles. Also, completing this 100% is a pain. There are two armor sets that are each available in the first two Challenge Mode playthroughs. Seriously?
Not the best, but not the worst, either.
The story is generic and forgettable, with not many well-written jokes. The weapons are kind of weak in comparison to other titles. Also, completing this 100% is a pain. There are two armor sets that are each available in the first two Challenge Mode playthroughs. Seriously?
Not the best, but not the worst, either.
2005
The arenas were some of the best parts of the series, so it was nice to have an entry that's entirely focused on it. The story is much darker, but it does still lend some of its trademark humor in the right places.
It suffers from repetition at times and it does lag when there's a lot going on. Still, it's pretty fun. On a side note, I'm appalled at the PS3 port for its graphical glitches and crashing whenever I get a little further.
It suffers from repetition at times and it does lag when there's a lot going on. Still, it's pretty fun. On a side note, I'm appalled at the PS3 port for its graphical glitches and crashing whenever I get a little further.
Another worthy follow-up to what's already a phenomenal game. It's tightly-paced, the gunplay is as satisfying as ever, the music has a lot of intensity, and it features one of the best video game villains, Dr. Nefarious. The exploration isn't as prevalent as its predecessors, but I didn't mind it much. Still a lot of fun.
Didn't care the multiplayer much, but it's there if you want to play with some friends.
Didn't care the multiplayer much, but it's there if you want to play with some friends.
An excellent sequel that improves upon some of the rough edges of its predecessor. The leveling system gives a lot of incentive to try out the different weapons. There's a lot more content that I put a lot of hours into that I felt the need to complete everything. Lastly, the Insomniac Museum is one of the greatest Easter Eggs in video game history.
2002
A little rough around the edges these days, but it still plays well. The exploration is fun, the weapons are creatively over the top, and the story has its laughs and heartfelt moments. An excellent start to one of my all-time favorite video game franchises.