ININ Games and Ys Net have finally shared more information on Shenmue III Enhanced, including information on where to preorder the upcoming physical release. The game will be available in multiple versions, including the Shenmue III Enhanced standard edition, which will cost $40 on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, while the Nintendo Switch 2 version will retail for $55–but unlike many other Switch 2 games, which often opt for Game Key-Card formats, this one contains the full game data on the cartridge. Shenmue III Enhanced will also be available in a Special Edition for $60 on PC, PS5, and Xbox, and $75 on Switch 2, as well as a $200 Collector’s Edition that packs in extra physical goodies. Shenmue III Enhanced does not currently have a release date, but it’s available for pre-order through May 4 at ININ Games’ online store. While the store is based in Europe, it offers US shipping–just note you’ll pay an additional $19 to $40 in shipping fees on your order.
Shenmue III Enhanced Standard Edition
$40 PS5, Xbox Series X; $55 Switch 2 | Releases TBA
If you’re looking to try Shenmue III for the first time and want the basic version, the standard edition is the way to go. The Nintendo Switch 2 port is more expensive than the others, but Shenmue III Enhanced will be one of the few Switch games where the full game is on the cartridge, not a Game-Key Card. Those planning to experience Shenmue III Enhanced on Switch 2 should consider splurging on its physical edition for that reason.
Shenmue III Enhanced Special Edition
$60 PS5, Xbox Series X; $75 Switch 2 | Releases TBA
If you’re willing to pay a bit more for Shenmue III to get some neat extras, then you’ll want to consider the Shenmue III Enhanced Special Edition. In addition to the base game and all of its inherent enhancements, the Special Edition includes the following:
- A physical copy of The Making of Shenmue III Enhanced artbook
- The Definitive History of Shenmue Blu-Ray, which is described as “a documentary about Yu Suzuki, exploring his vision, creative journey, and lasting impact on the world of video games.”
Shenmue III Enhanced Collector’s Edition
$200 | Release date TBA
For those who absolutely love Shenmue III and want to spend more on this new version of the game, the Shenmue III Enhanced Collector’s Edition is your best choice. If you spend $200 on it, you will get all of this:
- The Making of Shenmue III Enhanced Artbook
- The Definitive History of Shenmue Blu-Ray
- Premium shikishi art board
- Kung-fu cards
- A collectible poster
- Key chain
- Sticker sheet
- Wooden move scroll
- Ryo figure of him practicing the horse stance
Shenmue III Enhanced is a remastered version of the flawed 2019 original, updated for current-generation consoles. A sequel to two cult classic games for the Dreamcast, Shenmue III continues Ryo Hazuki’s journey as he continues his quest to find the man who killed his father. While it’s not the conclusion to the story, it’s nevertheless a pivotal chapter experience–especially if Ys Net ever makes Shenmue 4.
Shenmue III Enhanced addresses many of the issues people had with the original release. It makes progression less frustrating by reducing some in-game currency requirements, providing more opportunities for players to heal before fights, and giving players the option to make the stamina system and quick-time events more forgiving. Shenmue III Enhanced also increases texture details to 4K, improves the load times and frame rate, and makes the user interface clearer.
Diehard fans of Shenmue will be happy to see a new “Classic Camera Mode” that gives the game a camera that functions more like the first two games in the series, and the ability to toggle off all enhancements to play Shenmue III as it was in 2019. Once it launches, Shenmue III Enhanced definitely seems like the best version of this game to play going forward.
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