The game had a lot of smart changes to it. They dropped the directional-input system from Virtua Fighter 3 that Shenmue 1 and 2 were based off of for dial-combos. That along with a target-switch made fighting crowds a much more dynamic experience. Throws were also removed so you can't i-frame out of trouble, and the guard-in-place was given a stamina-gauge so it isn't free.

I also like how its systems feed each other. Your level cap raises with the number of moves you have unlocked, so it's in your best interest to acquire scrolls. The scrolls are deliberately exorbitantly priced, but can be acquired by trading prizes won from mini-games that are much cheaper to play and can usually be won with skill. That way, the mini-games can be incorporated into the larger game. Shenmue 3 is an excellently-designed game.

My only gripe is that I feel like Suzuki rushed the pacing to put in more story than he was able to with the relatively small budget. I wish he'd cut back a bit as the second area was rushed. Still an outstanding title.

I am convinced that the people who rate this game low for specifically "being boring and having nothing to do" just speedran it. I just finished the game and it is extremely well-paced for a cozy game. If you call this game a "slog to get through", I am convinced you are better off playing Hollow Knight or maybe a rouge-like. Cozy games, especially one that ISN'T a stardew rip-off, from a company that HASN'T GOTTEN A LOCALIZATION IN TEN YEARS! We literally need to embrace cozy games that are NOT ripping off stardew, I am so serious!

Anyways, I otherwise understand the complaints over the controls and fonts as those are accessibility issues, and the map is easy to get lost in but this is honestly SUCH charming game and was worth the $20 (if you manage to snag this on sale). It lived up to a lot of the hopes I had before playing it for 2 years and I was NOT disappointed. I suggest getting this game as it is an absolute gem.