Shenmue

The Shenmue series is a wild ride through late-80s and early-90s Japan and China, mixing kung fu revenge with some of the most detailed—and sometimes downright quirky—open-world exploration ever put in a game.

You follow Ryo Hazuki on his quest to find his father’s killer, but you’ll also get sidetracked chasing pigeons, playing arcade games, learning chopsticks etiquette, and generally living that “wait, what is this game?” life. It’s equal parts serious drama and charmingly weird slice-of-life, all wrapped in a groundbreaking cinematic style that influenced open-world games for decades.

From the original Shenmue on Dreamcast to the long-awaited Shenmue III, the series is a blend of story, stealth, brawling, and tons of random activities that make you feel like you’re actually living in a small town where everyone knows your name—and your business.

If you like deep stories, slow-burn gameplay, and don’t mind the occasional “Why am I watering a plant?” moment, Shenmue is a must-play cult classic that’s both nostalgic and oddly timeless.