Shenmue 3 III PS4 PlayStation 4 1

Regardless of whether it will live up to expectations or not, Shenmue III is at long last beginning to look like a finished product, which should be cause for celebration. Unfortunately, the long awaited sequel has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons of late – mostly due to developer Ys Net accepting a window of timed exclusivity for the Epic Games Store release.

None of this drama really affects the PlayStation 4 edition, but one thing that will are the lack of pre-order bonuses for Kickstarter backers. If you pre-order the game through participating retail outlets right now, you’ll be guaranteed the Kenpogi Training Outfit, ‘Blazing Kick’ Advanced Technique Scroll, and Peking Power Starter Pack.

While we’re assuming all of these items will be unlockable using in-game currency, some funders feel they’re being ripped off here. Writing on the project’s Kickstarter page, a representative for Ys Net pointed out that backers will get the crowd-funded version of the game, which comes with its own roster of exclusive bonuses unavailable elsewhere. This has done little to douse the backlash.

To make matters worse, the developer has also confirmed that those who donated to the title will have to buy its Season Pass separately, prompting further outrage. Personally, we’re not sure why funders feel entitled to everything – especially those who contributed less than $30 for a full copy of the game. Then again, Ys Net should be bending over backwards for its fans, and right now it doesn’t feel that way.

[source kickstarter.com, via wccftech.com]