Shenmue is not a game we get to talk much about around these parts. The remastered HD Collection of the Dreamcast games was a welcome surprise but since then it’s been all quiet on the Xbox front. Shenmue III was revealed to much applause on Sony’s E3 stage in 2015 as a Kickstarter project (with help from Sony too) and was the first such project that I ever backed. I was one of the ones sitting there in disbelief that it was happening, open-mouthed in front of my screen waiting for it to be some sort of mistake.
But it was real, and in 2018 we finally got our hands on it. It was a special day in my gaming life, no doubt; this project I’d long since given up on was now in my hands and on my screen. My lovely wife even took the kids out for the day so I could play uninterrupted, and play I did.
Now, Shenmue III had a hell of a legacy to hold up to, and there’s much discussion to be had on if it managed it. Personally I felt it missed the mark in some respects by playing like a 2001-style Dreamcast game and as such lacking the true next level feeling that the series was known for. But by the same token, it was also exactly what I expected and outside of some of the more laborious ideas (the training stuff is just simply not fun, for example) I still found enjoyment in it. Nostalgia no doubt helped, but once I’d resettled into the Shenmue flow, it was an enjoyable, if average, title.
But I’ll save my full critique of the game for now, as there’s news on the Shenmue front which may mean I get a better chance to delve deep into it soon.
Seemingly out of nowhere, ININ Games and creator of Shenmue III YSNET announced this past week that publishing rights for Shenmue III have been acquired by ININ from previous owner Deep Silver. In a press release, ININ Games dropped some high praise for the series, their partnership with YSNET on Air Twister, and a few nuggets of hope for fans of the series;
“This exciting transfer coincides with two momentous milestones: the 25th anniversary of the Shenmue series and the 5th anniversary ofShenmue III. Since its debut, Shenmue has captivated fans worldwide with its groundbreaking storytelling, immersive open-world gameplay, and its legacy as a pioneer in video game history.Shenmue IIIcontinues this tradition, keeping the spirit of the saga alive for a new generation of players.
We atININ Gamesare honored to carry the Shenmue torch forward during such a significant moment in the series’ history. As we reflect on two decades of innovation and passion, we remain dedicated to preserving and sharing the journey of Ryo Hazuki with both long-time fans and newcomers.
With this transfer, the story of Shenmue is far from over. We have exciting plans to celebrate these anniversaries, ensuring that this beloved series continues to thrive and inspire. Keep an eye out for upcoming announcements as we unveil our vision for the next phase of Shenmue’s legacy.”
ININ Games Press Release
Now, as Shenmue fans we’re used to waiting, and waiting, and waiting, and almost giving up hope that we’d see Ryo’s journey finished. Hell, we waited 18 years for Shenmue III. In the years since, Deep Silver have shown seemingly no interest in continuing the legacy, and outside of it being given away on the Epic Games store the game kind of fell out of the public eye.
The fact ININ reference both the 25th and 5th anniversaries fills us with hope and excitement, as well as their mention of upcoming announcements and looking to preserve the legacy of Shenmue.
So what does this mean for us then? Well, the obvious answer we hope to hear is Shenmue IV. Yu Suzuki always envisioned the series as a long arc (initially at a whopping nine games!), but I don’t think he quite had this reality in mind. Despite the passionate fanbase for the games, it’s certainly a niche title and is unlikely to ever rival the heavyweights that the original games inspired such as Yakuza. But! Could we see Shenmue IV as a more focussed experience, dropping some of the more laborious elements in favour of a tighter world and story, one where we finally get to fight Lan Di and avenge Ryo’s father? Despite my misgivings with Shenmue III, I would absolutely be there day one to see how it pans out whatever path YSNET takes.
Next up is ININ’s mention of specifically Shenmue III and being “excited to shepherdShenmue IIIinto its next phase”. The game was released on PS4 and PC only, and has received no Pro console or PS5 port to speak of. The obvious answer here would seem to be a PS5 port, but could the impossible be about to happen and we get Shenmue III on Xbox? In this modern day where companies are putting games on rival consoles and seeing success, the Sony-backed element of Shenmue III would likely be a far easier hurdle to overcome today than it would have been in 2018.
And finally, if we do see a new release, will we get cut content restored, or even new content added. YSNET have been busy with the aforementioned Air Twister, but there has to have been something Shenmue related going on at the studio in the last 5 years.
We must shout out the excellent Shenmue Dojo who has been the biggest proponent of the series since day one, and was a staple of my early internet usage as people shared fan art and stories, discussed the game, and kept each other hopeful in the face of the impending feeling Shenmue was done. Check out their video on their thoughts and theories; they remain a big inspiration in keeping the Shenmue love alive, and their passion for the games is evident immediately.
Are you excited for more Shenmue? Do you think we’re getting a bit too excited over a simple press release? Let us know on socials or in the comments below!
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