Shenmue |OT| Dreams come true
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For the love of god, support the Shenmue 3 Kickstarter! << it's finally happening (;_;)"He shall appear from a far Eastern land across the sea. A young man who has yet to know his potential. This potential is a power that can either destroy him, or realize his will. His courage shall determine his fate. The path he must traverse, fraught with adversity, I await whilst praying. For this destiny predetermined since ancient times… A pitch, black night unfolds with the morning star as its only light. And thus the saga, begins…" Shenhua Ling
#SaveShenmue Campaign - On the 3rd day of each month, gamers unite on social media to speak out for Shenmue, a defining series of videogames abandoned by Sega without conclusion at the turn of the century. Legendary designer Yu Suzuki remains keen to complete his masterpiece and satisfy the unwavering demand of customers left hanging by the tantalizing climax of Shenmue II on the original Xbox and Dreamcast. But he can't get to work without commissioning by Sega, who own the license and refuse to fund the project without investment from a major console maker. Help us increase the pressure on the parties who need to act in order for Suzuki-san to get his wish.
Origins
Shenmue is the first open world video game created and designed by Yu Suzuki for the Sega Dreamcast system. The concept of Shenmue originates way back in the early 90's when Yu Suzuki went to China to do research for Virtua Fighter. Over in China he and his team learned martial arts and studied Chinese culture. After the success of Virtua Fighter Sega asked Yu Suzuki to make a "killer title", they wanted a new epic rpg for their console. He then spent 2 years developing a prototype on the Sega Saturn, until it was later moved over to the Dreamcast. Before being officially announced it was code named Project Berkley, and often speculated to be a Virtua Fighter RPG. In the end Yu Suzuki delivered what would be an immersive open world game set in Japan & China during the late 80's.
In early stages of development the heroine of the game was modeled after Akira Yuki from Virtua Fighter. Later on his face would change and eventually his entire outfit, until he became Ryo Hazuki as we know him now.
Yu Suzuki
Yu Suzuki is a prolific video game designer who has made innovative Sega games like Outrun, After Burner, Virtua Fighter, and Shenmue. His games has earned recognition by the Smithsonian, and he's been inducted into the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame. In GDC 2011 he was given the Pioneer Award by his close colleague Mark Cerny. He has many personal interests that include drawing (has sold paintings), music (plays a guitar), driving sports cars (owns a Ferrari), playing billiards, and has even flown a real fighter jet. Before deciding to be a programmer which led him to Sega he considered becoming a dentist or illustrator.
Games
Shenmue
Platforms: Sega Dreamcast
Pre-release: Project Berkley Disc (VF3TB) | What's Shenmue Demo & VHSThe year is 1986, the place Yokosuka, Japan. The normally tranquil day to day life of Ryo Hazuki is suddenly and irrevocably shattered by uninvited visitors. A man wearing dark green Chinese clothes appears at the Hazuki residence with two black-suited thugs. The man uses a powerful martial arts, the likes of which Ryo has never seen. He tries to intervene and help his father, but the obvious disparity in power is too much. Ryo is beaten down and taken hostage as the man questions Iwao. "Where is the mirror?" Having no other recourse, Iwao reluctantly tells him. Once the mysterious item is in his possession, he again attacks Iwao "Do you remember Zhao Sun Ming?" From these words, Ryo learns that his father was responsible for killing someone long ago. Ryo pulls his dying father close and feels him take his last breath. "Lan Di"
Vowing to take revenge, Ryo embarks on a journey to unravel the mystery of his father's death and deliver justice to the man responsible.
Shenmue II
Platforms: Sega Dreamcast | Microsoft Xbox
Pre-release: Demo Disc (Rare)
Side Story Comics: Vol 1 | Vol 2 | Vol 3 | Vol 4Seeking answers and vengeance, Ryo Hazuki arrives in the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong. Encountering new friends and foes alike, Ryo realizes he has much to learn and must master new martial art skills to prepare himself for his ultimate showdown with Lan Di, the man who killed his father. Each day brings Ryo closer to his goal of avenging his father's death and unlocking the mysteries of the Phoenix mirror.
Multimedia
Shenmue Music Compilations: Shenmue Original Soundtrack | Orchestra Version | Shenmue Online | Cutscenes | FREE | In-Game | Passport | Misc | Tape | Singles | Jukebox
Shenmue II Music Compilations: Aberdeen In-game | Aberdeen Cutscenes | Wan Chai In-game | Wan Chai Cutscenes | Kowloon In-game
Music Playlists: OST | Orchestra | FREE | Cutscenes | In-game | Misc | Passport | Tapes | Aberdeen | Wan Chai | Kowloon | Guilin | Misc | Shenmue Online | S1 Extended | S2 Extended
Video Playlists: Shenmue (English) | Shenmue (Japanese) | Shenmue II (Dreamcast) | Shenmue II (Xbox) | Mods | Passport Renders | Unsorted Game Videos
History: Yu Suzuki Interviews & Old Promos | Project Berkley | Shenmue Saturn | What's Shenmue Demo | What's Shenmue VHS | Shenmue Premiere
Fan Videos: Game Reviews & Retrospectives | Fan Played Instrumentals | Gang Edition Movies | Misc Fan Stuff
Misc: Cultural Influences | Character Voices | Comedy & Humour | Shenmue Online | Live Performances
Fan Games: Shenmue X Chapter 1: (Ryo's Story) | Shenmue X Chapter 2: (Fuku-san's Story)
Artwork: 3d Art | 2d Art | Wallpapers | Gallery | Download
FAQ
- Q: Who needs Shenmoo when we got YAKUZA A: UGH seriously please stop this; they're both amazing series for very different reasons, and confusing them does neither fanbase any good.
- Q: Didn't this game cost like $70 bajillion dollars and sell 32 copies tho A: Not that sales should be a metric for greatness, but part 1 did sell over a million copies on an amazing system which sadly had a small userbase & died way too early. Likewise, Suzuki claims the $70 million total was budgeted for the whole series, with $47 of that going into developing the F.R.E.E. engine & initial chapter/game. If you truly believe it was a significant factor in sinking Sega's hardware development, Eidolon's Inn (starting from at least the 32X section) should be most informative.
- Q: What's the best way to play part 2, then? A: I prefer importing the PAL Dreamcast version - it's still relatively cheap, and you don't even need a bootup disc, as I recall…plus, Japanese subs/no more bad dubbing! Others prefer the OG Xbox version which is also available for the price of beans. Alternatively, the DC emulation scene (i'm told) is pretty good these days.
Official Site: Shenmue.com
Shenmue Dojo: Website | Youtube Channel | Facebook | Twitter | Forums
#SaveShenmue Campaign: Team Yu | Shenmue 500k | Shenmue Fans
Shenmue Master: Website | Facebook
(original GAF credits: Community banner designed by LelouchViBritannia & JCgamer60, much love to JC for this revised OP as well)
I still can't believe III is happening. I almost, just almost gave up on the dream. I don't think that E3 will ever be topped.
Anyway, still got my original Dreamcast copies of Shenmue I and II. Will most likely do another playthrough of them both around III's launch.
Anyway, still got my original Dreamcast copies of Shenmue I and II. Will most likely do another playthrough of them both around III's launch.
same, i'm sleeping on a replay (2 impacted me so much, ive not really played through it since importing it in like '02) to see if/when the HD re-releases happen! knowing now that crazy shit like duck racing happens, i can't wait.
this is the definition of a series where i get why it's not for everyone (especially the slow pace of 1, the prologue) but when it clicks, there's not much out there like it. Yu Suzuki is a goddamn genius.
this is the definition of a series where i get why it's not for everyone (especially the slow pace of 1, the prologue) but when it clicks, there's not much out there like it. Yu Suzuki is a goddamn genius.
I backed Shenmue III, but I'm still aprehensive. Something about their monthly reports has been off. But I trust Suzuki
By Arkanius Go To PostI backed Shenmue III, but I'm still aprehensive. Something about their monthly reports has been off. But I trust Suzuki
there was a lotta FUD when it dropped, and god knows awesome japan handled things like butt
but every update, ryo looks better to me. we're not there yet, but god knows there's time ...all the right people are here, and most folks gave up hope we'd ever even see this one. i'm super hyped about what we get next.
The first two were some of the best gaming experiences I ever had. II in particular has been in my top 3 personal games list forever.
That said, I have tempered expectations for III. A lot of the innovative things the games did have been absorbed by everything else under the sun, and rather than being a mega budget production this time around it's probably underfunded. And game narrative has really evolved, I hope Suzuki is able to keep pace.
But am I in, whenever it hits? You bet.
That said, I have tempered expectations for III. A lot of the innovative things the games did have been absorbed by everything else under the sun, and rather than being a mega budget production this time around it's probably underfunded. And game narrative has really evolved, I hope Suzuki is able to keep pace.
But am I in, whenever it hits? You bet.
My only gripe so far is that they didn't just take the passport models and improve them
yeah they've been improving the models from the announcement, but they still look trash
yeah they've been improving the models from the announcement, but they still look trash
Shenmue is my favorite game. Shenmue 2 is even better than the first. Shenmue 3 will be a disappointment and would be even if the budget were in line with the first two because Suzuki is undermining the appeal of the original games by branching into magic and world saving nonsense. The groundedness of the first games is very important to the overall feel. You are not the messiah, you're some unimportant guy in a huge world.
Obviously I will play all of the games for that slim chance he actually wrote a story about the ills of revenge. Here's hoping Ryo dies unfulfilled at the end.
Obviously I will play all of the games for that slim chance he actually wrote a story about the ills of revenge. Here's hoping Ryo dies unfulfilled at the end.
By IrishNinja Go To Postsame, i'm sleeping on a replay (2 impacted me so much, ive not really played through it since importing it in like '02) to see if/when the HD re-releases happen! knowing now that crazy shit like duck racing happens, i can't wait.Oh yeah, I totally forgot about the possibility of a HD collection. If that happens then I will be definitely be replaying it with those versions.
Also, like others have said, I am keeping my exceptions in check since it's a Kickstarter game. I know it's not going to be as grand and polished as the first two games, but that doesn't bother me too much, it's a game I thought would never happen so I'm amazed that it's been made in the first place, as long as it's a decently made game that continues the story in a great way then I'll be happy. If it ends up being genuine trash though, then I will be devastated.
By Selina Go To PostOh yeah, I totally forgot about the possibility of a HD collection. If that happens then I will be definitely be replaying it with those versions.easy to do, it's been forever - but we still see rumors & listings all the time!
sucks that jet grind radio & NIGHTS HD bombed, we looked.on track for this & Skies of Arcadia till that happened
We doing a replay at some point? Might try to after Odyssey, but also getting ready to move, so not sure I'll be able to finish before Then.
Also, haven't really looked at all of the OP, we being fairly quite on III in here? I'm not a huge spoilers person, but I haven't been looking at any of the updates from the Kickstarter unless they have a date in the title (waiting). If this turns into the III thread, I'll probably stay out of here.
Also, haven't really looked at all of the OP, we being fairly quite on III in here? I'm not a huge spoilers person, but I haven't been looking at any of the updates from the Kickstarter unless they have a date in the title (waiting). If this turns into the III thread, I'll probably stay out of here.
By Arkanius Go To PostI backed Shenmue III, but I'm still aprehensive. Something about their monthly reports has been off. But I trust SuzukiBecause it's a backed project I think they are letting out details at times where games wouldn't be showing off just to make sure people know they are working on it. There's been so much concern trolling around this project I think they just wanted to keep it transparent which doesn't normally happen.
It's a long time away. Keep the faith.
oh yeah, the KS updates are cool but please believe there'll be no spoilers!
yeah I went day 1 on that, still gotta go back in for Panzer Dragoon
By VendettaRed07 Go To PostAnyhow. Anyone get this?
yeah I went day 1 on that, still gotta go back in for Panzer Dragoon
Nice thread. I backed Shenmue III, and then put it out of my mind. Would love to see the game come out next year, but it might be long off still. Either way, I'm patient. I backed the physical PS4 version, but I might change to digital before release because of circumstances.
And I'd be on an HD collection in a heartbeat. Never finished Shenmue II because my second disc was scratched.
And I'd be on an HD collection in a heartbeat. Never finished Shenmue II because my second disc was scratched.
Skipped buying 2 on the Dreamcast since my buddy had it, then held off on playing because they announced the Xbox version. No disc problems!
easy to do, it's been forever - but we still see rumors & listings all the time!
sucks that jet grind radio & NIGHTS HD bombed, we looked.on track for this & Skies of Arcadia till that happened
I feel bad that I never got around to buying those two. I was looking forward to them as well, but I got distracted by other things and then totally forgot about them. :'(
Also, I backed Shenmue III for the digital version, but I think I'll update that to physical soon.
By SNATCHER Go To PostNo news about HD remasters?Nope.
We got PSX,PGW and Game Awards soon though.
Just ordered my OSSC (https://www.videogameperfection.com/products/open-source-converter/) so I'm looking forward to doing a proper replay soon. Not had any of my old stuff hooked up for a while. Everytime I pass by the shelf I eyeball me some of my S1/2 boxes ;-;
Whatever happens with S3, I mean, at least it happened. Even if it's the next DNF life goes on hah.
Whatever happens with S3, I mean, at least it happened. Even if it's the next DNF life goes on hah.
One of my favorite games of all time.
I'm pretty sure Shenmue was why my Dreamcast GDRom drive went out after three years. I played it over and over and over and over and over and over again.
Talking to different people, sometimes I'd call or set up stuff with Nozomi. One play through we had a very lovely scene in a playground. The next we didn't. It was the first story impacting choice game I'd ever played.
And the detail... from textures to season to AI routines. Coming off of the N64 and PS1 games like this didn't seem possible.
I'm just glad Shenmue III is actually being made. And I'll be here right alongside you all when it's done.
I'm pretty sure Shenmue was why my Dreamcast GDRom drive went out after three years. I played it over and over and over and over and over and over again.
Talking to different people, sometimes I'd call or set up stuff with Nozomi. One play through we had a very lovely scene in a playground. The next we didn't. It was the first story impacting choice game I'd ever played.
And the detail... from textures to season to AI routines. Coming off of the N64 and PS1 games like this didn't seem possible.
I'm just glad Shenmue III is actually being made. And I'll be here right alongside you all when it's done.
By Stalk Go To PostJust ordered my OSSC (https://www.videogameperfection.com/products/open-source-converter/) so I'm looking forward to doing a proper replay soon. Not had any of my old stuff hooked up for a while. Everytime I pass by the shelf I eyeball me some of my S1/2 boxes ;-;I hope you plan on going over the OSSC when you get it. Was really thinking about getting one about a month ago or so, but talked myself out of it.
Whatever happens with S3, I mean, at least it happened. Even if it's the next DNF life goes on hah.
And I don't know if I can take another DNF. I kind of hope they do some speeding up of the game, but not sure how.
By noquarter Go To PostI hope you plan on going over the OSSC when you get it. Was really thinking about getting one about a month ago or so, but talked myself out of it.
There are still some units up for pre-order ;) I did the same though initially I was on Steam with my mate going "...s-should I?", and he just told me that I'd been wobbling back and forth between that and a Framemeister for a year now and I should shit or get off the pot haha. Sold some stuff to cover the cost and yeah. Will try and post up some impressions but I'm not an expert on these things.
More Shenmue, it always amazes me how many little things I missed from playthroughs when I'm younger as well. When you can go and talk to all the people on disc 2 of S1 iirc and they give you background lore on the mirror and the extended cutscenes, I'd never seen that till recently because I'd go straight to get the letter translated D:.
Been meaning to pull out my Dreamcast and replay these but the beginning of the first one is putting me off returning. Don't get me wrong, I love it, but the pacing leaves a lot to be desired. Might just skip it and replay 2.
By RedHoodedOwl Go To PostThe catching a single leaf lesson from Shenmue II was so frustrating.The satisfaction though when you caught it lol.
That also just reminded about airing the books from the library. I never look forward to that part. -_-
By Selina Go To PostThe satisfaction though when you caught it lol.
That also just reminded about airing the books from the library. I never look forward to that part. -_-
I could never finish cleaning all the books.
I backed Shenmue III kickstarter just because of the internet excitement, never even played the previous titles - wish there was proper way to do it nowadays. I hope the game turns out fine.
By kaputt Go To PostI backed Shenmue III kickstarter just because of the internet excitement, never even played the previous titles - wish there was proper way to do it nowadays. I hope the game turns out fine.
again, all the right people/vision is here - in my mind, the worst that we get is a full chapter with ugly/lesser character models. after nearly 2 decades? ill take that
By Selina Go To PostThe satisfaction though when you caught it lol.
That also just reminded about airing the books from the library. I never look forward to that part. -_-
I played Shenmue II recently
Even with save states that section was irritating
By noquarter Go To PostI hope you plan on going over the OSSC.
Oh, looks like mine shipped today so I will cover this sooner than I expected!