It's been nearly five years since the launch of Shenmue III. Even though the game's release after nearly two decades was akin to a miracle, the story isn't finished. Fans haven't given up yet, as proven by a Shenmue 4 ad that decorated New York's Times Square t?his week.

Die-hard fans from the site Shenmue Dojo were behind the short ad, which appeared in Times Square on June 4. The campaign consisted of a 15-second advertisement and getting fans on? board with the hashtag #letsgetshenmue4 on X.

Do you t?hink Sega noticed? This is admittedly a incredible way to flag the publisher's attention. Getting one 15-second ad at Times Square starts as low as $40, so it's not like they had to break the bank. Still, it's a bold strategy; let's see if it pays off.

Shenmue fans are still on Lan Di's trail

The Shenmue saga has been a fascinating one to live through and cover over the years. First released on the Dreamcast in 1999, Shenmue was developer Yu Suzuki's magnum opus. The Virtua Fighter creator dreamed of an open-world adventure game so personal and unique that?? he felt it would conceptualize a new genre: FREE, or Full Reactive Eyes Entertainment.

These days, we'd likely drop Shenmue into the open-world RPG subgenre and call it a day. The game did bring about innovations, though, such? as time-based sto??ry progression and NPC scheduling �the latter of which some games eventually adopted.

Unfortunately, Shenmue mostly heralded a headache for Sega. Despite the positive reception, the game was expensive to make and too niche to meet sales expectations. The series lurched on with Shenmue II in 2001 (2002 on Xbox) but fell off the radar soon after. Suzuki, of course, never gave up. Shenmue III was revealed at the E3 2015 Sony Press Conference, getting a standing ovation and, understandably, some tears. I was right there with you, Michael.

Five years later, Suzuki and Shenmue fans clearly aren't giving up on a Shenmue 4. The third game sadly couldn't shake the ol' Shenmue curse of being too niche for strong sales, but fan action is what got protagonist Ryo Hazuki moving further in his journey to find those damn sailors. And it probably won't stop even with a Shenmue 4. Suzuki has said the third game represented 40% of the story, so there may be more campaigns ahead. Are we thin??king #letsgetshenmue5 someday?

The post Demands for Shenmue 4 escalate as fans vie for Sega’s attention with a Times Square advertisement appeared first on Destructoid.

History repeats itself

For the longest time, Sega's Shenmue series was renowned for being an incomplete saga �an epic tale that had no ending. It seems, ironically, that history is set to repeat itself, as it has been suggested that anime adaptation Shenmue: The Animation has been canceled, and will not r??e??ceive a second season.

The first inkling that the show would not be returning came from the Cartoon Network Schedules Twitter, which noted that the anime had been rem?oved from the Adult Swim VOD archive. This would then be followed by a mournful message from Cartoon Network Senior VP of Animation, Jason DeMa??rco, who confirmed on the social media site that Ryo Hazuki would not be returning for further adventures.

"Sorry guys. This happened," wrote DeMarco. "And yes, it’s looking like no [season 2] of Shenmue, even though sadly �it did well enough that we were gearing up f??or [season 2]. Maybe one day�/span>"

//twitter.com/Clarknova1/status/1574971363453?857792?s=20&t=KiMywArbYuExEOnWij9fTQ

It's disappointing to hear that the show was canned despite being, apparently, something of a success. Unfortunately, as TV/movie fans ar??e fast becoming aware, streaming media has become a Wild West Show, with shows, characters, films, and IPs being shot down, binned, or canceled within the blink of an eye, or, more accurately, the swipe of some suit's pen. We see you, Batgirl.

If you want to watch Shenmue: The Animation, then the entire first season is available on anime network Crunchyroll. It's a strange irony to see the Shenmue anime adaptation canceled and rendered incomplete in the same way the video game series was once rendered incomplete. Still, an ending �in a fashion �did eventually rear its head, (even if it took several decades). So ?keep the engine turning on that forklift truck. Stranger things have happened.

Shenmue: The Animation is available to stream on Crunchyroll.

The post Shenmue anime canceled; will not be getting a second ??season appeared first on Destructoid.

Last orders, gentlemen

Sega and Numskull Designs have opened pre-orders on a brand new statue, styled after Ryo Hazuki, the denim-rockin', forklift-drivin', nose-bustin' protagonist of iconic RPG series Shenmue.

The statue stands 10 inches in height and depicts Mr. Hazuki during the famous Heartbeats bar fight sequence from the 1999 Sega Dreamcast classic. Poised atop the remnants of a smashed table, Ryo is set to leap into action against the next barrage of?? layabouts foolish enough to stand in the way of his cross-country quest for vengeance. Amusing placement of a toppled barstool almost makes it look like yer boy is skating into battle. Other details include the famous glass of milk and Hazuki's iconic bomber jacket

If you're a Shenmue aficionado and fancy having Ryo rocking up on your mantelpiece, then pre-orders are open now at various retail outlets. Just follow the links from the official Numskull website to the retailer of your choosing. The Shenmue Ryo Hazuki statue retails for just under $108?? USD / £90 not including shipping or any potential customs charges. The statue is expected to ship in late-August 2022.

Shenmue I & II is available now on PlayStation, PC, and Xbox platforms. Shenmue III is available on PlayStation and PC.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vy6VENgIZ8M

The post Shenmue star Ryo Hazuki? immortalized as Numskull statue appeared first on Destructoid.

Revenge is in the air this Februrary on Crunchyroll and Adult Swim

Depending on who you ask, Shenmue is legendary, now and forever �it's not even up for debate. Others respect the series from a comfortable distance with fond memories, and plenty more folks just know about it from second-hand goofs and hearsay. There are a lot of takes! And while Shenmue III has only further complicated things (as evidenced by reactions to a recent Epic Games Store giveaway), a bunch of people are rooting for the incoming anime adaptation. Shenmue the Animation will debut on February 5, 2022.

Over 13 episodes, Shenmue the Animation will try to "capture the same essence of mystery and thrilling martial arts" that Ryo fans remember from the Dr??eamcast days.

Some of the biggest question marks so far have been what the core cast will sound like, and what note the story might end on. On the former point, the Japanese site for Shenmue the Animation lists Masaya Matsukaze as Ryo Hazuki and Takahiro Sakurai as Lan Di, which is consistent with the games. (Per Siliconera, Austin Tindle will voice Ryo and Scott Gibbs will play Lan Di in the Englis??h dub. You can get a preview in the trailer.)

As for the latter concern �don't hurt us, Telecom. It's been enough of a slow burn!

Here's the new English trailer for Shenmue the Animation

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=pldV6eZdHWo

And here's the Japanese trailer from Crunchyroll

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybkgsZU18sk

Now normally, I'd say to pick your poison, but they're both worth watching. It's always interesting (and sometimes not very flattering) to compare English and Japanese ?performances side-by-side, especially given the source material. Beyond those inherent differences, though, these are straight-up different trailers with different vibes.

When it comes to the Shenmue series, I'm no Michael Huber �but the trailer(s) still managed to put me in a good, hopeful-enough mood. It's intriguing. Trailers are just trailers, so we'll see what everyone thinks of Shenmue the Animation on February 5.

The debut is set for 9:30 p.m. Pacific. Worst cas??e, I'm excited about the gif potential.

The post Shenmue the Animation?? has new English and Japanese trailers ahead of Feb. 5 premiere appeared first on Destructoid.

A free mystery game will be unwrapped on Dec. 16, and a new leak is pointing to Ryo Hazuki

Epic has posted its usual weekly freebies �in today's case, it's the trimmed-down Godfall Challenger Edition and the old reliable Prison Architect �but there's also a festive teaser for a "mystery game" dropping on December 16. The gift-wrapped imagery jogged my memory and r?eminded me that, oh yeah, the Epic Games Store ??usually hosts a big holiday giveaway. As fate would have it, there's a corresponding leak.

According to yet another leak out of Dealabs, the game scheduled for a free giveaway on December 16 is none other than Shenmue III (take it or leave it!) and it'll be followed by a bunch of one-day-only giveaways to close ?out 2021 alongside the store's holiday sale.

Aside from the daily game giveaways that are expected to run from December? 16 through December 29, the Epic Games Store will reportedly also host a final week-long holiday freebie that can be claimed from December 30 until January 6, 2022.

As a point of comparison, courtesy of the record keepers at Fanbyte, the Epic Games Store ran 12 days of free games in 2019 (including Into the Breach and Celeste) and 15 days of free games in 2020 (with titles like Inside, The Long Dark, and Jurassic World: Evolution).

When there are so many ways to b??uild out your library without spending a cent, it's tricky to navigate "I've been meaning to get that" game purchases �especially if we're talking PC indie gaming. And with the Epic Store, it feels like almost anything could show up. Potentially add in Games with Gold, Xbox Game Pass, and PlayStation Plus, and the freebies just keep flowing. Thank goodness backlogs don't work like Tamagotchis.

Assuming Epic's big holiday bash ?returns for 2021, we'll? do our best to post daily reminders on the site (when we aren't chilling with the fam).

In related news, the Epic Games Store now has a shopping cart.

The post Epic Games Store ??might start its huge holiday game giveaway with Sh??enmue III appeared first on Destructoid.

Hey, I don't see any crane games...

Adult Swim, in association with Crunchyroll, has released the first trailer for Shenmue the Animation, an upcoming adaptation ??of Sega's famously? polarizing RPG franchise of the same name. The brief teaser offers an early glimpse of the 13-episode anime, which is set to debut worldwide at some point in 2022.

Produced by Telecom Animated Film �the studio behind both Tower of God and the fantastic-looking Lupin the Third: Part Five �Shenmue the Animation will be a direct adaptation of the video games, as young hero Ryo Hazuki wanders Japan on a relentless quest for vengeance, seeking out the martial arts master responsible for the death of his father. In a journey that will take him from his humble rural roots to spr?awling cities, Ryo will meet new friends and enemies, while ever-mastering his indomitable martial arts abilities. Take a look at the action below.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZglZdwRw3XA&t

Despite the absence of forklift trucks, the trailer sees Shenmue the Animation shaping up to be a worthy retelling of Ryo's digital adventures, with the Dojo-busting action and wrought melodrama that made the Shenmue trilogy so enduring, despite its... quirks. I still don't dig a lot of modern anime in motion �I'm an old man spoiled by the golden age �but I think the character design here is on point, with a mood that certainly captures the Shenmue spirit. We still don't know exactly when Shenmue the Animation will premiere on the small scree??n, but we'll be sure to give you a heads-up once Adult Swim makes that information?? known.

Here's hoping the series doesn't?? end on a decades-long cliffhanger...

The post Check out the first trailer for Shenmue t???he Animation right here appeared first on Destructoid.

November 19

Out of nowhere, Shenmue III was ensnar??ed by the siren's song of the Epic Games Store. Met to an outcry by tons of backers who felt bamboozled by the near zero hour change (just months before it actually launched), Ys Net and Deep Silver maintained course and kept the exclusivity in??tact. Until now, that is.

It looks like Epic's exclusive deal is up. We already knew as much, but over on the game's Kickstarter page, it is now fully confirmed that Shenmue III is coming to Steam on November 19. Ys Net says that if yo??u "opted i??n" to Steam back in late 2019, you're now able to claim your code. A year later. As a reminder, you can check out the full list of PC requirements below.

For Shenmue III, more platforms in any capacity, even within the PC subgroup, is a win. It's still only available on the PlayStation console family, so folks who were holding out for the Steam edition can finally partake. It's also great news for everyone who pulled out of the Kickstarter campaign enti??rely, as you can casually pick it up on the storefront of your choice going forward.

Steam release announcement [Kickstarter]

Shenmue III PC Version System Requirements

Minimum:

OS: Windows 7x64, Windows 8x64, Windows 10x64 (64-?bit OS Required)

Processor: Intel ??C?ore i5-4460 (3.40 GHz) or better; Quad-core or better

Memory: 4 GB RAM

Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX?? 650 Ti or better (DirectX 1?1 card & VRAM 2GB Required)

DirectX: Version 11

Network: Broadband internet connection

Storage: 100 GB available space

Sound card: DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card

Additional Info: ?Requires store client to ??activate.

Recommended:

OS: Windows 10 (64-bit OS Required)

Processor: Intel Core i7-7700 (3.60 GHz)

Memory: 16GB RAM

Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070

DirectX: Version 11

Network: Broadband internet connection

Storage: 100 GB available space

Sound card: DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card

Add??itional Info: Requires store client to activate.

The post Sh?enmue III will finally arri??ve on Steam in just a few weeks appeared first on Destructoid.

Let's Get Sweaty

Sega's cult RPG series Shenmue is to receive an anime adaptation. The series - a joint production between Crunchroll and Adult Swim - was announced during yesterday's "Virtual Crunchyr??oll Ex??po 2020" event.

The Shenmue anime will run for 13 episodes and is being produced by Japanese studio Telecom Animation Film. The anime will be a re-telling the video game's narrative, following the adventures of young martial artist Ryo Hazuki, who embarks on a long and hazardous journey to avenge the death of his father at the hands of the sinister Lan Di.  Shenmue creator and Ys Net head honcho Yu Suzuki is on board a??s executive producer.

"The first Shenmue video game was released more than 20 years ?ago and we are excited to? work with Adult Swim again to bring this franchise to life through the anime series," said Crunchyroll's Sarah Victor in a press release. "We look forward to showing our fans more of this action-packed adventure series".

No date was announced for the anime's premiere, which will launch on the Crunchyroll and Adult Swim streaming networks. For more information, be sure to follow the anime's official Twitter account. In the meantime, Shenmue III is available now on PS4 and PC.

#BREAKING News from #VCRX:
Shenmue Anime Announced as Crunchyroll and Adult Swim Produc??tion

🔥 More: //t.co/gjSZBLu0qF pic.twitter.com/erlB8HopMd

— Crunchyroll @ #VCRX 🎉 (@Crunchyroll) September 5, 2020

The post A Shenmue anime adapta??tion is coming to Crunchyroll and Adult Swim appeared first on Destructoid.

Where's Chris Jericho?

Ys Net has announced that the third DLC drop for epic adventure sequel Shenmue III will launch on? March 17, and will see you??r boy Ryo Hazuki board a lavish cruise ship, offering a spot of off-shore escapism from his dogged and dangerous adventures.

The Big Merry Cruise DLC will be seeing the luxury liner harbour at the docks in Niaowu, allowing Ryo to step aboa??rd and enjoy its upmarket facilities. According to publisher Deep Silver, the sh??ip will feature a variety of entertaining mini-games and some exclusive challenges and missions. Completing some of the on-board tasks will offer rewards such as new character outfits.

Available to purchase on both PlayStation and Epic Games Stores from March 17, Big Merry Cruise will also be readily available to players who have picked up the Complete DLC Collection pass. Shenmue III is available now on PS??4 and PC via Epic Games Stor??e.

The post Shenmue III invites you on a ‘Big Merry Cruise’ March 17 appeared first on Destructoid.

Deals active until March 10, 2020

Yakuza got me to take a look at Sega's Best of Japan PC game sale on Steam, and I'm glad I did.

You can get Yakuza 0 for $4.99, Yakuza Kiwami for $9.99, and Yakuza Kiwami 2 for $14.99, or buy the trio for $26.97. I'd recommend 0 to anyone with even a passing interest in the dramatic crime saga. It's not too late to surrender yourself to Yakuza – in fact, right now is arguably? the best time to get the ball rolling. I know, I know. It's a daunting to-do list and your backlog is packed. Just take baby step??s.

The Steam sale also has deals?? on other Sega-published games, some of which are surprising.

• Valkyria Chronicles ($9.99)
• Valkyria Chronicles 4 ($16.99)
• Puyo Puyo Tetris ($11.99)
• Puyo Puyo Champions ($4.99)
• Hell Yeah! Wrath of the Dead Rabbit ($3.74)
• Shining Resonance Refrain ($10.19)
• Binary Domain ($2.99) (I will always go to bat for Big Bo and co.)
• Tempo the Badass Elephant ($3.74)
• Condemned: Criminal Origins ($3.73)
• Renegade Ops ($3.75)
• The Club ($3.74)
• Castle of Illusion ($3.74)
• Shenmue I & II ($7.49)

Sega's had some missteps over the past decade-??a??nd-a-half, but this list brings back fond memories.

The post Yakuza 0 is five bucks in Sega’s ‘Best of Japan’ Steam sale appeared first on Destructoid.

'Story Quest Pack'

Just last month we got a Battle Rally [Race] DLC for Shenmue III, but the? next add-?on in the pipeline looks a little more meaty.

It's called "Story Quest Pack," and contains what the publisher claims is "mystery, intrigue and action," which is basically what Shenmue does best. It's out on February 18, and will herald in a new questline that centers around Zhang Shugin: a character that was featured in Shenmue II. The pack won't break the bank: it's $4.??99 on both PC and PS4.

In all I'm kind of in awe at Shenmue III, and its audacity to simply exist. While it could have better pacing, it's true to its roots and didn't try to do anything more. That might turn off some people, especially tho??se who didn't grow up with the series, but you have to give it to Yu Suzuki: not many creators would have the balls to do something l??ike that in 2019.

The post Shenmue III’s second DLC is more story-oriented appeared first on Destructoid.

Now live on PS4 and PC

Ys Net has released a new update for both the PS4 and PC editions of Sega's epic adventure sequel Shenmue III. Update 1.04, live in-game right now, fixes several bugs across the board, and makes mino?r adjustments to several mini-games.

First up, players can now choose to skip initial conversations, allowing for dialogue to be bypassed by those well-versed in Shenmue III's bemusing script. Speaking of dialogue, typos in the game's su?btitles and other text have been corrected. When it comes time to throw down with your assailants, Ryo's battle scenes have been "adjusted for certain skills."

The Forklift mini-game has had its wager amounts changed, and for all you fisherfolk, the green catfish in Bailu has had its fishing point adjusted. Several bug fixes include the removal of an issue which caused characters to get stuck in the scenery, camera troubles in the Lucky ??Hit game, and less collision between?? the timing of in-game events.

You can check out the full patch notes right here. This update arrives as part of the new "Battle Rally" DLC, which lets playe?rs take part in an intense footrace as either our hero Ryo, treasure hunter Wuyin??g Ren, or martial arts instructor Wei Zhen.

Shenmue III is available now on PS4?? and PC via Epic Games Store.

The post Shenmue III update adds dia??logue?? skip, adjusts mini-games appeared first on Destructoid.

Leave your forklift in the garage

Publisher Deep Silver has offered up strangely obscure details pertaining to the first DLC drop for Ys Net's adventure sequel Shenmue III. The new "Battle Rally" updat??e will arrive on PC and PS4 January 21 and offers new activities and new playable characters.

Details are weirdly scant, but it appears that the titular Battle Rally will allow players to step into the running shoes of hero Ryo Hazuki, treasure hunter Wuying Ren, or Ryo's B?ailu-village sparring partner, Wei Zhen, as the three compete in a footrace that promises "fresh activities and head?-to-head battles."

While the competitors make their way around the course, they wi?ll also fight it out to gather as many "Bailu-chans" as possible, the acquiring of which will give them "a leg up on their opponents"... I think we're just gonna have to wait and see with this one, friends.

Shenmue III is available now on PS4 and on PC via Epic Games Store. The Battle Rally DLC launches January 21 at a cost of around $8, it is automatically included as part of the Shenmue III DLC Collection.

The post Shenmue III’s Battle Rally DLC offers ‘a race unlike any other’ appeared first on Destructoid.

Have you seen any sailors?

I've been slowly working my way through Shenmue III and what can I say? It's kind of a monkey's paw fever drea??m.

A lot of us wanted a true continuation of the storyline that kept us hangin??g nearly 20 years ago, but with that narrative power requires great patience.

Shenmue III (PC, PS4 [reviewed])
Developer: Ys Net, Neilo
Publisher: Deep Silver
Released: November 19, 2019
MSRP: $59.99

As I said in my prior early-going assessment, Shenmue III feels like a glorious relic and an anachronistic chore. It has vague brief tutorials that don't really teach you anything (good and bad), very slow-going moments that feel rote and cheerful on a dime (good and bad), and bizarre mechanics that feel like Shenmue III was released in the mid-2000s as a direct follow-up to the ?second game and we're just now discovering it (??you get it!).

The lack of direction can be frustrating for some, but joyful as someone who loves Yu Suzuki's cryptic sandboxes where you kind of have to assume what he is thinking or what he wants you to do half the time without a breadcrumb trail leading the way. Those slow moments can be equally frustrating, as well as calming, as you really take the time to get to know this world and respect it. And those aforementioned bizarre design choices: much of it is stuff you just don't see anymore, or haven't seen since Shenmue II.

I think a lot of people are going to bail on Shenmue III already, and you'd be wise to do so. In fact the whole project has this sort of odd glaze to it, as you really shouldn't be diving into this weird, heady game without having played and enjoyed the first two. For those of you who haven't, the premise is easy to understand, at least. Ryo Hazuki, one of the least char??ismatic characters in video game history (but also one of the most endearing), is out for revenge after his father was murdered in Japan by the criminal Lan Di. Ryo's adventures take him to Hong Kong, where he's wrapped up in an ancient legend involving mystical artifacts. Eventually, Ryo ends up in Guilin, China and meets a companion named Shenhua, with whom he is linked by destiny. That's where the third game starts, liter??ally moments after the events of the second iteration.

There's a lot of teeth-gritting here as you work your way through some of the more dated concepts. Walking around town will deplete your stamina meter, which actually doubles as your life meter (oops!). It's possible Suzuki wanted to extend the length of the game while forcing people to literally adore the in-game roses, but either way, it's extremely annoying as you have to eat food right before a battle, lest you go in with no health to spare. It's perhaps my least favorite part of the game, especially early on when cash is hard to come by without grinding ?out menial tasks for a paycheck.

Combat is probably the worst aspect of Shenmue III and the chief element Suzuki and his team should have updated in this modern era. Fights have some rhythm or reason to them as you can block, dodge, and queue up special attacks, but the AI is sluggish and non-responsive to the point where only a few encounters are riveting. It is satisfying in a sense to train up, raise your stats, then nail that big finish on a goon that's been terrorizing your friends. But that emotional connection is what ultimately fuels Shenmue III and carries i??t throughout its runtime like Atlas with?? the world on his shoulders.

You see, Ryo gets his ass kicked by design sometimes. He's a plucky fighter following his training in the first two entries, but he just quite isn't there yet — even though he keeps trying. That's kind of awesome, as Suzuki has always believed in imperfect characters and provided us with so many classic moments because of that mentality. Ryo is silly, and his dialogue and delivery are silly, but I love him all the same. When Ryo says (deadpanned) "that sounds nice," it actually does sound nice. When a villager finally takes to Ryo and starts to greet instead of shun, you feel that. All of that charm spills into every facet of Shenmue III, like Suzuki never mis?sed a beat, or his pass?ion for storytelling.

That story, by the way, is mostly told passively, which is perfectly fine until the very end. In fact, when it comes to the big beats, it isn't even as satisfying as Shenmue II. This was never supposed to be the conclusion of the series, but you can't help but wonder if it'll ??take someone else another 15 years to make the next one on whatever crowdfunding service comes next. When I called it a "hangout game" earlier this wee??k, I meant it!

You simply have to be okay with taking your time, because the more you rush Shenmue III, the more it fights you. You can see money requirements as gating progression, or a reward fo?r helping the citizens of each village you travel to. Buying into the grandeur of the world is? required, and a few annoyances aside, is an easy sell for a certain type of person.

I was torn writing this review as I went back and forth multiple times on whether or not Shenmue III's adherence to the past was worth the squeeze. In spurts, it's not. But as I walked back to Shenhua's cottage to turn in for the night after a hard day's work, earning back the money I had gambled away, it hit me: people just aren't making many games like this anymore. We may never even get something like this again if Shenmue IV isn't greenlit, which would be a shame.

_{[This review is based on a retail copy of the game provided by the publisher. The reviewer pledged to the Kickstarter at the $29.00 level in 2015.]}

The post Review: Shenmue III appeared first on Destructoid.

Have you seen any sailors?

It's so hard to hold water for Shenmue in 2019. Far fro?m a fine wine, it's an acquired taste. It's like an aged exotic cheese for an audience tha??t's primarily sensitive to dairy.

The polarizing reaction to the latest Shenmue re-releases everyone clamored for is proof of that, and Shenmue III isn't very different.

Shenmue III (PC, PS4 [reviewed])
Developer: Ys Net, Neilo
Publisher: Deep Silver
Released: November 19, 2019
MSRP: $59.99

In spite of my select misgivings with the series, Shenmue means a hell of a lot to me. I was introduced to the first one by a dear friend, and we subsequently spent the entire day mucking about in its sandbox. But the second game arrived at a critical point in my life, when I really needed a form of escape; the sequel's rich, endearing world was a perfect salve for a tumultuous spir?it.

But there was a catch. Shenmue II infamously ended with a cliffhanger, a caveat I was completely unaware of at the time until I finished it. For n??early two decades the tale has been sitting in limbo, waiting to be told, only for series boss Yu Suzuki to swoop in at the zero hour and make it all happen on PC and PS4 in 2019. One issue-plagued Kickstarter campaign and many delays later, it's finally here.

I will tell you right now that Shenmue III isn't going to have that same magical spark that the series did for a brand new audience. Not only are you walking into an established story with history, the mechanics are similar to an early 2000s game. It literally picks up from the end of Shenmue II, and despite the (very retro) main menu recap movie, the nuances of character development are lost if you don't have history with Shenmue. You even get a handful of key items from previous games! ?Here's my quick recap though: a martial arts master and criminal killed our hero Ryo's father, and he's out for revenge.

By any metric in 2019, Shenmue III is rough looking. The menus are straight out of the early PlayStation eras, and the visuals, while updated as best as Ys Net could, are stiff — especially the ?character animations and facial expressions. That same principle applies to the voice acting, which is always stilted and sometimes goofy. This very well could be exactly what Suzuki was aiming for, but it might not be your cup of tea.

There's two reasons why people primarily love Shenmue: it's a hangout sim and an action romp. This is a series where you can learn ancient martial arts skills from a drunken master and kick an entire gang's ass, then muck around in an arcade or do menial tasks for walking around money. On both fronts, so far Shenmue III delivers. Its environments are?? serene and calming. The soundtrack (some of which riffs on the work of the original) is fantastic and one of the best I've heard this year.

A lot of Shenmue III is spent talking to people that are usually complete assholes, leading to all sorts of interesting conversations and laugh-out-loud moments — both intentional and otherwise. You can also blow all of your life savings on capsule toys or a rendition of Bozo's Grand Prize Game in the first half-hour, presented by a smoking carny. In fact that's exactly what I di??d before advancing any semblance of a plot.

It's also a game that features a 10-second cutscene, with loading, for taking your shoes off indoors (and another for putting them back on!), probably at Yu Suzuki's request. It's weird like that, and nostalgia aside, I think you have to be weird to enjoy it. Here's the bizarre tutorial screen for the game's first action sequence, a dojo skirmish where your opponent screams "stop that tickles" after being struck. Featuring a combat system, by the way, that feels like the most dated aspect of them ?all.

Naturally, I have a lot of mixed feelings here. Shenmue III feels like it could have been released in 2005 and I kind of love it for that. Whether that initial charm can last 20-ish (?) hours is yet to be seen. Stay tuned for expanded thoughts on Shenmue III as I dig more into it.

_{[This review is based on a retail copy of the game provided by the publisher. The reviewer pledged to the Kickstarter at the $29.00 level in 2015.]}

The post Review in Progress: Shenmue III appeared first on Destructoid.

It just got real

You don't have to be a Shenmue die-hard to appreciate the Shenmue III launch trailer.

There's just something so magical about a long-dormant series springing back to life out of the blue, especially after years of near-misses and wishful thinking. This mi??ght not be your jam, but there's a universal joy here, even from the sidelines. The first few notes in the trailer are spine-tingling.

It's been an arduous road leading up to Shenmue III's announcement, to say nothing of its funding, production, delays, store drama, and now-fast-approaching release on PC and PlayStation 4. Can you believe we're less than a week out from an honest-to-goodness Yu Suzuki game? It's finally real!

There are countless launch trailers every day, but this o??ne feels justified. It's momentous.

Launch Trailer Now Showing! [Kickstarter]

The post Shenmue III’s launch trailer feels special appeared first on Destructoid.

'The series will not end with Shenmue III'

After 18 long years, Shenmue III is nearly upon us (discounting the possibility of yet another delay). But Shenmue's director already?? has his sights set on a fourth game, weeks before the trilogy is officially completed.

In an interview with PlayStation Blog, director Yu Suzuki mentions that Shenmue III was written with the intention of there being future Shenmue titles. "The series will not end with Shenmue III," Suzuki say?s. "Rushing to tie up the plot here would have made for a flat game. And I hope to continue the series as long as people are interested."

So, Shenmue III will not wrap things up all clean and tidy. There will be unresolved threads dangling long after the forks have been lifted. When will you see the end to Ryo's story? The earth will likely revolve around the sun many times before then. With a little luck, we'll get Shenmue IV before the sun collapses into itself, bu??t don?'t bet the farm on it.

Shenmue III Out November 19: Interview W??ith Yu Suzuki [PlayStation Blog]

The post Interview with Shenmue director: Get read??y for Shenmue IV appeared first on Destructoid.

A nice place to visit...

Sega and Ys Net have released a pair of trailers for their long-awaited adventure sequel Shenmue III. While the first clip is merely a Japanese language version of last month's Gamescom trailer, the second is a more tran??quil endeavour, taking a look at some of the locations Ryo Hazuki will visit on his dogged quest.

The "Spirit of the Land" video is a three-minute travelogue of the towns, forests and villages that the player will pass through en route to Ryo's date with dest?iny. The clip features beautiful water valleys, local food markets, crisp streams and ancient temples. In fact, just viewing the trailer itself is genuinely quite relaxing, although I'm in no doubt that by the time Ryo rolls into town, a few rounds of fisticuffs may be in order.

For those of you who prefer your game trailers with a little more hustle and bustle, you can find the Japanese version of the Gamescom trailer below. Shenmue III launches on PS4 and PC via ?Epic Games Store on November 19.

The post Shenm??ue III TGS trailer embraces the spirit of the land appeared first on Destructoid.

That guy in the header will live forever

That header will never get old: someone may even use it in the review for Shenmue III, it's that timeless.

In a way it also kind of symbolizes the Kickstarter process in general. Developers and publishers alike slip and slide along the rough path to shipping a game by way of crowdfunding, and we look at them in disbelief. Ys Net/Dep Silver's decision to turn Shenmue III into an Epic Games Store exclusive on PC mere? months before launch was a befuddling choice, and now the stud?io is dealing with the fallout.

After initially denying refunds entirely following their E3 bombshell news, the company is finally ready to put up. In "mid-September," emails will go out which will allow folks to change their game version (from PC to PS4 most likely) or offer refunds for "backers who had selected the PC version and are not satisfied with the proposed reward options." Allegedly it could take "up to 20 business days to three months" (when the game is out) for it to process, and you only have two weeks to do it when that switch is flipped.

They also provided a statement on in-game rewards: "The possibility is high that in-game rewards for backers who requested a refund may not be removed from the game. We ask for your understanding that production of in-game rewards has been well underway and that changing implemented content is difficult at this stage of development." The trial edition is still slated for the second half of September, if you're int??erested, and will last aro?und one hour (with replayability baked in).

As always, Kickstarter circuses are only a fraction of the process: I want to see Shenmue III for myself. While most people will never forget how this campaign was handled, they could equally remember Shenmue III forever.

Shenmue III [Kickstarter]

The post After months of waiting, we finally have a refund timeline for Shenmue III’s Epic Games Store debacle appeared first on Destructoid.

Play some arcades, eat some fruit, crack some heads...

Ys. Net has released a new trailer showing some of the fun 'n' games Ryo Hazuki can get up to in long-awaited RPG sequel, Shenmue III, coming to PS4 and PC in November.

The day starts out well enough, with Ryo hanging out in the market and trying some of the local delicacies, then he takes some random boy to the arcade to play on a few vintage amusements. Then things go a bit leftfield, as he wanders along to his local fight club to throw down with a selection of martial arts... I'm still really not ??feeling the look of this combat, inciden??tally.

A quick dash across some picnic tables and, after a good day's feedi?ng and fighting, Ryo returns to Shenhua, to bust out the whole macho "Uhhh... I'll be fine" gimmick. All in all, it was a busy day for our hero, and we got to see some of the side-attractions on offer in this sequel to the Dreamcast classics. And, never forget: "You can still win even if you don't have enough kung fu."

Shenmue III launches on P??S4 and PC via Epic Game Store November 19.

The post Shenmue III trailer invites you to experience ‘a day in Shenmue’ appeared first on Destructoid.

Now we get to see if all this waiting is worth it

After all this waiting, after all of the strife caused by the initial lack of refunds for Shenmue III's Epic Games Store timed exclusivity move: we get to play the actual game soon. How soo?n? Well, the demo is slated for? September.

In a Kickstarter update this morning, Ys Net confirmed that the trial edition will launch in "the second half of September," with an exact date to be announced soon. According to the post it will be a "stand-alone act" in the first zone of the game (Bailu Village), and will last you roughly an hour, with the ability to repeat it. Ys Net promises "lots of activities" will be playable, but save files will not transfer over to the retail version. If you play on PC, yes, you will need an Epic Games account to give the trial a shot. In a rare move the demo will not be given to backers directly, but will be linked to? the service.

Well, I guess if you wanted out of that deal you probably requested out already. That whole process is coming soon: "We are currently working on the necessary changes to the backer survey system. We ask for your patience as there will be a short wait while the preparations are made. Once the survey changes?? have been implemented, there will be an announcement here in the updates with details and notice of the survey response period. (Changes to your shipping address may still be made through the backer sur?vey up until shipping begins.)"

Trial version announcement [Kickstarter]

The post Shenmue 3 is getting a ‘one hour’ demo next month for backers appeared first on Destructoid.

Lucky hit?

Shenmue III seems to be embroiled in more controversy then one would expect for such a highly requested game. After going Epic Games Store exclusive to backers being denied refunds, Ryo really can't catch a break on his journey to avenge his father. If you thought this next bit of news would ease your pain a little, get ready to bite your tongue. Publisher Deep Silver has announced all of the various pre-order bonuses for Shenmue III and it's nearly as complicated as a? Ubisoft rel??ease.

I'll start it off simple and explain all the content every pre-order will receive. Regardless of which retailer you go with to get your game, pre-orders will net you three bottles of "Snake Power" elixir, 5,000 playing tokens for the various gambling games, the "Blazing? Kick" advanced training scroll, and a set of 24 tickets for the in-game gacha toys. ??So far, so good.

Next, at Gamestop or EB Games (depending on your region), you'll receive a physical replication of the Dragon and Phoenix Mirror Medallions. That's certainly a nifty bonus for fans. Going with Best Buy, you'll get a pretty cool looking steelbook case for your disc. Finally, if you opt for Amazon.com, you'll get the "Kenpogi Training Wear" DL??C that grants you an outf??it based on traditional Chinese Kung Fu garb. It's kind of a bummer considering the other two come with a physical goodie.

Pre-orders are now live on each of the corresponding sites. This seems to be limited to the PS4 version, so PC users won't be getting any neat extras (go figure). If none of this is doing it for you, you could always check out Limited Run Games' collector's edition. That certainly looks more fitting for the "finale" to this series than these bon?uses.

The post Deep Silver details Shenmue III’s pre-order bonuses appeared first on Destructoid.

I'm still shocked they didn't offer refunds immediately

It's incredible how out of touch a lot of publishers are when it comes to issues that should be more obvious. For years folks have dealt with Kickstarter burn after burn, whether it's due to the quality of a finished product or the mishandling of a campaign (or in some cases, like Mighty No. 9, both).

So when Deep Silver and Ys Net refused to offer refunds initially because of an Epic Games Store exclusive deal on PC, I was shocked. I mean Kickstarter is always a gamble, but you're really going to put your entire reputation at risk because of this one platform for this one project? When they backed down and allowed refunds several weeks later the damage had already been done: it'll always be a footnote in the history of Shenmue III.

In an official Kickstarter post today Ys Net confirmed that they are "working on the necessary changes to the backer survey system," which will allow for refund requests for a "period." For those of you who are still keeping your PC pledge the system requirements have been released, and as expected, they're pretty low (outside of the insane storage ask), even for the recommended setting. You can check them out below. Yu Suzuki will also be going to Gamescom where he will be showing off Shenmue III.

Despite all this, I'm still looking forward to seeing Shenmue III's final build. I remember finishing Shenmue II in ?late 2002 and going "uh, that's it?" I've waited 17 years to see how this saga continues, and I've sidestep??ped this entire issue given that I'm only interested in the PS4 edition.

Gamescom 2019 [Kickstarter]

System Requirements for PC Version

*Game is currently in development so system requirements may change without notice. We th??ank ??you for your understanding.

Minimum:

OS: Windows 7x64,? Windows 8x64, Windows 10x64 (64-bit OS Required)

Processor: Intel Cor??e i5-4460 (3.??40 GHz) or better; Quad-core or better

Memory: 4 GB RAM

Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 Ti ?or better (DirectX 11 card & VRAM 2GB Required)

DirectX: Version 11

Network: Broadband internet connection

Storage: 100 GB available space

Sound card: DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card

Additional Info: ??Requires E??pic Games Store Client to activate.

Recommended:

OS: Windows 10 (64-bit OS Required)

Processor: Intel Core i7-7700 (3.60 GHz)

Memory: 16GB RAM

Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070

DirectX: Version 11

Network: Broadband internet connection

Storage: 100 GB available space

Sound card: DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card

Additional Info: Requires E??pic Games Store Client to activate.

The post Here’s what it’ll take to run Shenmue III on PC, besides the Epic Games Store appeared first on Destructoid.

Up for a game of lucky hit?

Ys Net really can't seem to catch a break with Shenmue III. After some massive backlash about refusing refunds for players dissatisfied with the title's sudden Epic Games Store exclusivity, it seems Kickstarter backers will not be receiving any retail exclusive content with their keys. As discovered by VG 24/7, Ys Net confirmed to backer Antonio Miranda ?that backers will need to pay for any additional content that mi?ght come to Ryo's long-awaited return.

"Standard and deluxe versions released through retail sales are not affiliated with the crowdfunding campaign," Ys Net stated," so will not be included with backer pledges. They will be available for sale separately." While this kind of makes sense in that specific retailers would be funding the additional content, it also creates a scenario where backers are now not getting a "complete" version of a game the?y helped bring to life.

This also becomes doubly confusing as both the Kickstarter and Slacker Backer editions have exclusive content of their own. Throw in a season pass that has undefined content and is also not being given to backers and this has become a really crappy situation. It seems Ys Net would rather segment out Shenmue III than provide an easy way to get the entire e??xperience, which is certainly ??reason enough to be agitated.

Shenmue 3 backers won't be getting a season pass [VG 24/7]

The post Shenmue III backers will not receive re??tail e??xclusive content appeared first on Destructoid.

Ok, NOW we got a Shenmue title

Ys Net has released a short new trailer for its long-awaited sequel Shenmue III. This ?clip is the same showcase that has been features at many PlayStation 4 kiosks across North America in recent weeks.

In the video, Ryo Hazuki and his lovely bomber jacket are shown continuing the quest to avenge their father's death at th?e hands of the evil Lan Di. The brief clip contains footage of Ryo coming to the aid of a troubled fortune teller, chatting with secondary protagonist Lai, visiting the arcade, and engaging in some ropey-ass looking combat.

Most importantly, however, we see Ryo back where he is most comfortable,?? at the wheel of a forklift truck, whizzing around the docks and carefully negotiating a warehouse. If only our boy could learn to put his terrible past behind him, he could settle down to a life of shipping endeav?ors, arcade visits and gacha games.

Shenmue III launches on PS4 and PC ??via Epic Games Store November 19.

The post New Shenmue III ‘kiosk’ trailer finally features hot forklift action appeared first on Destructoid.

Remember to always neuter your video games

While Lyle and I try and ??get video games off t?he damn kitchen shelves, here's what's been happening in video games this past week:

• Fire Emblems: Three Houses is gonna have a season pass!
• Epic Games will be sending out refunds to Shenmue 3 backers on Kickstarter!
• And River City Girls is a thing and more!

As the summer drought kicks in, I find myself returning to my backlog once more in a vain attempt to catch up on the 2018 game releases I missed out on. Personally, I'm also a completionist and someone who doesn't play games out of release order. So, I've come to accept the fact I won't be getting around to God of War for a good long while (I?? still intend to play the other games, first??).

However, I am looking forward to Marvel's Spider-Man. It's been literally years since I've played a spidey game, with the last two being Spider-Man 3 on the PS3 and Ultimate Spider-Man on the original Xbox (a fantastic game). That said, I'm also super fond of Spider-Man on the Dreamcast. That Doc Ock symbiote monstrosity an??d final chase sequence still? haunts my nightmares to this day.

Discharged question of the week: Are there any games you're looking to catch up on this summer? If so, which one are yo??u most looking forward to?

The post In today’s episode of Pregame Discharge, Shenmue 3 refunds from Epic and River City Girls are a thing! appeared first on Destructoid.

'Along with Deep Silver and Epic Games, we have agreed that should the above proposal not be acceptable to backers, refund requests will be honored'

So this E3 went pretty badly for Ys Net and Deep Silver. The duo announced, by way of Shenmue creator Yu Suzuki, that Shenmue III would be an Epic Store exclusive on PC, despite the fact that Kickstarter backers were expecting Steam keys. This meant that expectant Steam owners wouldn't get their keys until a year after launch, and refunds were denied. ??As expected, the internet blew up like a powd??er keg.

Now, several weeks later, the developer/publishing team, which evidently were united on the deal, are backing down. As per the?? most recent Kickstarter update, there are now contingency plans in place for backers. Now the Epic deal is still going through, and Steam copies are still shipping in 2?020, but there's options, and one of them is a refund.

The full details are below, but the gist is that you can still get the game a year later on Steam (haha what), swap to PS4, or get a refund "if the proposals are?? not acceptable to backers." That process "will be announced in a following update." Some stretch goals in the initial campaign have also been changed, and you can find those alterations in the gallery below.

(Imagine a William Shatner voice here) Kickstarterrrrrrrrrrrr! Man some of these campaigns have had wild rides, and in the end I'm glad this one is at least offering refunds. If they had stood their ground it would have tanked the reputation of both organizations. Deep Silver has been trigger happy with this sort of thing already.

Update On PC Version Rewards [Kickstarter]

Version Availability

a. PC Physical: Package (Disc) ＋ EGS Key

b. PC Digital: EGS Key

c. PS4 Physical: Package (Disc)

d. PS4 Digital: PSN Voucher Code

*If selecting ??either the PC Physical or PC Digital version, an option to also receive a Steam key one year later will be available. Backers must manually select this option in the survey to receive the Steam key.

**If you had previously selected PC and want to c??hange to P?S4 or vice versa, you may do so.

Survey Implementation

We are currently working on the necessary changes to the backer survey system. ??We ask for your patience as there will be a short wait while the preparations are made. Once the survey changes have been implemented, th??ere will be an announcement here in the updates with details and notice of the survey response period. (Changes to your shipping address may still be made through the backer survey up until shipping begins.)

Concerning Refunds

Along with Deep Silver and Epic Games, w?e have agreed that should the a??bove proposal not be acceptable to backers, refund requests will be honored.

Details? concerning the refund request?? process will be announced in a following update. We ask for your patience until that time.

*In the case rewards?? within your reward tier, such as in-game content, have already been created and implemented, a full refund may not be possible.

The post After ??massive Shenmue III Epic exclusive Kickstarter backlash, Ys Net?? and Deep Silver are allowing PC refunds appeared first on Destructoid.

'Thank you for your patience'

In the midst of last week's E3 festivities, one helluva storm broke out upon the reveal that long-awaited RPG sequel Shenmue III is to launch initially on Epic Games Store when it arrives on PC this November. This announcement infuriated a selection the game's backers, who immediately inundat?ed developer Ys Net with a slew of complaints.

Some of these backers then requested refunds, either from the developer or direct from their payment sources, but matters were made worse when Ys Net and publisher Deep Silver announced that they would not be offering refunds for those who wished to receive the sequel via Steam. (It should also be noted that Shenmue III will be coming to Steam, but at an undisclosed later date.) Ys Net has since put out a new statement, which doe??sn't make any motion toward changing the situation, but notes that the developer is "listening" to backer complaints.

"We want to make sure that the Backers are aware that we are listening to their concerns," says the statement, posted on Kickstarter. "We kindly ask all our fans to have some patience, we are currently at E3 demoing the game and need to get back to our respective offices to assess the situation and together find a way forward to justify the trust you placed? in us. Thank you for your patience and support.??"

As I noted last week, the development of Shenmue III has been a long process, but has been built on a very personal connection and faithful rel?ationship between developer and community. To see things turn sour this close to release is a shame, and hopefully the situation can be turned around, one way or another??.

Shenmue III launches on PS4 and PC November 19.

Shenmue I??II s??tatement addresses Epic Games Store controversy [Kickstarter]

The post Shenmue III devs are ‘listening’ to fan complaints over Epic Games Store appeared first on Destructoid.

I (don't) see...

At E3 this week, it was revealed that Ys Net's crowdfunded RPG sequel Shenmue III will be an Epic Games Store exclusive when it launches on PC this November. This late-in-the-day reveal has angered a selection of the title's backers, who originally expected a Steam code of the PC release. Upon announcement, the Kickstarter page was immediately hit with a flood of complaints.

Some of these disgruntled backers have since requested refunds, on the grounds that they will not be receiving the product that they pre-purchased. But, in official replies posted by fans in the comments, these requests have been met with a blanket rejection from the Shenmue III team.

"Thank you very much for contacting us," begins the official reply. "The launch was previously planned for distribution on Steam, however it was decided together with Deep Silver a?fter much discussion that the Epic Games Store woul?d be the best distribution platform option."

"Shenmue III will be distributed through the Epic Games Store and will require the Epic Games Store Client to activate. We apologize for the sudden change in platform, however, refunds will not be granted for this change. We thank you for your support and look forward to delivering the Shenmue? experience fans everywhere hav?e been waiting so long for."

It was also noted that those ordering a physical PC edition will now receive a code for the Epic Games Store, as opposed to the originally advertised Steam code. According to an update on the official FAQ page by publisher Deep Silver, the long-awaited sequel will be coming to Steam "in the future". But this likely won't be enough ??to appease disappointed backer??s, who will be wanting to play the game on their chosen platform day one.

While some backers are claiming they will be seeking refunds direct from their payment sources, others wish to report Ys Net for false advertising. Whatever goes dow?n, this is a pretty miserable ending to what has been, for many years, a passionate and trusted relationship between a development team and their community. Hopefully matters can reach some form of compromise.

Shenmue III launches November 19 on PS4 and PC.

The post Backers denied refunds over Shenmue?? III Epic Games Store exclusivity appeared first on Destructoid.

5,000 copies total

So Shenmue III is coming on November 19, 2019 on PC and PS4.

But Limited Run Games has announced that they've secured exclusive rights to a collector's edition on PC in North America, which comes with a ton of goodies. The PC edition, which, mind, just got an exclusive Epic Games Store Deal (spicy as hell!).

The big box includes a copy of the game on PC, stickers, patches, a double-sided phoenix and dragon mirror, and a "light box" style package. The publisher notes that you can grab it off Limited Run Games' website in the near future.

Now I love Shenmue but I think I'll hold off on this one.

The post Limited Run Games has an exclusive Shenmue III collector’s edition appeared first on Destructoid.