Search found more than 1048 matches

Return

RELEASE: Shenmue Beta Disc 3 Exploration Mod V1 OUTDATED

Hello.

I am proud to announce this new release.

This release is called the Exploration Mod. It has finally hit version 1.

What is it?
This is a mod of Shendream's BETA release of Shenmue 1 Disc 3.
This mod allows you to walk around most areas without clipping. This allows you to walk through walls and most objects.
It also contains playable maps for Beta Yamanose, Beta Sakuragaoka, and Wish Road!

Why?
I made this for my own purpose but I wanted to share it with everyone. I always wanted to go wherever I wanted to when inside of shops and stuff. It was also made as a framework for my upcoming bike mod.

How?
Each mapinfo.bin has been hacked to remove all clipping data.

Who?
The original clipping method was developed by Giorgio.
The beta maps were hacked by Wude.
The Beta itself was released by Shendream.
The grunt work was done by me :)

Which areas can I free roam?
Here is the list: D000 - Retail Dobuita
JD00 - Retail Sakuragaoka
JD01 - Beta Sakuragaoka
JHD0 - Hazuki Residence
JOMO - Ryo's House
JU00 - Retail Yamanose
JU01 - Beta Yamanose
MFSY - Harbor
MKSG - Old Warehouse District
DYKZ - Nagai Industries
DURN - Lapis Fortune Teller
DTKY - Maeda Barber Shop
DSLT - Slot House
DSLI - Bar Linda
DSKI - Global Travel Agency
DRSA - Russiya China Shop
DRME - Manpukuken Ramen
DPIZ - Bob's Pizzaeria
DKTY - Antique Shop
DKPA - Nana's Karaoke Bar
DJAZ - MJQ Jazz Bar
DGCT - You Arcade
DCHA - Ajiichi
DBYO - Bar Yokosuka
DBHB - Heartbeats Bar
TATQ - Tattoo Parlor
JABE - Abe Store Candy Shop
MKYU - Harbor Lounge
YDB1 - Hazuki Basement
D001 - Wish Road

How do I use it? Just like in the original beta release, you can call these specific maps up with the main debug menu.
For the shops that are closed when you go into them with the menu, just use the 4th player controller debug menu to set the time in the game to a time where the shop is open!

Are there bugs?
Yes! Like all arcane Shenmue hacks, bugs will exist.
-Ryo's House is completely broken and invisible. (This will be fixed in the next version)
-Random textures disappear and pop in when you are walking through walls. (This is normal and cannot be fixed.)

NOTE: You cannot play through this as normal!!!!!! It is disc 3 AND the maps are hacked to the point where the normal game will not flow and cutscenes may not trigger. It is for exploring only!

What can I play it on?
Confirmed working on NullDC, DEmul, Reicast, Chankast, and actual DC hardware via CD-R or GDEMU.

Photos: http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p622/shengoro86/2014-09-2312_16_06-nullDC104_n-9371-VPS_4686PAL480i5000RPS_2343Vert_5730KSh4__zps98835b4a.jpg

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p622/shengoro86/2014-09-2311_53_19-nullDC104_n-9975-VPS_4988PAL480i5000RPS_2494Vert_56847KSh4__zps58d8af94.jpg

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p622/shengoro86/2014-09-2311_44_27-nullDC104_n-10012-VPS_5006PAL480i5000RPS_2564Vert_13552KSh4_zps48726907.jpg

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p622/shengoro86/2014-09-2311_55_52-nullDC104_n-10037-VPS_5018PAL480i5000RPS_2570Vert_9109KSh4__zpsfa12b134.jpg

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p622/shengoro86/2014-09-2311_37_29-nullDC104_n-10049-VPS_5025PAL480i5000RPS_2451Vert_29812KSh4_zps92f9be07.jpg

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p622/shengoro86/2014-09-2311_43_15-nullDC104_n-10012-VPS_5006PAL480i5000RPS_2442Vert_13262KSh4_zps89384b76.jpg

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p622/shengoro86/2014-09-2311_44_13-nullDC104_n-8845-VPS_4423PAL480i5000RPS_2211Vert_24128KSh4__zpse8613fc0.jpg

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p622/shengoro86/2014-09-2311_36_59-nullDC104_n-9975-VPS_4988PAL480i5000RPS_2494Vert_26721KSh4__zpsb2da57b7.jpg

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/p622/shengoro86/2014-09-2311_36_10-nullDC104_n-10000-VPS_5000PAL480i5000RPS_2561Vert_43047KSh4_zps71760b27.jpg


How do I download it?
Send me a pm and I'll share it with you.
I don't want to get my MEGA account banned.
by shengoro86
Tue Sep 23, 2014 2:11 pm
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Re: Video Tutorials on Shenmue Hacking Procedures

Episode 3: How to walk through walls but removing clipping from maps.

phpBB [video]
by shengoro86
Tue Sep 23, 2014 9:57 am
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Re: Shenmue special scenes and other videos

Here's a little video about a unique NPC with a cart I discovered while walking around the harbor in shengoros Exploration Mod. Never noticed him walking along the fence before.

phpBB [video]
by BlueMue
Thu Sep 25, 2014 4:39 pm
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Re: RELEASE: Shenmue Beta Disc 3 Exploration Mod V1

im going to make a tutorial video on how to use it. Its very simple once you know what each option is.

Pretty much goes like this.
Main menu debug screen is used to load maps.

In game debug screen is brought up by pressing start on controller 4.
Use the controlller 4 to cycle through the menu and change values, like debug flags and in game time.

I'll have a video up by the end of the week.

Thanks you're amazing. Because it's really frustrating, the main menu debug is there but no button is able to launch the chosen area. And I don't know how to put two pads in port A and D when you just have one without crash nulldc.

edit : Ok you have to disconnect your vmu to work

Here is that video :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuWh90cYhHo&feature=youtu.be
by shengoro86
Sat Sep 27, 2014 12:45 am
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Lil B's favorite game on dc is shenmue

phpBB [video]


Skip to 9:58

Seems like it's one of his favorite video games. Is there a way we can get him involved in the campaign to bring more awareness to the series?

Sounds crazy but I figured it would be worth it to mention it here .
by flip
Sun Sep 28, 2014 12:50 pm
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

SHENMUE CHRONICLES CHAPTER 1 (RYO'S STORY)

Yooooooo Dojo.

The Shenmue holiday special is finally in a decent state for others to play. This Demo was supposed to be released on Christmas day....however there were some serious game breaking bugs that took a while to fix. (better late than never)

READ THIS THREAD CAREFULLY TO AVOID RUNNING INTO PROBLEMS..... AND TO HAVE THE GAME RUN SMOOTHLY.

Origins Of The Game

For the past couple of weeks, I have been investigating a visual novel application known as ren'py. I have a keen interest in this engine, as I would like to one day import my own artwork into its system and create an independent title. However, since most of my drawings are not on my computer, I thought i'd use Shenmue images in it's replacement whilst i learn the language.

This game is very simple and not very deep, as it was something I just threw together whilst learning ren'py. Throughout the game, you will see a lot of unusual events that may NOT seem very "Shenmuish". Again, this is because I was trying different aspects out within the ren'py engine. Dont expect nothing groundbreaking


SHENMUE CHRONICLES CHAPTER 1 (RYO'S STORY) Beta V1.01

http://i41.tinypic.com/r0bguq.jpg

PLOT

After dealing with the Mad Angels, Ryo prepares himself for his long awaited trip to Hong Kong. The following day, he learns that Nozomi has been kidnapped again! Ryo teams up with 4 of his friends in order to rescue her. Can he find Nozomi before he has to leave the country?

This will be a 30 - 45 minute game featuring some of our favorite Shenmue characters. The story will take place after the 70 man battle, and be an alternative take on how Shenmue 1 ended.

http://i43.tinypic.com/9ft9g0.jpg

FAQS

What Are The Controls?

The game is played with the mouse.
1) Left click = continues to the next section
2) right click = access menu (save , load, options, full-screen/window etc)

How Do I Play This Game

Read the dialog on the screen. Whenever you see the blinking arrow, left click to continue. At some points you will be asked to make choices. Choose carefully :)

How Many Endings Does This Game Have?

The game has 2 endings......one good, and one bad. It will be interesting to see which one you guys get lol.

This Game Contains To Much Text And Is Boring

That's visual games for you. You either love them or hate them. I recommend taking your time with the game. Read carefully and slowly.....and don't rush through it.

Spelling And Grammar Mistakes.

Yep, I'm aware of most of the mistakes. But this is a Beta/Demo, so it does have its fair share of issues. This will be fixed in the final version. Unfortunately, I don't have the time at the moment to proof read everything.

Some Images Are Medium To Low Quality?

Most of the game has fairly decent images. However, in some instances, there are medium to low quality pictures. This is mainly seen with Nagashima and Eri. This will be fixed in the final version.

My Screen Resolution Doesn't Support This Game?

This game was created in a 800 x 600 format. If you encounter black borders on either side of the screen, adjust your screen resolution on the desktop (right click on desktop and press on properties or screen resolution).

Can I Play This In Fullscreen?

You can, but you will more than likely notice the low quality images and bad sprite rips. I recommend playing in window mode if you're a graphics or perfectionist whore. :) To run in fullscreen mode, right click to access the options menu, click on preferences, and click full screen. (You must have a fairly decent direct x driver installed, otherwise the game will crash when going fullscreen)

The Game's Font Doesn't Work On My Computer

This game uses the "Arlrdbd" font. Download it here and follow the instructions on the site to install the font.
http://www.fontsupply.com/fonts/A/Arlrdbd.html

I've Encountered An Error

Refer to the FAQs or send me a PM.

You've Included My Work And Given Me A Shoutout

There are various shout-outs and nods to some dojo members and youtubers in the game........mainly when Ryo goes to sleep. I did this out of respect, as i wanted this to be a community project for everyone on the dojo. If you have a problem with the inclusion of your work, let me no and I'll get rid of it.

Thanks For The Shoutout

No problem. Keep up the awesome work.

Why Didn't I Have A Shoutout?

Everyone on the dojo will get a shoutout in the final game.

Thanks For Making This

No problem. This is my Christmas present to the Shenmue Community

Where Are The Fight Scenes?

There are no fight scenes in the demo. Wait for the fullgame.

This Game Sucks, You Suck

Love you to. Remember, this is something I just threw together. It's not suppose to be taken seriously. Hopefully next year, we can all work on a game together to make it extra awesome.

Distribution

Please do not share the links or reupload them. Link people to this thread. This is a Beta test for hardcore shenmue fans to try out, enjoy, and give feedback in order to make the final product amazing. Please respect these terms.

What Do You Still Need To Work On?

Ha, tons of stuff. sprites, scripts, grammar checks, importing a Shenmue user interface, audio, fight scenes, extra characters, animation, intro, ending etc. This is nowhere near finished.

When's The Final Version?

For those who actually enjoyed the game, the final version will be much MUCH bigger. (New areas, characters, sequences, fight scenes, voice clips, choices, UI etc) The game will go past Shenmue 1.... and on to a certain ship :)
Final version coming 2014.

Have You Got Any Other Projects Like This?

I have many different Shenmue Demo's, but this was the only one that was in a half decent state

How Can I Say Thank You And Support Shenmue

1)Give this thread a thumbs up and thank you
2)Buy the Ryo Hazuki first four figure statue
3)Buy Ryo DLC in sonic racing transformed
4)Buy Shenmue clothing from insertcoin
5)join TeamYu.net to save Shenmue
6)Sign up to the ShenmueDojo, ShenmueMaster Website.
7)Subscribe to ziming and AdamKoralik's youtube channels.


How to install The Game

1) First install the Arlrdbd font. Download here http://www.fontsupply.com/fonts/A/Arlrdbd.html

Unzip font

Windows XP Font Install:
Drag arlrdbd.ttf into C:\Windows\Fonts - The font will automatically install.

- Windows 7/Vista Font Install:
Right click arlrdbd.ttf and then click "Install".

2)Download the base file here
http://www.mediafire.com/download/pwoaa5vxsnw28wa/Project+Shen+Base+File.zip

3)Download the sound/image file here
http://www.mediafire.com/download/a5gck80wtvgd7yz/Project+Shen+Sound+and+Pics.zip

4)Extract base file (winrar, winzip)

5)Extract sound/image file (winrar , winzip)

6)The extracted sound and image file should be called "archive.rpa". copy this to the game directory of the basefile.
(Project Xmas 2013 Special Demo-all/game/PLACE ARCHIVE FILE HERE)

7)Double click the Project Xmas 2013 Special Demo application icon in the main directory.

Enjoy.

@ShenmueTree, I can't wait to try out Project Sekai. It's where my original inspiration came from. :king:

I hope all you guys have an awesome XMAS holiday, and a fantastic new year. Hopefully we get more Shenmue news in 2014. :)

http://i39.tinypic.com/2ic88sj.jpg

Giorgio Let's play of the game

Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55PlS7bJVQM

Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrnjbBM2G-M

Enjoy
by ShenSun
Mon Dec 30, 2013 11:41 am
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Re: Cool Game Related Logos

I've always been really fond of the Cyan logo for some reason... probably because of the way it was presented in this intro sequence.

phpBB [video]
by Thief
Mon Oct 06, 2014 4:40 am
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Re: New Members Introduce Yourself!

Hello everyone :D

Yes, i know, i'm a bit to late for first time Introducing me, but yeah, better late than never.

How i come to Shenmue and to this very wonderful Forum? It's easy to explain. On German Videogame-Magazins like "fun generation" and "Maniac" was reporting about "Project Berkley", who was later Shenmue, since this day it was on my radar. I bought my Dreamcast in 1999 and it has cost 333,- DM (an old currency before €uro). The long waiting on Shenmue I was really terrible. Special when i going to a market to buy Shenmue after Release-Day and before Christmas, but my father want to give this Game as a gift for christmas to me. And the waiting was very hard, two days to christmas, but when i got this Game, i tirned on my Dreamcast and i was hours of playing. After two weeks Shenmue I was solved. :D And this was the first time i got tears in my eyes on the ending. Tears of happiness, of course. :P
To get Shenmue II was really, really hard. The Release-Date was in Germany not concrete. In Magazines was a different Street-Date, January 11 in 2002, but the correct official Release was on November 2001. And my traders doesn't know when Shenmue II will released. With very very big luck, i owned the last exemplar of Shenmue II by my favourite trader and i was happy. And yes, i become more tears in my eyes in the ending of Shenmue II. Now i understand it: The Ending was like a goodbye. I was waiting, waiting and waiting about a announcement in Magazines, but no, nothing happens. Of Course, Shenmue Online, but i don't interested me for an MMO. (The only one interesting thing is the fireball from Ryo Hazuki. Was this a story-relevant hint for Shenmue 3?) However, i saw this Trailer later in Internet. I have Internet since 2004 for Half-Life ².
What for beautiful Games Shenmue are and it is so sadly that Yu Suzuki or SEGA doesn't announce Shenmue 3. I still have my Dreamcast. 8)

With the internet i comes to shenmuedojo. A fantastic Forum, i visit very often in the hope to finding new informations about an announcement. ;-) (Sorry for my english ;-) )
by SledgeNE
Wed Oct 08, 2014 10:16 am
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Shenmue Intro Parody - Yu Suzuki vs SEGA

So I made this video a while back to share here as joke, but after uploading to YouTube I completely forgot to post it (which is why I am doing it now).
It's an edited version of the Shenmue intro where Yu Suzuki fights SEGA to steal the Shenmue license! Please tell me what you think :D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcrH8SWEUWY

And a little extra for people who know how envelopes work in video editing software. This is a screenshot of Yu's movement between 0:38 and 0:42:
http://i.gyazo.com/b8103c8c7465dffc7202ae3e7523c31d.png
by Jibby
Sat Oct 18, 2014 1:58 pm
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Shenmue Undub [Japanese Speech Mod] [CD-R 80/99/GDI]

http://kogami.free.fr/Photo/Shenmue/logo.jpg

Shenmue is a 1999 adventure video game developed by Sega AM2 and published by Sega for the Dreamcast, produced and directed by Yu Suzuki. Suzuki coined a genre title for its nonlinear gameplay, "FREE" (Full Reactive Eyes Entertainment), for the game, based on the interactivity and freedom he wanted to give to the player. Suzuki intended to achieve this by simulating aspects of real life through the game, such as the day and night system, real-time variable weather effects (unheard of in a game of this kind at the time), fully voiced non-player characters with their own daily schedules, quick time events, and various other interactive elements such as vending machines, arcades, and convenience stores.

This version made by me offers users the ability to play Shenmue with Japanese voices and English subtitles. I used the official English translation for this undub version, but the Japanese version of Shenmue contains more dialogue, there is approximately 3% of Japanese text retained in my version (I have not yet managed to find a translator that is able to translate the remaining Japanese sentences into English for me).

I used the translation from "US Shenmue" to make this Undub version.

For this release, I copied all the necessary directories (Sound + Japanese Subtitle) into a PAL ISO for Shenmue and I changed most of the Japanese text into English one line at a time. Thanks to the translation tools that Sizious released.

The advantage of this method:
-Less errors/Synchronization bugs (lip sync)
-The subtitles for the dialogue are in good working order in the game
-I replaced the designs of the vending machines with the original Japanese versions
-For the CD-R 80 version, I downsampled some of the voices to avoid deleting any audio from the game (as a result all of the characters have speech)

Unfortunately, there is still some Japanese text in the script (3%) Because the Japanese script contains more text than the English script, and I am not able to translate them (This only concerns the NPCs).

Thus this version of Shenmue Undub corrects some of the errors that plagued Smiths version.

Two version are available (CD-R 80 and CD-R 99) with some difference to make it fit in the appropriate sizes,

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shenmue Undub "Disc 1" [PAL-E] (CD-R 80):
-I downsampled the NPC audio only (not cutscene) in FREE01.AFS from 14000hz to 11025hz.
-The language menu and text is in English only.

Shenmue Undub "Disc 2" [PAL-E] (CD-R 80):
-I downsampled the NPC audio only (not cutscene) in FREE02.AFS from 14000hz to 8000hz.
-The language menu and text is in English only.

Shenmue Undub "Disc 3" [PAL-E] (CD-R 80):
-I downsampled the NPC audio only (not cutscene) in FREE03.AFS from 14000hz to 8000hz.
-The language menu and text is in English only.
-Arcade game remove (Hang On/Space Harrier)
-Track CDDA remove ("Wish..." song motorcycle cutscene)

Download:
[Link removed]
[Link removed]
[Link removed]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shenmue Undub "Disc 1" [PAL-E] (CD-R 99):
Shenmue Undub "Disc 2" [PAL-E] (CD-R 99):
Shenmue Undub "Disc 3" [PAL-E] (CD-R 99):
-Everything is untouched on the disk, no changes have been made.

Download: .mdf / .mds format "Alcohol 120%"
Shenmue Undub Disc 1 (CD-R 99)
Shenmue Undub Disc 2 (CD-R 99) [reupload bug fix 07/2015]
Shenmue Undub Disc 3 (CD-R 99)

Download: .cdi format "DiscJuggler"
Shenmue Undub Disc 1 (CD-R 99) CDI
Shenmue Undub Disc 2 (CD-R 99) CDI [reupload bug fix 07/2015]
Shenmue Undub Disc 3 (CD-R 99) CDI

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shenmue Undub [PAL-E] .GDI for GDEMU/USB-GDROM/Emulator: [News 07/11/15]
-Everything is untouched on the disk, no changes have been made.

Download:

Mediafire ( Disc 1,2,3) - Re-uploaded by shengoro86.

Shenmue Undub Disc 1 (GDI)
Shenmue Undub Disc 2 (GDI)
Shenmue Undub Disc 3 (GDI)

The savegame for this version is compatible with the PAL version of Shenmue II.

You will need Alcohol 120% to burn the file (.mdf / .mds).
Alcohol 120% trial v2.0.2.5830

Follow these instructions for burning to CD-R 80 and CD-R 99 discs:
Tuto Burning part 1
Tuto Burning part 2

Special thanks: Manic, Sizious, Shendream, Hiei-, MagicSeb, FamilyGuy.

Preview video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHMLu5FZ7Jk

http://img11.hostingpics.net/pics/564304Sanstitre2.jpg
by kogami
Wed Feb 19, 2014 12:53 pm
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Re: Shenmue special scenes and other videos

After trying this months ago and failing, I was now finally able to meet Mr. Yukawa at the Bar!
That's one more thing of the list. I'm really running out of things to do...

phpBB [video]
by BlueMue
Sun Oct 26, 2014 9:12 am
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Re: Master Baihu = Zunming Zhao?

Secondary plot twist...Baihu is actually.....FUKU-SAN \:D/
by KX-5
Wed Sep 24, 2014 4:18 am
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Shenmue Save Game Collection [FINISHED!]

Hi!
Ever wanted to do a certain battle/view a cuscene but don't have the save game? Well then...
Welcome to my Shenmue Save Game Collection! Here you'll find saves from Shenmue NTSC version (the PAL simply wouldn't work :(, but I'll include a converted cleared save game file when I finish. I saved at the end of each day (so there are fewer saves then my Shenmue 2 collection, but the resume feature on Shenmue 1 required too much work (reloading the emulator/game etc.))

Link: https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=67847CEE46E27931!3377&authkey=!ADYoUkCpYsA6Jt8&ithint=folder%2czip

Hope it helps somebody! Enjoy! :D

Forgot to say: The saves include all the moves that you can learn in Shenmue (move scrolls included) and lots of money (about 100000yen)!!
by mike177
Tue Dec 24, 2013 12:28 pm
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Re: Shenmue 1080p

My goodness, those guilin pics are beautiful. How are you doing this?

3dMAX, MT5 extractor, 3d ripper, photoshop and a lot of patience and love. :D


http://i.imgur.com/vmS82Pr.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Kc2b3OL.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/hn6RAE2.jpg
by Esppiral
Fri Nov 07, 2014 8:30 pm
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Re: BlueMue's Shenmue videos

Went back to this particular scene again. The English dub makes it even more goofy.

phpBB [video]
by BlueMue
Sun Dec 07, 2014 9:19 am
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Re: Conversation with Giocorsi (From LanDC at PSX)

[...]

He said there are a lot of issues restricting the release of Shenmue.

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=142176208&postcount=502

[...]
About this bit of information; there was another Gaffer/insider who (in question about " Why SEGA didn't make a Shenmue HD Collection for PS360 again? ") said:

Afaik, it's mostly due to legal/copyright reasons.

back in '12 you may remember that Sega went into a port spree. JSR, Nights...they thought it was a great idea, with very low risk and nice proft potential since, well, they don't want to fund traditional AAA anymore. Multiple ports were in development, among them was the canceled Skies of Arcadia port.

Shenmue case was special since not many people know this, but apparently the engine for both games uses licensed technology. It's not Bink Video or Sofdec codecs, apparently it's related to the very own engine.

Well, the thing is, according to what I've been told, the owner of those technologies folded years ago, and it's not clear who owns the copyright now.

Someone shown Sega a working Shenmue prototype for Xbox 360...but after disappointing sales by JSR and Nights, they didn't care enough to bother with the legal hassle. So it never went through the prototype stage, and the Skies of Arcadia port was canceled.

[...]
[Source: http://shenmuedojo.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=46868&p=1068524#p1068524]
by Giorgio
Sun Dec 07, 2014 3:27 pm
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Re: Favorite Shenmue 1 Moment?

I loved finding rare pieces of dialogue in the game. The reactions of the residents of Dobuita to chai is a particular highlight. Also when you visit the tattoo guy mid to late way through disc he has some really interesting things to say about the Mad angels. I loved all that kind of stuff.
by Chaikilla
Tue Dec 09, 2014 11:23 am
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Re: Skip airing out the books!

It should be possible to pull this off while looking for the Wulinshu. The scene with Xiuying should trigger if you walk back towards the library. I haven't tried it on that day yet.

Of course you won't get any moves from Hanhui but that isn't too bad (expect for the Sleeve Strike) because you can buy them yourself. And if you use this glitch in the beginning of the game, you won't regret having to pay for them either. Just use it to keep your bag and money and to get out of Aberdeen. Then spend all the money you'd lose anyway on the move scrolls. \:D/

EDIT: I tried it on the Xbox on the day you search for the Wulinshu just now. The scene with Xiuying does trigger but you have to wait until after 10 a.m. until she appears.
by BlueMue
Wed Nov 26, 2014 8:40 am
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Re: Shenmue E3 Discussion

Let's do this! Although for the love of it all I've honestly forgotten just how many times we've already tried to do this...no matter. It's been a sincere honour in continuing to support Shenmue over the past decade and a half with all of you, and I never lose hope or enthusiasm for what Mr.Suzuki may be capable of creating and sharing with us next. Will be watching and discussing closely with all of you in the coming hours and days. Chin up, guys and gals!
by Wanderin'
Sun Jun 14, 2015 8:26 pm
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Re: Shenmue E3 Discussion

phpBB [video]


Better, conference with subs ^
by harris_t
Mon Jun 15, 2015 11:30 pm
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Re: Shenmue E3 Discussion

Thank you all! It's been a damn hard road we've all walked on, but Shenmue 3 is surely reality now, especially with more or less 1 million dollars in just under an hour or so since the kickstarter started. But, although it may seem like we can all finally sigh in relief now, the work has only just begun and our hardest work is only yet to come! But! This continued hard work will pay off - just some quick thoughts to whet your imaginations:

1) Like many suggest, 2 million dollars is hardly enough to make a top calibre game these days. So where is the rest of Shenmue 3's real budget coming from? Likely a combination of what Suzuki himself has been able to accrue from several years of hard effort in rallying for this project and hopefully, most likely, Sony.

But this Kickstarter is incredibly important!!! This Kickstarter, and however much real money we fans literally finally end up contributing to it *IS* the proof that there is an audience waiting and wanting desperately for the game, which all in good faith should prove to whomever else is thinking about working with and supporting Suzuki monetarily that their money and resources is going towards a legitimately genuine cause.

Once and for all, let's prove to Sega that there is a real fanbase for Shenmue willing to truly support the franchise with our own hard earned money. It won't mean much, but it sure as hell will bolster Suzuki's pride knowing that his fans are there to support him truthfully and earnestly even when his own damn parent company in Sega didn't for all these years.

2) Shenmue 1 and 2 HD isn't so out of the question just yet. Sony do seem like they want Suzuki and Shenmue 3 to succeed. If the Kickstarter is a great success and Yu and Co. (truly awesome how Yu was able to get most of the original staff back together like a band to do this, once and for all...) truly do start working heavily on completing the game, there's no reason why Sony wouldn't step up to the plate and do whatever they can to make Shenmue 1 and 2 HD releases as a primer leading up to Shenmue 3 a reality.

Like Suzuki said it - the fate of Shenmue is in our hands now...as it's always been. While other fanbases get spoonfed their wildest wishes (ie. SquareEnix probably has no financial worry about remaking FF7...), we will always have to work hard to get ours. So - not until the very day when Shenmue 3 is finally released will our real work let up.

Let's do this, my dear friends. Thanks.
by Wanderin'
Mon Jun 15, 2015 11:39 pm
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Re: Will Shenmue 3 conclude the story?

Hell yeah it will. Ryo and Shenhua control the Phoenix and epic end fight against the dragon from Lan Di. Phoenix wins. Shenmue Online trailer spoiled a lot, but i guess if that's the story then that's the story, right? Yu is never wrong...
by Master Kyodai
Tue Jun 16, 2015 4:35 pm
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Re: Will Shenmue 3 conclude the story?

We don't need closure everybody. We need continuation. Ideally this goes on further than Shenmue III. We've been dreaming big for so long, are we going to give up with just the idea of III? Never be content with anything! Ever.
by Thief
Tue Jun 16, 2015 5:02 pm
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Re: Some concerns over the Kickstarter video and vision

I'm glad there are people besides me that have concerns over that trailer. One of my biggest fears is that this is going to be a 'design by committee' game. Yes, technically this is a kickstarter but it also is a console exclusive game and sony has a vested interest in making sure the game sells better then the first two. I worry that this means they'll push to cut certain aspects of the game in exchange for aspects that they hope will make the game sell, like getting rid of the more realistic character models (one of the best features in shenmue imo) in favor of a glossy, more westernized look in order to make the game more 'visually appealing'.

I also worry about whether Yu Suzuki now has drastically different ideas as to what to do with the Shenmue series. When he uses words like 'instant mastery' it frustrates me as that to me was the furthest thing from what I thought the concept of the original games were. The martial arts in the original games were supposed to be a slow source of discovery and enlightenment for the main character, and I thought it would be the biggest contributor to Ryo's development as a character over the course of the series. Anything that's 'instant' goes completely against that. I know that people revere Yu Suzuki as some sort of infallible game designer, but the fact remains that he is very much human, and 15 years is a long time to stew over the same ideas. It may be that his ideas as to what makes Shenmue good no longer match my own at all.

Because there is so much hype here and so such potential for things to go wrong, i refuse to get my hopes up until some more concrete details begin to emerge
by Jack
Wed Jun 17, 2015 7:11 pm
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Re: SHENMUE 3 ANNOUNCED FOR PS4 KICKSTARTER (INFORMATION INS

I posted this on the Kickstarter comment section. Agree/Disagree?

Thank you Yu, and everyone else involved doing this. However, there's a lot of confusion with this Kickstarter. I think you guys are unknowingly damaging the potential for the Kickstarter. Besides revealing Sony's involvement on the first day of the Kickstarter, giving people the idea that there is no more need to back it on Kickstarter because a big company like Sony is supporting it, there's also a lot of vagueness in relation to the stretch goals.

For example, what exactly is Raport? What is the Skill Tree? What are Character Perspectives? No one knows or understands, and this vagueness leaves doubts not only on your potential backers but current backers. Could you further expound upon these features?

Finally, why isn't Yu doing interviews all over the place for the Kickstarter to give information? There was a French interview on Youtube, but not one available in English. A lot of the marketing so far is scattershot and unorganized. Please do better. Thank you, a grateful Shenmue fan.
by Himuro
Wed Jun 17, 2015 9:24 pm
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Re: Famitsu scans

I might work on the translation once its in my hands!
by Axm
Thu Jun 18, 2015 2:47 am
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Re: What modern gaming features would you like to see in S3?

Please DON'T have quest markers. This is a big deal to me.
by Taren Fox
Thu Jun 18, 2015 8:35 am
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Re: What modern gaming features would you like to see in S3?

The ability to load the entire game world at the start so we don't have load times for going in houses and things. Have the world continuous. That's all I can think of.
Absolutely this. However, one thing I loved about the old games is that every district, every neighborhood, every quarter for the most part and every building you could enter had it's own music. And the loading screen sort of acted as a transition into a new song. I love the different environmental music for each area and I'm sure they could still incorporate it somehow.
by JaySw34
Wed Jun 17, 2015 4:40 pm
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Re: Yu Suzuki doing Reddit AMA tomorrow!

We should all ask him questions about Space-Harrier.
by Thief
Thu Jun 18, 2015 8:15 pm
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Re: Did Shenmue III reveal make you cry?

I bawled my eyes out for a good few minutes, i used to play / watch my older brother play in the earlier 2000's and we bonded over the game quite a bit, talked about how we thought the story would end etc. Hes dead now so he wont be able to finish it, but i certainly will. RIP
by skatblast
Tue Jun 16, 2015 7:39 pm
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Shenmue 3 News | Multimedia | Interview Archive

http://i.imgur.com/PpX0GvY.png
Shenmue 3 Kickstarter Website
Also Visit: http://www.phantomriverstone.com/


Shenmue 3 Update #65: Dev Room Progress Report Vol. 2
https://youtu.be/HUblCa_MHBM

Shenmue 3 Kickstarter Update #62: Yu-San & Music
https://youtu.be/2ePkAKD3gUI

Shenmue 3 - Yu Suzuki Interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3lnJsGTC_s

Yu Suzuki Interview Part 2 (May 9 Bessatsu Shonen Magazine)
http://www.shenmuedojo.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=50092

Yu Suzuki Interview (May 9 Bessatsu Shonen Magazine)
http://www.shenmuedojo.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=50042

Yu Suzuki Interview - Shenmue3 (Shenmue Dojo & Team Yu @ Magic Monaco 2016)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-_kR2fnYKc

Yu Suzuki interview (MAGIC 2016) by Shenmue Master
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mpnc23uyH4w

Yu Suzuki No Life Interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjgvJp8LDhU

A weekend with Yu Suzuki
https://medium.com/@MoosaviAmir/a-weekend-with-yu-suzuki-6ff4d9d9edb6#.9shym44kn

Yu Suzuki interview by Journal du Japon (Translated by Yokosuka)
http://www.shenmuedojo.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=49125&start=510#p1131657

Magic Monaco 2016
http://www.shenmuedojo.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=49125&p=1118425#p1118425

Yu Suzuki Red Bull Games Interview + New Screens
http://www.redbull.com/en/games/stories/1331775510544/shenmue-3-yu-suzuki-interview

Magic Monaco 2016 - Exclusive New Shenmue III Screens
http://www.shenmuedojo.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=48&t=49589#p1128104

Cédric Biscay interview by Desert Bus de l'Espoir (15/11/21)
http://www.shenmuedojo.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=49417

Yu Suzuki Reveals Shenmue 3 Prototype in China (Complete Video) -Subtitled-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNkaLCzL6Z8

China interview with Yu Suzuki (Nov 19)
http://www.shenmuedojo.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=49353

Cédric Biscay : Monaco Hebdo and modogameur.fr interviews
http://www.shenmuedojo.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=49338

Executive Shenmue Ambassador interview with Yu Suzuki
http://shenmueambassador.tumblr.com/post/132143057983/from-the-desk-of-yu-suzuki-a-community-exclusive

Kickstarter - Month 3 Progress Report
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ysnet/shenmue-3/posts/1398446?ref=backer_project_update

Yu Suzuki interview with David Deville - Shenmue 3
http://www.shenmuedojo.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=49223

DualShockers Yu Suzuki Interview
http://www.dualshockers.com/2015/10/20/shenmue-iii-interview-yu-suzuki-talks-gameplay-tech-romance-ps4-pc-frame-rate-and-much-more/

EuroGamer Article/Interview
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-10-04-i-could-do-with-a-bit-more-money-yu-suzuki-on-the-return-of-shenmue

Famitsu Interview with Yu (Sept 8th)
http://www.shenmuedojo.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=49050&p=1116549#p1116549

Otakumode Yu Suzuki Interview
http://otakumode.com/news/55c62e97887d92a516b043ae/Interview-with-Yu-Suzuki-Producer-of-the-%E2%80%9CShenmue%E2%80%9D-Series

Progress Update Interview with Yu Suzuki
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ysnet/shenmue-3/posts/1336892

The Point - How Did Shenmue 3 Raise $6.3 Million? (Gamespot)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hp_jAoaDFxs

GamesTM Yu Suzuki Interview
http://www.shenmuedojo.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&p=1114235#p1114235

Play UK Magazine
http://www.shenmuedojo.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=48921&start=15#p1114240

Phil Spencer (Xbox) talks about Shenmue 3
http://www.shenmuedojo.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=48911&p=1113520#p1113520

Shenmue 3 Kickstarter Final Countdown (Twitch)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WK7lg_Ip6Og

Yu Suzuki interview from Hobby Consolas. (Spanish)
http://www.shenmuedojo.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=48828#p1111832

Interview with Cedric Biscay (Radio Monaco) - July 22, 2015
http://www.shenmuedojo.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=48753

Cedric Biscay Interview @ Gameblog.fr - July 15th 2015
https://www.reddit.com/r/translator/comments/3de0mh/french_english_video_game_article_about_shenmue/

Yu Suzuki interview from Nico Nico Douga.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IntCDAc6c8Y

Yu Suzuki Twitter Q&A Recap (June 10th)
http://www.shenmuedojo.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=48420

Yu Suzuki Q&A on Twitter (#YouaskYu)
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=170828960&postcount=12245

Corey Marshall back for Shenmue 3 (Official)
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ysnet/shenmue-3/posts/1280725

Ryuji Iuchi's blog update on Shenmue music
http://www.shenmuedojo.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&p=1100498#p1100498

Shenmue 3 Funding and Budget Statement
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ysnet/shenmue-3

Famitsu Article Translation
http://www.shenmuedojo.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=47760

Yu Suzuki 4gamer interview- touching the character perspective system
http://www.shenmuedojo.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=47935

Inside-Games.jp - Yu Suzuki interview - (updated translation)
http://www.shenmuedojo.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=47878

Yu Suzuki interview published by Inside-Games on June 17
http://www.shenmuedojo.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=47878#p1093031

Twitch Q&A (Fan Translation)
http://www.shenmuedojo.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=48103&start=15#p1097784

GAME Watch interview snippets
http://www.shenmuedojo.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=47937

Yu Suzuki AMA - Reddit
http://www.shenmuedojo.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=47838

Yu Suzuki Game Informer Interview
http://goo.gl/HkSdgQ

Getting The Rights To Shenmue Was Easier Than You’d Think
http://goo.gl/U5Udul

Yu Suzuki/Cedric Biscay interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKb0vtQz8xo

Blit Software Interview about porting games
http://www.gamespek.com/2015/07/14/entrevistamos-a-blitworks-el-estudio-responsable-de-muchos-de-los-mejores-ports-que-habeis-podido-disfrutar-recientemente/

Shuhei Yoshida Contributed $29 to Shenmue 3 Kickstarter
http://www.shenmuedojo.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=48057

Jim Ryan (Head of Sony Europe) discussing Shenmue
http://www.shenmuedojo.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=48055

Sony clarifies its role in bringing Shenmue 3 to the PS4 - thanks to @yosp (Shuhei Yoshida)
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-06-22-yu-suzuki-needs-usd10-million-to-make-a-truly-open-world-shenmue-3

Understanding Sony's Role in Shenmue 3
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/141291-Sony-will-be-involved-in-marketing-and-production-for-Shenmue-3?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=share&utm_campaign=all

So, what is Shenmue III - and why should I care?
http://crashlanded.co.uk/Shenmue-clearing-up-the-confusion.php

Cedric Biscay Tweet (Sony only funding PS4 port from PC)
https://twitter.com/CedricBiscay/status/612352032851259392

Sony is providing various supports, including marketing and investment, to YSNet. However, SONY is just one of many backers of #Shenmue3
https://twitter.com/CedricBiscay/status/612504077658923008

Sony's Yoshida Interview - Not completely funding Shenmue question - http://i.imgur.com/WhDkpyN.png
http://goo.gl/bpYp8h

Kickstarter Money going to Developers. Not Sony
https://twitter.com/DanShoeHsu/status/612461118326345728

What We Know About Shenmue III So Far.
http://bit.ly/1HX8mzL

How to make Shenmue on a budget
http://www.polygon.com/2015/6/17/8795017/shenmue-on-a-budget

Yu Suzuki Wants To Introduce A New QTE System For Shenmue 3
http://www.siliconera.com/2015/06/17/yu-suzuki-wants-to-introduce-a-new-qte-system-for-shenmue-3/#XZoGokRCsjqs902E.99

Yu Suzuki - Playstation E3 Experience 2015 Live Cast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPgiRIR07qU

How Sony Pulled Off Their E3 2015 Press Conference
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRGlVDi3FHQ

Sony definitely supporting Shenmue 3 (Adam Boyes)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRZzuTwTEUE

Adam Boyes explains Sony's role with Shenmue 3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dL198n2d0o

Adam Boyes - Shenmue Discussion (Gamespot Live E3 2015)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FhW-1TRJ54

Shuhei Yoshida E3 Highlights
http://www.shenmuedojo.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=47686&start=60#p1091419

Andrew House mentions Shenmue
http://goo.gl/ZttCBq

News of the Shenmue 3 Kickstarter reaches Time magazine!
http://time.com/3923809/shenmue-3-kickstarter-campaign/?xid=fbshare

Shenmue 3 sets Guinness World Record for quickest video game crowdfunding
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-06-17-shenmue-3-sets-guinness-world-record-for-quickest-video-game-crowdfunding

Shenmue 3- tells the underside of revival
https://goo.gl/QPA1ot

Shenmue 3 Epic Reaction Art
https://twitter.com/nambabowl/status/611172660416937984
Reaction video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsS0fWIo9FY

MCV article: multi platform and the magic $10 million
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/shenmue-3-could-hit-extra-platforms-suzuki-says-10m-would-deliver-open-world/0151531

Shenmue 3 Kickstarter Image Gallery
http://shenmuedojo.net/gallery/index.php?cat=11

Concept Art Topic
http://www.shenmuedojo.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=48150
by Ziming
Fri Jun 19, 2015 8:09 am
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Re: Shenmue's Success in Direct Proportion to Suzuki's Happi

I remember an Interview with Yu Suzuki, I saw that about a year ago. It took place in his kitchen and was part of some series covering legendary game designers like Hideo Kojima, Shigeru Miyamoto and of course, Yu.

The interview revolved mostly around Shenmue and Yu kind of evaded the questions regarding Shenmue's future and he seemed a bitter and broken man to me through his answers. It's just great to see Yu full of life, ambition and happiness again. This is the Yu Suzuki we all know and love!
by Hyo Razuki
Fri Jun 19, 2015 7:34 am
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Re: The Dojo and Shenmue Community linked on the OFFICIAL SI

Main character is clearly Goro, don't know what you're smoking OL.
by Thief
Tue Jun 16, 2015 1:02 am
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Re: Yu Suzuki - Reddit AMA Today!

The only thing I'd like to ask Yu, is to please not ask the fans how they want certain characters to be. Shenmue should be about his vision, even if it is Kickstarted. I would have thought that would be what most fans wanted too. Does anyone really want to vote on polls determining a charater's personality...
by mue 26
Fri Jun 19, 2015 11:24 am
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Re: Corey Marshall SEGA Nerdcast Friday, June 19th

Live right now boys and girls!

⋅ "None of the voice actors knew anything about it"
⋅ Thinks they are "trying to keep the look and feel as much as possible" whilst pushing the technology
⋅  Always had "stuff in the mix" about Shenmue III, shown some ideas and concept art to Marshall at the time.
⋅  "99.999% of the reason we have Shenmue today is because of the fans", "the best fans in the world, who do not take no for an answer"
by NeoShredder
Fri Jun 19, 2015 1:22 pm
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Re: Ideas to help the Kickstarter campaign

I just tweeted it out and will keep doing so frequently on my Twitter account. Hopefully I can gather pledges that way. Also as a Youtuber I will be mentioning it at the beginning of my next video and in my streams that I do daily.

I have 153k followers on twitter and over 400k subscribers on Youtube. Hope I can help as much as I can as this for me is a dream come true. I've also pledged $500 and will probably pledge more once higher options are available.

http://s9.postimg.org/fw20345fj/a916a0b8e54d9fa3d86c1acdb15eac02.png
by itani
Sat Jun 20, 2015 6:38 am
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Re: Reddit AMA Answers

Im so proud that Dojo and I curated so many quality questions and we got most of them answered.

Thank you and to everyone & this thread for making Reddit comprehensible. It was a genuinely fascinating read.

I still don't see why Paypal is under consideration, I was expecting it upon signing up to KickStarter for this.

As neat was it is to hear of past ideas returning in Shenmue 3, some I am not so keen on. Forklift driving/racing was fun but I consider that a feature of Shenmue 1, I wan't a new mini-game/job feature which isn't identical to the previou games. Reading that got me all excited though, going to return to more Shenmue 1 right now :)
by TheThirdComing
Sat Jun 20, 2015 12:28 pm
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Re: Wasting money on smaller languages

This is starting to get ridiculous. Please just let Yu continue his original plan and don't mess with it.
Even just showing that you don't like how money is going to subtitles is bad. Please stop this nonsense.
We all want to pull together to get Yu Suzuki's vision done, right? RIGHT?
by BlueMue
Sat Jun 20, 2015 4:29 pm
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Famitsu Translation & Scans

http://www.mediafire.com/view/6siygr66m2te2qr/i-wf0702_004.jpg#
http://www.mediafire.com/view/bp8911gv5b7y5a3/i-wf0702_005.jpg#
http://www.mediafire.com/view/zhehbcn73zhkp9a/i-wf0702_006.jpg#
http://www.mediafire.com/view/bf1trmgz7tejf1m/i-wf0702_007.jpg#
http://www.mediafire.com/view/6md3ql10x1ppiw6/i-wf0702_008.jpg#
http://www.mediafire.com/view/6iot4869ui62rdr/i-wf0702_009.jpg#

thanks to kurushii for the scans.

Famitsu Translation by Axm and Switch

Feature Story
- Ryo Hazuki is coming back -


Shenmue III has set off
The fundraising campaign has started on Kickstarter


E3 2015 is being held in Los Angeles from June 17th till 19th (Japan time). Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) press conference was held in June 16th, a day before E3 starts, and a game creator Yu Suzuki announced the new “Shenmue 3.” He also revealed his campaign using the crowd-funding site “Kickstarter” to raise funds for this game.
It’s been 14 years since the release of Shenmue 2. What will this eagerly-awaited Shenmue 3 be like? Why did he chose Kickstarter?--- I have asked the executive produce Mr.Suzuki. (Interviewer: Famitsu chief editor Katsuhiko Hayashi)


Finally setting off the official sequel “Shenmue 3”


---The impact of the name of “Shenmue 3” is so great and it surprised me when I first heard it. Well, it’s been 14 years since Shenmue 2 was released. Why make Shenmue 3 now? Would you give us the accounts on how it started?
Suzuki: I have been always looking for the way to launch Shenmue 3, so it is not like we just started this project. Although it’s been more than a decade since Shenmue 2, there are many enthusiastic fans still existing and when I attend autograph sessions abroad, they always come ask me “When is Shenmue 3 coming?” For example in France, 80% of people who come to my autograph sessions are the Shenmue fans. The rest of 10% are Virtua Fighter fans and the other 10% are Hang-on fans or so. There are fans who still manage fan communities. Every year around March and April, the rumor “They say that they are making Shenmue 3” comes out and it reaches me.. haha.


---The eagerly waiting voices turn to rumors.
Suzuki: Yes that’s right. But slowly the fan’s voices have changed to something wistful. They say “It can be just a novel, so please give us the sequel story at least” or “Just manga is fine. We want to see a new “Shenmue”.” Those voices made me think that I should push the project forward somehow for the fans, no matter if I couldn’t make a full-spec game.


--- And for the means to make it happen, you chose Kickstarter. Why?
Suzuki: About three years ago, one of the fans who has experience using Kickstarter suggested me using it for the Shenmue project. That is when I first learned about Kickstarter, and started researching it. If it comes to really making the game, I have to make sure it satisfies my fans. So I couldn’t go like “OK I’m doing this with Kickstarter!” I seeked other ways,--- for instance finding a partner, but I couldn’t find one that meets my requirements. After careful consideration, we decided that Kickstarter is the best way to set off, and we were able to announce it finally in 2015.


---So you were just saying that you wanted to make the sequel, but really you have been working on it already for a long time.
Suzuki: Yes. Strong feedback after the Shenmue lecture at GDC 2014 also pushed me into coming this far. Sega agreeably licenced it to me and SCE also supported us by saying “We will support you if you are making Shenmue.” I knew that announcing the Kickstarter project at SCE’s conference is a very remarkable thing and am so happy that many people still support Shenmue this much.


---The title “Shenmue 3” is very direct and has no twist.
Suzuki: I couldn’t think of any other name. Shenmue 1, 2 and 3. It is not a spin-off. It comes to PS4 and PC.


---Its an eagerly awaited official sequel and fans will be definitely delighted. What is the goal of the Kickstarter funding?
Suzuki: 2 million yen at the very beginning.


---It must be easy to raise 2 million if it is for Shenmue.
Suzuki: However, 2 million is the very least amount of money you need for a game to come to exist. If it’s just 2 million, it will be more likely a very story-driven based game. If we can raise more, it will be more realistic for me to be able to do what I want to do. I want to try something new.

--- Just like you.. Your stance of “making something new” has never changed.
Suzuki: Yes. I will do my best to make a new Shenmue.

--- We will talk about this “New Shenmue” later. What are the pledge rewards for donating to Kickstarter?
Suzuki: I would like to adopt everyone’s opinion into the game to the extent that I can. For example if there are two designs of one character, then I will ask everyone to vote for each of them. I will provide the participation privilege for that kind of voting. Also while Shenmue 3 is under development, I will prepare a trial-demo so they can take a sneak peak of it.

--- So you are creating Shenmue 3 with your fans?
Suzuki: I think every one of the people who invested in this project has a leading role in it and I hope each one of them enjoy it. Please visit Kickstarter’s Shenmue page to learn more about the pledge rewards.


F: Next, I would like to ask about the key content of Shenmue 3. What kind of story developments can be expected in Shenmue 3?
YS: At the end of Shenmue 2 Ryo visits Guilin, said to be the most beautiful region in China. The area is famous for landscape paintings, and it has a river called the Li river. Shen Hua’s house is located on a tributary of the river. The story of Shenmue 2 ends at the point where Ryo reaches Shen Hua’s house, and the story of Shemue 3 continues right from there.
F: So, Ryo and Shen Hua will make an appearance, continuing from the previous part.
YS: For people who have played the Shenmue series, those familiar characters will appear as they were.
F: Will the setting be Guilin?
YS: Yes. For example, visiting a town(s) in the Guilin area, or going back to the mountains. Also infiltrating the Guilin chapter of an underground organization, the Chi You Men.
F: It could be said that Shenmue is the originator of open world gameplay, and has influenced many games since, but for Shenmue 3 what direction do you plan to take the open world model?
YS: When I created Shenmue 1, I was aiming to create exactly what is now called an “open world”. Being able to stop freely at any location you wish, advancing if you wish to move the story forward, or just standing still if you prefer. Back then, we called the system “FREE”, but in time it came to be referred to as open world. In Shenmue 2, with advances and technology and techniques, the open world was expanded even further.
F: In Shenmue 2, it was possible to walk through many towns over a wide area of Hong Kong, wasn’t it.
YS: Actually, at that time, I had decided that for Shenmue 3 I would delve in more deeply.
F: More deeply?
YS: Yes. People might expect that the open world would be made even broader, but in contrast to that, I will focus on depth. For example, for the case of 100 characters, splitting the development budget among them would limit the elements that could be incorporated into each character.
F: That’s true, it would make it harder to create each with detail.
YS: However, if we reduce the number to 10 characters, a lot of possibilities are opened up. The amount of conversation could be increased 10 times, or detailed A.I. provided for each character. As a result, conversations could be much richer. As an example, in Shenmue 3 the person that Ryo will speak with most is Shen Hua, so I want to portray her with depth. I envisage an approach where, by settings parameters for Shen Hua, on-going conversations with her will influence events such as changing her attitude, or changing the way that quests relating to her unfold.
F: I see. I think a lot of support for Shenmue comes not from just the realistic towns, but from the realism of the people inhabiting it. From what you have described, this realism will be further increased, and the world will feel even more “human”.
YS: Yes. In Shenmue this time I will be focusing particularly on digging down further on such internal aspects.
F: This is your vision for the new Shenmue, isn’t it.
YS: Of course, that’s not to say it will not be open world. Stretch goals will allow the town(s) to be expanded. However, what I would like to try first is to develop something that everyone has not anticipated; a deep Shenmue world.

F: I can’t wait to see this new Shenmue. Speaking of Shenmue, apart from its open world, its QTEs and minigames made it special, didn’t they.
YS: QTEs were originally included so that even people who were poor at battles could enjoy them. I’m happy that various games have included QTEs since then.
F: QTEs also had their origin in Shenmue, didn’t they.
YS: This time, I would like to show new QTEs; ones which can played by anyone, and which have carefully-crafted event sequences. In addition, I’d like to change the nature of free battles. (I will think of a different name, as I don’t want to call them free battles). I’d like to make a battle that is won by making the correct decision, rather than by correct timing of pushing buttons.
F: I believe Shenmue was made with the concept of being a game that can be enjoyed by any player, and this new system feels to be in keeping with that.
YS: Also this time I am planning a “technique scrolls” system. Ah.... maybe I have said too much (laughs).
F: Not at all, we’d like to hear more! (laughs)
YS: For example, with the free battle it is tough to practice and input the various commands required, so simply by obtaining a technique scroll you can apply the technique to help you win a battle. In the case of a QTE, the new technique could be unleashed during the QTE. I would like to make it so that a technique can be used to your advantage in battle just by obtaining a technique scroll. Furthermore, I’d like to make that technique scroll connect with various elements within the game.
F: Could you explain a bit more with respect to “connecting with elements”?
YS: Shenmue has had a number of ways you could play around, such as mini-games and gambling spots, but I have always been thinking about how to connect these together in some way. Of course, they are connected in the sense that you can take a part-time job to earn money, then increase that amount by gambling, then buy weapons... but not that kind of connection, something much closer. If the stretch goals can be reached and more detailed elements incorporated into the open world, this will allow technique scrolls to serve as the pivot for connecting together the various side games. That’s the kind of direction I would like to take it.
F: I see. So various elements of the open world will be connected together in a more natural way. Apart from that, are there any other elements that you are keen to include in Shenmue 3?
YS: One particular part of Shenmue that fans seem to have fallen in love with is the forklift part-time job, which is extremely popular. So I really want to include it in Shenmue 3 too, but how can you operate a forklift deep in the mountains of Guilin (laughs). I haven’t stopped thinking about how to find some way to include a forklift (laughs).

F: Please tell us about the development set-up for Shenmue 3.
YS: This time, the main development company is Neilo. The representative for Neilo, Takeshi Hirai, worked as the chief programmer for Shenmue and has a good understanding of Shenmue.
F: Since Shenmue is an open world game, I had thought that working with an overseas development company that is experienced in open world games would have been an option.
YS: Yes, that may have been an option. However, the main distinguishing characteristic of Shenmue is its culture. I believe that users overseas also have taken interest in the culture and customs of Asia. People have said they appreciate it when Ryo says “Thank you” for the smallest thing, for example. Someone who has worked all along on creating Shenmue understands that kind of culture and values.
F: So this time, development will be using Unreal Engine 4, won’t it.
YS: I have been looking at various engines for Shenmue 3 for the past 3 years, but the colors of Unreal Engine 4 are closest to those I envisage for the world of Shenmue. Although that’s a pretty broad statement, given that it’s a technical topic. The feeling of slight dampness in the air, the skin colors, the feel of materials etc were closest to my ideal.
F: Apart from the Neilo staff, are there others participating who have worked with Shenmue before?
YS: Yes, of course. I wanted to build up the team with past members as I believe that gives the fans some reassurance. Among others are scenario writer Masahiro Yoshimoto, and Kenji Miyawaki who is in charge of the character designs.
F: Given that this project is coming to life 14 years after the previous release of Shenmue, everyone must be very surprised.
YS: Mr Yoshimoto has been active in the world of television, and reacted with surprise saying “With television, producing something new with a theme that is 14 years old is unheard of”. But Mr Yoshimoto told me that he made many discoveries through his experience with Shenmue. Later on, I plan to release a video with comments from Mr Yoshimoto and the rest of the staff, so please watch out for it.
F: We are looking forward to seeing it. The fans are sure to be happy.
YS: I have gathered together quite a few of the original key members who gave Shenmue that special feel. I’m sure this will bring a feeling of both reassurance and nostalgia.
F: By the way, it may be a bit impatient to ask, but do you already have in mind how things will progress after Shenmue 3?
YS: Of course, I have that in mind. But first and foremost, I’d like to put primary focus on Shenmue 3.
F: When is the planned release date for Shenmue 3?
YS: I’d like to release it by the end of 2017.
F: That’s quite some way off, but we can’t wait. From speaking with you today, I can really appreciate the challenges that you are taking on of producing a new Shenmue. Finally, do you have a message for all the fans who have waited all this time for Shenmue 3?
YS: The fans have told me over the course of 14 years how they wanted part 3 to be made, and I have always told myself that I had to find some way to make it. And now, through the crowd-funding of Kickstarter, at last I have been able to make a start on the Shenmue 3 project. In order to bring about a Shenmue 3 that incorporates a perfect blend of both a Shenmue that everyone desires, as well as a Shenmue with the new challenges I want to take on, everyone’s effort is needed. Thank you so much for your support.

Picture captions:
1) This image shows the figures of Ryo and Shen Hua walking on a mountain path. Note that Ryo has changed clothes from the leather jacket he wears in the first and second parts of the series.
2) Using a telescope, Ryo observes buildings below a cliff. According to Yu Suzuki, before Ryo lies the enemy’s camp, which Ryo is searching for a way to infiltrate.
3) Shen Hua and Ryo, drawn by Kenji Miyawaki who is in charge of character design for the series. Shen Hua, the main heroine, did not appear much in the first and second parts of the series. In Shenmue 3, she will surely take a principle role.
4) Niao Sun, one of the leaders of the underground organisation opposing Ryo, the Chi You Men. Although her existence has previously been revealed, she has not made an in-game appearance until now.
by shenhua legend
Thu Jun 18, 2015 1:30 am
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Re: How Do You Feel About Shenmue III Becoming More Spiritua

I love it. It perfectly punctuates the general tone of the series, and especially which throws it right in your face. Ryo goes through a decaying, decrepit old crime filled city in order to find information on his fathers killer. Kowloon represents Ryo's inner demons as the cracks expose themselves leading to his own perdition. Xiuying tells him as much in the church and many times in Honk Kong. The analogy for Ryo's spiritual journey from Kowloon to Guilin is both figurative and literal in the scope of the games themes. Ryo, having found Zhu Yuanda, travels from a place that eats his soul and forces him to go to extremes to find vengeance that will never sate him, to a place separated from civilization, surrounded by nature in all of its wonders. It is through the nature of spirituality and friendship, which Ryo starts to embrace as seen in the Tai Chi scene at the crag, that will save Ryo and deliver him from becoming the exact person he hates.

The naturalism vs urbanism dynamic in II is a natural part of the evolution of the story, and one that gives it far more emotional weight.

I don't take it as an west vs east debate. I think that pits the story at its most reduced form. After all, Hong Kong is more advanced than Yokosuka which is a small town and many people that live in these places, like Xiuying, are on the straight and narrow. It isn't about west vs east, so much as I feel it is about Ryo's spiritual transformation as he grows from boy to man. He has two options. He thinks he NEEDS revenge, but it consumes him. The secret to his sating heartache is within him all along, and that is his own natural spirit.

The spiritualism is needed.

Further, I think people's take on east vs west debate is exotifying the east and trying to find a way to say the east is better when this is never explicitly said in neither games at all.
by Himuro
Sat Jun 20, 2015 5:43 pm
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Re: Reddit AMA Answers

Yeah yu allowing fans to get closely involved is a big mistake. Most shenmue fans I wonder how they manage to function during their daily lives.
by south carmain
Sat Jun 20, 2015 4:22 pm
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Re: Using fans as voice actors in Shenmue 3

It's a nice idea and someone I know also talked about this and would like this.

Just some things that I thought of (not shooting down the idea) having worked with sound, from recording to mixing and mastering. For the English dub, fans would likely have to travel to a studio in USA or Canada where a lot of voice work is done. Using different studios close to people could result in different sounding recordings due to the equipment being used, recording technique etc. This sounds weird in game and I've noticed this in a few titles. Even with communication, the sound engineers might not always be able to replicate results from other places.
Having the director at one place is also better to guide everyone.

For the other games Yu made people fly to Japan instead so he could follow the process closely. The cost of this, and the directing got criticized though: http://www.shenmuedojo.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=40831

What happens though when they don't like the performance? Or a foreign accent which clashes with the native English voice cast? Quite difficult situation, especially when the fan has paid for it. Just using the voice as background murmur seems anticlimactic.
by ys
Sat Jun 20, 2015 11:01 pm
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Inside-Games.jp - Yu Suzuki interview x2 UPDATE: Translated!

http://www.inside-games.jp/article/2015/06/20/88702.html

I'll try to translate it, but it might take a while...

Edit: Found another one on the same site from the 17th: http://www.inside-games.jp/article/2015/06/17/88607.html

Edit 2: Translation is complete. I'm neither native in english nor japanese, so it might sound strange in some places.

Again, this is the inside-games.jp article from 2015-06-20
- a follow up on the interview Switch translated.

------------------------------------------------

Yu Suzuki, the man who started the Shenmue III Kickstarter that set a new Guinness record for the fastest game reaching 1 million dollars. One night after the last time we spoke we ask again about the state of the project and about game creating.

-- Thanks for the other day. This time I would like to dig deeper.
YS: Please go ahead.

-- Can you tell us more about this "nostalgia" that you mentioned was like a theme or keyword for Shenmue 3.
YS: Wherever I go in the world I'm always asked "Where is Shenmue 3?" By mail or through other persons. That's when I felt it, that Shenmue has a lot of parts in it, the things that you feel about the game can differ very much from person to person. Like, one fan said he met a person called Nozomi in real life, you know, like the heroine of Shenmue I. He felt that it was some kind of fate and married her.

-- Wow. Really?
YS: Yeah. it's true. Other than that there were things that seemed obvious for japanese people, but were new for foreigners. For example in the first game Ryo walks around and asks for help from many different people, right? As he leaves he always says "Thank you". There are foreigners that were moved by that. When I heard that I thought "Well, don't you say thank you in your country?".

-- Maybe they don't say things that explicit in that culture?
YS: And in the game these "excuse me" and "thank you"s are repeated many many times. For people not experiencing that in their daily lives it might have been a bit of a shock for them. I took that to my heart.

-- I guess there aren't that many RPGs that end their conversations with "thank you".
YS: And in this society we live in now information is shared over the internet, but as you go further back through the years, and go further into the countryside, information exchange is slow and the culture and customs are more specific to that area. The beliefs and values of the people living there are [less complicated and] easier to understand. That is very interesting.

-- I see.
YS: So maybe the people anticipating part 3 are having fond memories and feel a bit nostalgic. I think people are probably feeling nostalgic about the Shenhua, Ryo and Shenmue from fifteen years ago. And I think that I shouldn't destroy that nostalgia with part 3. If I don't make that work with part 3 I don't think the game will live up to the expectations. That's why the keyword for part 3 is nostalgia.

-- Wasn't part 1 and 2 also make with nostalgia as a keyword?
YS: It's a different kind of nostalgia with part 3. In part 1 and 2 there is the nostalgia towards the era, in part 3 it's the nostalgia towards the game. For part 1 and 2 the target user was late teens to early twenties, so for these users I wanted them to experience the culture of the streets still having that showa-period feel of 1986, and be nostalgic about it. So in contrast to that, in part 3 I want the players to be nostalgic about part 1 and 2.

-- So looking at the years... part 1 and 2 came out in 2000 and 2001. Since part 1 in taking place in 1986 Yokosuka, the users playing the game at 20 years of age would have been six when the game took place.
YS: So it's not really nostalgia since it's a story from when they were just kids. Maybe making them feel "there was a world like this" together with the nostalgia.

-- Since then 15 years has passed and the users has become 35 and start feeling nostalgic about things. Now they are looking back and being nostalgic about having played part 1 and part 2.
YS: Yes. Now they are nostalgic about the experience with Shenmue.

-- So the games were released and as said before the users over the world described what moved them which you didn't think about when the games were made, right? As a game creator, did you continue to be surprised by all the reactions over these 15 years?
YS: Yes. They didn't come all at once. The comments continued coming from all over the world. Especially about cultural differences.

-- As with part 1 and 2, even if you think about what the users will enjoy in part 3, it might be different between japanese and foreign users.
YS: It's different. I can't remember making part 1 and 2 for foreigners.For example the themes of Outrun and other arcade games I made a long time ago were chosen in order to be popular all over the world. But for Shenmue 1 and 2 there were no thoughts about the target country.

-- You didn't make them for japanese users?
YS: I didn't really think about it. It was more about making a new game style, there is something interesting in just that. Making a new thing means a new kind of game which would make the world take notice of it. A new system. But I never thought everyone would react to the culture and customs like this.

-- You can say the new system was the skeleton and the culture and customs were the flesh and outward appearance, maybe?
YS: Maybe more like the system is the physical and culture and customs are the spiritual.

-- That would connect with the word "spiritual" that is often said about Shenmue. So for part 3 you can keep working on the aspects you didn’t think about that people actually really enjoyed about part 1 and 2.
YS: Yeah.

-- Neilo is developing part 3. The CEO Tak Hirai was the lead programmer of part 1 and 2 I've heard. Could you share the story of how you came to work on this project together again? Did you keep in touch during these 15 years?
YS: I've been in contact with Hirai and other members all the time since then. Drinking sometimes, talking about wanting to make Shenmue etc. "If it ever happens I'll count on you". We always said things like that.

-- Everyone was thinking about it.
YS: I'm a programmer from the beginning and Hirai too, so we have a kind of programming bond. In a game there are graphics, sound, program and other elements, but I want to focus on the programming.

-- I see.
YS: There are great games in the world today. Destiny, Grand Theft Auto, Assassin's Creed and more. The budget difference makes it very hard to challenge them in graphics and quality. For example Nintendo games are a bit less graphically advanced, but I don't care about that. They have great playability and I love them. So that's the approach. I'll probably challenge myself on the programming side. I think the programming makes games fun. So with that in mind the programming lead becomes an important partner.

-- Meaning Hirai-san.
YS: Yes. Back then Hirai was the programming lead and... Ah, I guess I can't call just call him Hirai anymore {as in dropping “-san”}. He was working under me back then... He was the one who started Neilo so f course he's great at programming. And this time, for the development of 3, we have gained access to the source code from part 1 and 2. He has written much of that code and might be able to reuse some of it. Back then there were probably nobody as great as him at programming. So in that sense being able to collaborate with him and his company is great.

-- It looks like there are other important creators participating.
YS: Yes. The screenwriter Yoshimoto-sensei is helping out. I'm very happy that many key members are participating.

-- How is the development looking now? I guess you have been talking with Neilo until now.
YS: It all depends on how the Kickstarter goes. If it fails, everything stops. Since it's not finished yet we can't do any real work. But we can do the work we can. We've been having a lot of meetings. For the Kickstarter we've been making promotional videos in Unreal Engine 4, but that was delegated to Neilo. However, I was of course directing it. We worked together like that. The budget will be decided in about a month I think so that's when we'll organize the project team. The plan is fluid but Neilo will be the center, and that won't change.

-- During the Sega era, how was Hirai-san?
YS: When we made Shenmue we were over 300 people at one time. We had managers for different sections, and he had about 100 people under him. So he was between me and where work was being done. He was very much trusted by his subordinates. I think that's the best compliment I can say about him. People who are trusted from above might just be appeasing their supervisors. But it takes someone special to be trusted by those working for him.

The rest of the questions are more about how and why he creates games. While interesting, it’s not that relevant in regards to the Shenmue III project.
by Capsule Toys Maniac
Sat Jun 20, 2015 6:56 pm
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic

Inside-Games.jp - Yu Suzuki interview (June 17)

Here's a translation for a Yu Suzuki interview published by Inside-Games on June 17.
http://www.inside-games.jp/article/2015/06/17/88607.html

Capsule Toys Maniac working on the translation for the second interview with Yu Suzuki they published on June 20.

[E3 2015] Interview with Yu Suzuki following his Kickstarter achievement
June 17, 2015

The Shenmue 3 Kickstarter: the campaign got underway on stage at the SCE press conference held on June 15 (local time), and achieved its minimum goal in the short space of just 8 hours. It is now aiming to achieve stretch goals, and the amount of backing is continuing to increase as it heads towards the deadline of July 17. At the E3 venue we asked the creator of Shenmue, Yu Suzuki of Ys Net, about his most recent thoughts and about the enthusiasm for Shenmue 3.

-- Congratulations on the Kickstarter achievement.

YS: Thank you. At any rate, it’s the first time I’ve done this, so I don’t have much experience with it. When I heard that the sheer number of accesses to the Shenmue 3 project page on Kickstarter caused it to crash multiple times, I knew we would be successful. This may sound bad, but I was happy. I heard that the times it took to reach the $1 million and $2 million levels are a new record within the games category, and second-fastest across all projects. Since it’s my first experience [with Kickstarter], it’s only through those kinds of statistics that I get a sense of the reality.

-- How do you feel at the moment? Pleased? Relieved? A deserved result?

YS: Well, things are really just getting started. I’m always looking to try new challenges, and so in order to take on as many of these as possible, the more budget we can collect the better. We’ve got stretch goals as well, and I’d like to see how far we can go.

-- Is it accurate to say that all of the development funding will be raised through Kickstarter?

---Show to continue reading ---
YS: No, development will be carried out with Ys Net own funding together with Kickstarter. I won’t know the scale of the budget until the Kickstarter campaign has finished, so I can’t comment on it right now.

-- What were the events that led to you being on stage at SCE’s press conference?

YS: It started by my sounding them out to see if they had any interest in the Shenmue 3 project. Actually, it turns out that Shenmue was at the top of their list of software that people wanted to see revived. And so, with that being the case, I had the chance to speak with SCE and (without sounding like I’m blowing my own trumpet!) they told me “It’s a game of great historical importance; and everyone wants it, so if you were to go ahead and develop part 3, as an exceptional case, we will give you our co-operation”. I had already let them know that I wanted to do this through Kickstarter, and so that’s how it came about.

-- Are there plans for a release on Xbox One?

YS: We don’t have plans for a release on Xbox One. The platforms that are confirmed are PS4 and PC.

-- Was the reason you started development on part 3 due to the voice of support from the fans?

YS: That’s right. For more than 10 years I had been hearing those kinds of requests, and trying to find a way to make it happen. I did things like searching for a partner (company) but did not find one that fit the criteria and so I wasn’t able to make a start. Then came the possibility of realizing it through a combination of self-funding and Kickstarter.

-- I see.

YS: Also there was the aspect of Kickstarter of “creating something together with everyone”. As I stated in my promotion video, it’s the spirit of “within your hands”. Some say that the Shenmue series is the originator of the open-world genre. In reality, with the present amount of $2 million, making a Shenmue that will meet everyone’s expections, even without implementing an open world, is unlikely to be achievable. However, the demand I hear most from the fans is to know how the rest of the story plays out.

-- Yes, that’s something we’d like to know.

YS: In addition, the Shenmue series has a rich portrayal of Eastern and Japanese culture, and so it has quite a different feel to it compared to any other open world games. Because of this, trying to accomplish both the “story” aspect and the “open world” aspects simultaneously is likely to lead to the budget rising higher and higher, and no matter how much time passes it is impossible to get development underway. After thinking long and hard, I have decided to do as much as possible with a minimum level of funding, even if it means creating something story-oriented. Then, if additional development funding is collected, I will add on various elements. And so I decided that development will be based on this kind of scalable approach.

-- This way of thinking is uniquely suited to Kickstarter, isn’t it.

YS: Further, with [development of] any game, there is a piece of it which can easily cost a lot of money to implement; while at the same time it has another piece that doesn’t need to cost a lot of money, namely making it interesting through its ideas and plot. I also think that Shenmue does not consist of merely its story and its open world; it is also fun to play, and I think the way we capture this is vital. Above all, I decided to maintain both the fun and the story aspects, even at the minimum budget level.

-- How much money will be raised is becoming increasingly of interest.

YS: Yes. It’s not that we will not be implementing an open world, but doing so lavishly will cause the budget to shoot up. On the other hand, since I am a creator, I’d like to try new mechanisms. I have set stretch goals with that balance in mind.

-- Compared to 15 years ago, the possibilities for game implementation have greatly widened. Are there any games that have influenced the creation of part 3?

YS: That would be Shenmue 1 and 2.

-- What aspects do you place most importance on, and wish to continue in the new game?

YS: Firstly, the most important is that I want to show how the story continues. As well as that, “nostalgia” is a keyword here: the nostalgic feeling of when we created part 1 and 2, 15 years ago. But even at that time, the setting for part 1 and 2 was the world of 1986. In principle, I believe that going back to an earlier age really brings out the flavor of a region’s culture. That’s the case with the era of the 1980s (and earlier), compared to the current day. Even looking at other countries around the world, as the eras pass by, the scenery of cities all starts to look the same.

-- Yes, that’s true.

YS: This kind of Eastern and Japanese culture, and the spiritual aspect, is what makes Shenmue special. Although though this has given it popularity in the West, what it expresses is certainly not Western. Through thorough creation of so-called Eastern spiritual aspects, culture and customs, I want to bring out people’s interest towards a different culture. There are a lot of things I would like to carry through from parts 1 and 2 to part 3, but through the scalable plan that I mentioned earlier, I want to pay special attention to these kinds of things.

-- Are there any aspects you want to try, given the increase in hardware specs nowdays?

YS: This may not directly answer the question, but actually when we made part 1 and 2, we also completed the plan for part 3. I want to go forward with that exactly as we had planned.

-- Could you explain more?

YS: In part 1, we implemented an open world that we called FREE, and the concept of time passing within the game. In part 2, we greatly expanded that world. In part 3, and this may be giving too much away, but we planned to keep these aspects intact, while making it much deeper. And in parts 1 & 2, while there were elements centered around money e.g. you could “do a part-time job, gamble to increase your money, purchase items at a shop...”, they did not really have any connection with the fighting and skill improvement parts. So when we make part 3, I have in mind to build up those elements; that’s something I would like to try doing.

-- What would be a concrete example?

YS: I’m thinking of a “Technique Scroll” system. Through actions in the game, you can gain new technique scrolls which let you perform special moves. Whether these moves are something you can control directly, or whether they are implemented in a QTE, is something we will be considering and deciding in the future.

-- Please tell us about the release schedule.

YS: Release is planned by the end of 2017.

-- Could you give a message to our readers.

YS: It is thanks to the continous voice of the fans who have waited for the next part of Shenmue across these many years, that we have been able to get started. This is only possible thanks to all the people who give their support. I will continue to put in my best effort, so please give your support and encouragement.

-- Thank you very much.
by Switch
Sun Jun 21, 2015 5:00 am
 
Jump to forum
Jump to topic
Powered by phpBB © 2000-
ShenmueDojo.net