Dojo member yuc02 has contributed a fascinating article for the Phantom River Stone blog about Tai Chi moves Ryo comes across or is taught in Shenmue II, and how these reflect actual real-life moves.

One of the main themes in Shenmue is martial arts, and while Yu Suzuki re-used various styles found in the Virtua Fighter series, he also decided to add several others into the mix.

Interestingly, one such style showcased is Tai Chi, or Taijiquan (太极拳), which one may not normally associate with practical combat. It’s an ancient style developed under the concept of fusion of yin and yang into the supreme (tai) level (ji) fist (quan), and can actually be used to fight in real life.
Read his article here:

http://www.phantomriverstone.com/2017/07/tai-chi-in-shenmue-2.html

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

A Shenmue Facebook live stream resulted in some impressive numbers when I tested it out for the first time today. A 2 hour stream generated 5.8k views, reached nearly 18,000 people, 450+ likes, 65 shares, and 200+ user comments.

You're too good at this, BlueMue

Mr357 wrote:Edit: Scratch that, it's for storing rice!

Correct! They also dispense the rice in pre-measured amounts.


Take it away, Mr 357.

Edit: actually, that's 7 points for Mr 357, right? Congrats!

Congrats, Mr357

Roll on, season two!

MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT

EVERYBODY STOP NOW! The Season 1 Trivia Game has now ended!

And here are the END RESULTS!

THE FINAL SCORE IS:
:king: Mr357- 7 Points
\:D/ BlueMue- 5 Points
\:D/ ShenGCH- 5 Points
:nice!: Ryo & Nozomi- 3 Points
Switch- 2 Points
Spaghetti- 1 Point
Kiske- 1 Point
SickOctopus- 1 Point
Rakim- 1 Point
Radar- 1 Point

1st Place- Mr357
2nd Place- BlueMue and ShenGCH
3rd Place- Ryo & Nozomi (ME)

Mr357 is declared the winner of Season 1 of The Shenmue Trivia Game!

To all the 10 people who participated in the game (including ME), please give Mr357 a round of applause! =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D>

Congratulations Mr357 on being the Shenmue Trivia Champion of Season 1! Congrats man. :D

Now that Season 1 has ended and the majority of participants wanted to continue on with Shenmue trivia, I have decided to renew the trivia game for a second Season. It is time for us to move on to another topic I will create called "The Shenmue Trivia Game: Season 2." I will ask the first question again on that topic to start things off and the first people who gets it correct...well you know lol. I will give you guys a heads up that there will be one big change for Season 2 that you will probably like. It'll have something to do with Rule #8. ;-)

I've had a lot of fun with Season 1 and I hope you guys did too! :D

See you all in Season 2. 8)

Update! I've managed to make a small hack of the 1ST_READ.BIN file to skip the dial-up check on the Passport disc.

Now the various Passport disc screens can be accessed from the main menu, without needing to simulate dial-up.

Most of the screens display at least some images and other data, although there's obviously no online data displayed.

I'll put a post soon on the Phantom River Stone blog with the details.

Before hack:
http://i.imgur.com/FkN6sMsm.png

After hack:
http://i.imgur.com/XfcmYBjm.png http://i.imgur.com/YPVknIum.png

you guys are taking this shit waaaay too serious.

For next month's Gamescom event, I've plans to make a motivational banner for YsNet on behalf of all of us here (and other fan groups), and will deliver this to him during the show, as Switch mentions in his post: http://www.phantomriverstone.com/2017/0 ... .html#more

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i6oha9kv_p8/WXsr96yzF2I/AAAAAAAACqw/Ulk2OZ7YAeQEyPWwjjnnZaizWMyqBgODgCLcBGAs/s400/20370881_10102406428505150_445185908_n.png

I will be going to the show Weds-Fri, and hopefully can meet some of you guys there for you to sign it before I hand the thing over. I'll be hanging around Asia Wok restaurant in the showfloor (see here: http://www.gamescom-cologne.com/redaktionell/gamescom_1/downloads_21/pdf_26/fuer_alle_2/Gastroplan.pdf), and timings will be dependent on when the meet and greet with Suzuki-san is.

PM me if you want to get involved!

Btw the message is literally "Ganbatte!", or "Do your best!"

I've made an easy patch for the PAL GDI version that contains the widescreen fix by Esspiral in addition to this fix, so you can apply both fixes without manually editing any files.
http://i.imgur.com/PcTlCjE.png

http://i.imgur.com/GTGEbsa.png

http://i.imgur.com/gE2xoqI.png

http://i.imgur.com/1vhKCdr.png
To apply the patch:

1- Download this zip file and extract it.
2- Copy track07.bin from your PAL Shenmue Passport GDI disc into the "Passport" folder you'll find when you extracted the zip file.
3- Run patch.bat.
4- Copy track07.bin file from "Passport\Fixed" folder back into the GDI folder of the Passport disc.
5- Enjoy the extra content in widescreen.

I don't have the widescreen fix code for the US version, so if Esspiral can dig it up, I'll provide an easy patch for the US GDI version as well if needed.

Thanks Switch for this great finding.

Radar is correct.

If the player pulls off a single Cyclone Kick as soon as the fight begins, all three sailors will be caught by the swing, defeating them all at once. From the fight beginning to the post-fight cutscene kicking in is approximately three seconds.

This is an index of all articles published on the Phantom River Stone blog through to the archival of these old Shenmue Dojo forums at the end of July 2018 - visit the new forums for more. Enjoy!

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⋅  Support us on Patreon!

July 2018
https://i.imgur.com/qmvJAFls.png Examining the Warehouse Battle Scene
https://i.imgur.com/HvNXjkTs.png Shenmue Documentary Kickstarter Launched!
https://i.imgur.com/ST0gf44s.png SEGA's "Return to Dobuita Street" Video
https://i.imgur.com/HXdyjPDs.jpg The Changing Face of the Abe Store: Beta vs Release
https://i.imgur.com/v8Vo33Ys.png Yu Suzuki Selected as CEDEC 2018 Special Award Winner
https://i.imgur.com/3RAo10As.png Clouds, Smoke & Street Lights
https://i.imgur.com/2uwsgIBs.jpg Cédric Biscay Visits Yu Suzuki in Tokyo
https://i.imgur.com/zvrJWmns.png The "AI Battling" Stretch Goal
https://i.imgur.com/i6EfyBNs.png Leaving the Cave?
https://i.imgur.com/adAdkcms.png Shenmue I & II Release Date + Latest Details
https://i.imgur.com/HUnFwMls.png Shenmue I & II Rated by the ESRB

June 2018
https://i.imgur.com/tVWtsbUs.png Choubu Inn Floor Plans | Translation & Commentary
https://i.imgur.com/63Y0wXYs.png Shenmue III Backer Survey Information: Distilled
https://i.imgur.com/jhKqaoIs.png [Part 2/2] "15 Secrets of Shenmue" 1999 interview
https://i.imgur.com/hf9LT9ls.png Shenmue Premiere Blue Tri-fold Pamphlet (1998) | Shenmue Merchandise
https://i.imgur.com/Ekr0DKBs.png The Announcement of Shenmue I & II | On-the-Ground Report
https://i.imgur.com/GgtFs84s.png iPhone/iPad: Guide to Downloading Kotodaman Outside Japan | Guest Post
https://i.imgur.com/82UpULos.png Android: Guide to Downloading Kotodaman Outside Japan
https://i.imgur.com/9ve85S3s.png Toshihiro Nagoshi on Yu Suzuki | Sega Fes Livestream
https://i.imgur.com/4wUEADks.png Shenmue I & II Announcement Video (with English Subtitles)
https://i.imgur.com/a5U1fzQs.png Shenmue Premiere Poster (1998) | Shenmue Merchandise
https://i.imgur.com/LGoft7Ss.png Mystery Posters on Dobuita Street | Shenmue I
https://i.imgur.com/4cVGuQGs.png Phantom River Stone Gets Soupy
https://i.imgur.com/1Et43ZCs.png Trailer: Learn Japanese through Shenmue
https://i.imgur.com/27yZvIms.png "Sukajan" Jackets on Dobuita Street | Tax-free for Shenmue Fans
https://i.imgur.com/DEGoso0s.png Tour of Dobuita Street in Under One Minute | Hyperlapse Video
https://i.imgur.com/RI4OxWgs.png Kickstarter Update #81: Shenmue III Release Window Moved to 2019

May 2018
https://i.imgur.com/vOHZFKNs.png Examining the New Shenmue 3 Images in the THQ Nordic Presentation
https://i.imgur.com/ZFEsAJHs.png Commentary: Shenhua's new voice actress | Kickstarter Update #82
https://i.imgur.com/thlOz0Zs.png Image of a Day's Worth of Shenmue 3 Script
https://i.imgur.com/MbkRSSn.jpg A Visit to the Forbidden City - Guest post by James Brown
https://i.imgur.com/v4bnOvf.jpg [Part 1/2] "15 Secrets of Shenmue" 1999 interview with Yu Suzuki | Translation
https://i.imgur.com/0M6Z0jr.jpg "Soft Launch" of Backer Survey Emails | Kickstarter Update #83
https://i.imgur.com/h9GitnZ.jpg Brief New Shenmue I & II footage from E3 2018
https://i.imgur.com/U74AhJF.jpg Patron's Choice Blog Topic for June
https://i.imgur.com/CJQPILx.jpg Japanese Lesson #1 (Video) | Learn Japanese Through Shenmue
https://i.imgur.com/PuThaqps.png Shenmue Premiere Bag (1998) | Shenmue Merchandise

April 2018
https://i.imgur.com/5eoHZRXs.png Masaya Matsukaze Prepares to Reprise Role as Ryo Hazuki
https://i.imgur.com/LcAlMCys.png It's Really Happening! Shenmue I & II Coming to Modern Platforms in 2018
https://i.imgur.com/ADUfMyJs.png "HUGE announcement" to be made at SEGA FES
https://i.imgur.com/yRTsL4Js.png SEGA Fes 2018 English Schedule & Information | 14-15 April 2018
https://i.imgur.com/1ssI0r0s.png Shenmue 1 Start of Game Flowchart | Early Design Document Translation
https://i.imgur.com/vmDZhRJs.png New Series: Learning Japanese through Shenmue

March 2018
https://i.imgur.com/pdnBWxps.png Diorama of the You Arcade: Interview with its Creator
https://i.imgur.com/q3bD58ts.png A Survey of Red TVs in Shenmue | Guest Post
https://i.imgur.com/588g6HMs.png Erhu Concert by Ryuji Iuchi & Hiroko Suzuki
https://i.imgur.com/yn8zHKws.jpg Yu Suzuki's MAGIC Conference in English | Transcript & Video
https://i.imgur.com/7A1o0N0s.png Announcement: Phantom River Stone is on Patreon!
https://i.imgur.com/0QqWbD2s.png Be Credited in SEGA's Upcoming Mobile Game "Kotodaman"
https://i.imgur.com/SvqsR1Bs.png Promotional VMU Sticker Sheet | Shenmue Merchandise

February 2018
https://i.imgur.com/Gk9iXVKs.png 4 New Screenshots from MAGIC 2018 | Kickstarter Update #80
https://i.imgur.com/TgP8NRvs.png Recap: Yu Suzuki at MAGIC 2018
https://i.imgur.com/twbdze0s.png Shenmue 3 at MAGIC 2018: Schedule Summary
https://i.imgur.com/yCPgH6Ds.png Draw Result: Shenmue Guide Map Giveaway on Twitter
https://i.imgur.com/G2o1nKrs.png Interview with Shenmue 2 Designer: Norikazu Hirai | Translation
https://i.imgur.com/NJGp6oTs.png Ryo Hazuki Cameo Confirmed for SEGA's New Mobile Game
https://i.imgur.com/9HyQOFrs.png "Shenmue Gaiden: A Christmas Story" | Fanmade Visual Novel
https://i.imgur.com/1NvTUAhs.png The Old Red TV | Chinese Restaurants in Shenmue
https://i.imgur.com/TOJMIces.png Help Ryo Hazuki Appear in SEGA's Mobile Game "Kotodaman"
https://i.imgur.com/vvijoSOs.png Hong Kong Diner | Translated Shenmue II Design Document
https://i.imgur.com/ArKJxqHs.png Shenmue Guide Map Giveaway on Twitter | Closes Feb 19th (JST)

January 2018
https://i.imgur.com/UBAG0W7s.jpg IGN Japan Interview with Cédric Biscay
https://i.imgur.com/1504Aa4s.png A Visit to Yokosuka After Snow | Photo Gallery
https://i.imgur.com/7a7KCu5s.png 1999 Shenmue Promo Leaflet
https://i.imgur.com/qqQQj8Fs.png Showcasing the Shenmue Guide Map | Video
https://i.imgur.com/H7e5LFcs.png Kickstarter Update #79: Shenmue III Conference at MAGIC 2018
https://i.imgur.com/y2EUvmSs.jpg Examining the 3 New Shenmue III Screenshots | MAGIC Press Conference
https://i.imgur.com/uM47HAOs.png Sakuragaoka Park in Real Life
https://i.imgur.com/fxiveVDs.png Sightings Near Dobuita That Made a Shenmue Fan Look Twice

December 2017
https://i.imgur.com/eNFjhFKs.png Ancient Game of “Go” Spotted in Shenmue
https://i.imgur.com/fQXsmxvs.png Yu Suzuki's Keyword for 2018: "Immersion" [Famitsu.com]
https://i.imgur.com/PkAqYQqs.png Yu Suzuki's End-Of-Year Comments to 4Gamer | Romance in Shenmue 3
https://i.imgur.com/u0nOoFrs.png Commentary on Kickstarter Update #78: "Then, Now and Tomorrow"
https://i.imgur.com/JnCfGThs.png Merry Christmas 2017 from PhantomRiverStone.com
https://i.imgur.com/eIXGJ8as.png Shenmue Master's Interview with Yu Suzuki | Gamescom 2017
https://i.imgur.com/wdnW4jXs.png Interview with Yokosuka City | The Story Behind the Shenmue Guide Map
https://i.imgur.com/hQaluzYs.png "Sacred Spot" Guide Map: Official English Version
https://i.imgur.com/QyP51EUs.png "Sacred Spot" Guide Map Translation: Road to Amihama
https://i.imgur.com/Io37TkRs.png Announcing: the Phantom River Stone Translation Service
https://i.imgur.com/60qWKZPs.png "Temple Maiden" Model & Lakshya Digital | Kickstarter Update #77
https://i.imgur.com/ZV4q6g0s.png Where is Amihama in Real Life? (Part 2/2) | Route Information Signs
https://i.imgur.com/HlPfB35s.png Cédric Plays Shenmue III: "So Cool"
https://i.imgur.com/JZgKOkos.png Download the Shenmue "Sacred Spot" Guide Map (Japanese)
https://i.imgur.com/G5lH1yTs.png Shenmue "Sacred Spot" Guide Map Announced

November 2017
https://i.imgur.com/ygVIZtps.png Where is Amihama in Real Life? (Part 1/2)
https://i.imgur.com/ysq0Gh4s.png Ryo spotted joy-riding through Dobuita
https://i.imgur.com/OJMDP9ds.png The Road to Amihama | Shenmue Realism
https://i.imgur.com/VY5IsLls.png The Bus to Amihama | Shenmue Realism
https://i.imgur.com/VY5IsLls.png Evolution of the Shenmue Undub Part 3: Translating the Last 3%
https://i.imgur.com/lOlXGgis.png Cédric Biscay in Tokyo | Photo

October 2017
https://i.imgur.com/38BKFq9s.png 2 New Additions to the Shenmue Community | Shenmue Blog & Shenmue Lounge
https://i.imgur.com/AAehVDUs.jpg Evolution of the Shenmue Undub Part 2: The Kogami Release
https://i.imgur.com/Op4FOivs.jpg Evolution of the Shenmue Undub Part 1: The Sm1th Release
https://i.imgur.com/cWaz3RTs.png Earning Money to Meet Ren | Shenmue 2 Flowchart #2 Translation
https://i.imgur.com/7p8o9xps.png Shenmue 2 Concept Sketch: "Wharf Near Langhuishan"

September 2017
https://i.imgur.com/i8wj36es.jpg Kickstarter Update #75: Face Animations & Subtitles Translation
https://i.imgur.com/CMU2qLws.png Gamescom 2017 Photo Report (from the Dojo's yuc02)

https://i.imgur.com/XKlIxUas.png SEGA Dreamcast: Collected Works Kickstarter | Shenmue Special Edition
https://i.imgur.com/BeFsywns.png YS Net Studio Visit by Koch Media with Blurry Dev Screenshot | Photos
https://i.imgur.com/M33Q5uls.png Zhu Yuan Da or Yuanda Zhu? | Character Names in Shenmue I vs II
https://i.imgur.com/j3jVQLis.png Shenmue 500K Interview with Yu Suzuki | Gamescom
https://i.imgur.com/hdhJToOs.png Recap: Shenmue III Japanese Media Interviews | Gamescom 2017
https://i.imgur.com/Sz3bFQgs.png Ryo's Arrival in Hong Kong | Shenmue II Design Document Translation
https://i.imgur.com/LO1mOJas.png "Easter Egg" Characters Discovered in Shenmue III Teaser
https://i.imgur.com/28lU7Yds.png The Shenmue Art Book - Characters Section | Shenmue Merchandise
https://i.imgur.com/Ita4TZSs.png The Shenmue Art Book: Overview of Contents
https://i.imgur.com/zD1Llf3s.png Yu Suzuki Interviewed by Shenmue Dojo
https://i.imgur.com/w8Q5HR0s.png Masaya Matsukaze Visits Yu Suzuki
http://i.imgur.com/XIsHZ6xs.png Famitsu Poll Results: Best All-Time Game

August 2017
http://i.imgur.com/fcyZoMBs.png Kickstarter Update #74: New Ryo Pics
http://i.imgur.com/oFyAxZLs.jpg Seven Interesting Details from the Shenmue III Teaser | Gamescom
http://i.imgur.com/cH288IFs.png Video Interview with Cédric Biscay by Team Yu | Gamescom
http://i.imgur.com/dm8i0iAs.jpg Translation: 4Gamer Interview with Yu Suzuki @Gamescom
http://i.imgur.com/w2ySYzqs.jpg Translation: Dengeki Online Interview with Yu Suzuki
http://i.imgur.com/sCek1CHs.jpg Translation: GAME Watch Interview with Yu Suzuki
http://i.imgur.com/1xOO0HZs.jpg Translation: Game*Spark Interview with Yu Suzuki @Gamescom
http://i.imgur.com/ZLKRROxs.jpg Translation: Famitsu Interview with Yu Suzuki @Gamescom
http://i.imgur.com/2DCAeE7s.jpg New Shenmue III Logo Designed by Yu Suzuki
http://i.imgur.com/s9TIzQBs.jpg Shenmue III Title Screen Image
http://i.imgur.com/061htQes.jpg New Shenmue III Character + Promo Screenshots
http://i.imgur.com/pYBUkOys.jpg Ryo & Shenhua Images on Famitsu.com
http://i.imgur.com/L8BGuiFs.jpg Yu Suzuki's Journey to Gamescom | Photo Selection
http://i.imgur.com/0Y53uBRs.png Shenmue III Video "The First Teaser"
http://i.imgur.com/520Cwq3s.jpg Close-up on the New Shenmue III Art
http://i.imgur.com/yvJB9n4s.jpg Global Publishing Partner Announced for Shenmue III
http://i.imgur.com/34RWUTAs.png Yu Suzuki's Meet & Greet Schedule at Gamescom
http://i.imgur.com/0eQ6QJ8s.jpg List of Ryo's Goals | Shenmue Passport Disc
http://i.imgur.com/HRwqCJes.jpg Shenmue Passport Unlocked! | Hack to Skip Dial-up Check
http://i.imgur.com/1o3nvyxs.jpg Two Dazzling Shenmue-Inspired Projects: a Rock Opera & a Fan Manga

July 2017
http://i.imgur.com/0vzaHjts.jpg Tai Chi in Shenmue II
http://i.imgur.com/nJsRGKLs.jpg Shenmue III at Gamescom 2017: What We Know So Far
http://i.imgur.com/1nOV5eUs.jpg Shenmue Telephone Cards | Shenmue Merchandise
http://i.imgur.com/C5kWWnTs.jpg Vote Shenmue as Best All-Time Game! | Famitsu 1500th Edition Poll
http://i.imgur.com/HFeP8dAs.jpg How to Get to Dobuita Street | Dobuita Guide Series Part 1
http://i.imgur.com/dHynmPcs.png Comments on Kickstarter Update #69: August Event, Revised Logo & New Characters

June 2017
http://i.imgur.com/yfS73Nvs.png Guizhang Promo Clip Voiced by Eric Kelso
http://i.imgur.com/dsQvfQds.jpg Interview with Eric Kelso: Voice Actor for Ren, Guizhang & Fuku-san
http://i.imgur.com/FA4ta1Ms.png Eric Kelso Interview Coming Soon | Fuku-san Promo Clip
http://i.imgur.com/eSpxmHVs.png Eric Kelso Interview Coming Soon | Ren Promo Clip
http://i.imgur.com/JXYQatNs.jpg Submit Questions for our Interview with Eric Kelso [now closed]
http://i.imgur.com/EVFzD5Is.jpg Sealed What's Shenmue | Ebay Merchandise
http://i.imgur.com/X1kVazYs.jpg Kickstarter Update #68: Shenmue III Rescheduled for 2018
http://i.imgur.com/eapK7Ois.jpg The Streets of Shenmue: Street Addresses | Shenmue Realism
http://i.imgur.com/mt4BSD3s.png Results of Famitsu Poll: Action-Adventure Game Top 20 [June 2017]

May 2017
http://i.imgur.com/E8zNFPDs.jpg Comments on Kickstarter Update #67 | New Character Model & Absence from E3
http://i.imgur.com/bcak7Kts.jpg Sealed US Shenmue | Ebay Merchandise
http://i.imgur.com/ucIOJUFs.jpg Shoes On... Shoes Off | Shenmue Realism
http://i.imgur.com/dBWF9V8s.jpg Gio Corsi Visiting Yu in Tokyo [May 17, 2017]
http://i.imgur.com/MqAatxNs.jpg The Meaning & Origin of "Dobuita" | Placenames
http://i.imgur.com/uz6KQl8s.jpg Comments on Kickstarter Update #66 [Yu-san on Story Building]

April 2017
http://i.imgur.com/6hRqzg4s.png Guide to Famitsu Poll: Best Action-Adventure Game [closes 8th May, 2017]
http://i.imgur.com/guRxybQs.jpg Retro Games Exhibition: Sega Taikan Games | Photo Report
http://i.imgur.com/RACi6dEs.jpg Ryo and the Tiger-skin Pants | Shenmue II
http://i.imgur.com/IrqlCqzs.jpg Fuku-san's Incredible Money Counting Skills | Video
http://i.imgur.com/4ouU0kos.jpg Yu Suzuki Interview for the Release of "SEGA 3D Fukkoku Archives 3" | Famitsu]

March 2017
http://i.imgur.com/xrUGYHUs.jpg The Bamboo Fountain in the Hazuki's Garden | Shenmue Realism
http://i.imgur.com/nQIB30Xs.jpg Anecdotes About Yu Suzuki From Yuji Naka | DenFamiNicoGamer [14 Feb, 2017]
http://i.imgur.com/ACl0FlYs.jpg Shenmue Documentary Update Video | Chasing Shenmue: EP03
http://i.imgur.com/3F2klfBs.jpg Guide to SEGA Japan's Twitter Questionnaire [Closes March 26, 2017]
http://i.imgur.com/wcPwXEss.jpg The Naming of Phantom River Stone | Translation Analysis
http://i.imgur.com/2mmK343s.jpg Thoughts on Kickstarter Update #65 [Dev Room Progress Report Vol. 2]
http://i.imgur.com/mG6K4mUs.jpg Interview with Cédric Biscay at MAGIC 2017 | Famitsu.com [Mar 9, 2017]

February 2017
http://i.imgur.com/6KiiKFrs.jpg New Song "Winter Sunset" by Shenmue Composer Ryuji Iuchi
http://i.imgur.com/Cgp2vgCs.jpg "You should have come yesterday" | Translation Analysis
http://i.imgur.com/wVMLlZJs.jpg Rotary Phones & Milk Delivery | Shenmue Realism
http://i.imgur.com/8Mgc1xHs.jpg How to View the Passenger Plane and Fighter Jet Cutscenes | Shenmue II
http://i.imgur.com/0yWEWCIs.png Iwao Hazuki's China Visit | Diagram of Relationships & Timeline
http://i.imgur.com/6VEc2Yes.jpg Yu Suzuki & Katsuhiro Harada Interview | Part 3 | DenFamiNicoGamer

January 2017
http://i.imgur.com/VZ9PVsAs.jpg "Gachinko Fishing" & "Washing Place" | Shenmue Document Translations
http://i.imgur.com/EU27OuMs.jpg Ryo & Ren Comedy Video with English Captions (2001)
http://i.imgur.com/PqSdIWus.jpg Yu Suzuki at the AM2 Summer Festival (2001) | Article Translation
http://i.imgur.com/vIGPSMms.jpg Tile-breaking Job | Early Shenmue Document Translation
http://i.imgur.com/PZWjXavs.png Shenmue Comic: Training in Guilin
http://i.imgur.com/0RUQb9Hs.jpg Kowloon Cut-scene Music: 65 Tracks | Shenmue II
http://i.imgur.com/YvN2RZjs.jpg Shenmue 3 Reward Dinner in San Francisco with Yu Suzuki
http://i.imgur.com/CFADrwrs.jpg Shenmue III Reward Upgrades Coming in Summer
http://i.imgur.com/8j6i3Szs.jpg Yu Suzuki & Katsuhiro Harada Interview | Part 2 | DenFamiNicoGamer [26 Dec, 2016]
http://i.imgur.com/BVgZW6Xs.jpg "Shenmue Gaiden: Christmas Event" | New Fanmade Visual Novel
http://i.imgur.com/b1azRTNs.gif New Year's Illustration & Cultural Notes

December 2016
http://i.imgur.com/wWc7IWgs.jpg Yu Suzuki & Katsuhiro Harada Interview | Part 1 | DenFamiNicoGamer [26 Dec, 2016]
http://i.imgur.com/3dMiVTBs.jpg Yu Suzuki's New Year Resolution [Famitsu.com, Dec 29]
http://i.imgur.com/xr5QFaGs.jpg Yu Suzuki Comments on the Past & Coming Year [4Gamer.net, 28 Dec 2016]
http://i.imgur.com/gnO9bNOs.jpg Thoughts on Kickstarter Update #64 [Season’s Greetings!]
http://i.imgur.com/ubglJ2ls.jpg Winter Heating in Japan | Shenmue Realism
http://i.imgur.com/qOwmG9Bs.png Thoughts on Kickstarter Update #63 [Campaign and Progress Update]
http://i.imgur.com/nYb2Vjes.jpg Shenmue III "Pre-Orders" for PC Start Tomorrow (Dec 15, 2016)
http://i.imgur.com/exgJDORs.png "Let's Get Sweaty" | Translation Analysis
http://i.imgur.com/ag4zj5us.png Yu Suzuki Currently In California
http://i.imgur.com/5zWHSeWs.png Shenmue Campaign Timeline
http://i.imgur.com/IjeW1pXs.png Shenmue's Absence From PSX 2016
http://i.imgur.com/gk1HKhvs.png Yu Suzuki Interview Video (Subtitled) - Retro Games Expo 2016
http://i.imgur.com/bAbAulBs.png Thoughts on Kickstarter Update #62 [Yu Suzuki on the Music of Shenmue]

November 2016
http://i.imgur.com/9BM8AYWs.png Is Lan Di the Leader of the Chi You Men?
http://i.imgur.com/BlCr0Kns.jpg Lan Di Statue Photos (Exclusive Edition)
http://i.imgur.com/rgviLMts.jpg Shenmue Dojo Broadcast Special - 3 December, 2016
http://i.imgur.com/xJNJWIWs.png SEGA Online Poll Results & Video Recap
http://i.imgur.com/qhAiA9As.png Guide to the SEGA Japan Online Poll. [Now Closed]
http://i.imgur.com/Xn2vFoes.jpg Cédric Biscay hints at Shenmue III material for the PSX event
http://i.imgur.com/Jin2uvWs.png "It can't be... you... ?"
http://i.imgur.com/pnN7iUxs.png Top 200 Dreamcast Games Poll Results [DCJY 2016]
http://i.imgur.com/6f2w06Us.jpg Yu Suzuki Comments on Shenmue 3 - Nov 2 Famitsu interview

October 2016
http://i.imgur.com/4E8j5b9s.jpg Kickstarter Update #61: Halloween Greetings
http://i.imgur.com/Ujnkac3s.png Two Fan-made Shenmue Videos Not to Miss
http://i.imgur.com/AduBuT3s.png Map of Langhuishan - Shenmue 2 Unused Asset
http://i.imgur.com/hmdWTwcs.jpg Shenmue Realism: Yamanose Shrine
http://i.imgur.com/NrX84UHs.jpg "Especially Since You Bought Merchandise."
http://i.imgur.com/2FQiu2gs.png Ryo performing Victory Pose from Virtua Fighter
http://i.imgur.com/jGoYDoFs.jpg Shenmue 3 Dev Team Expanding! Leaflet Translation

September 2016
http://i.imgur.com/LpTFsAKs.jpg Kickstarter Update #60: Dinner in Japan Report
http://i.imgur.com/BIZyrmEs.png QTE Sound Collection
http://i.imgur.com/m4okNn6s.jpg Yu Suzuki Interview Translation (Retro Games Expo / 2016)
http://i.imgur.com/IfyMKHys.jpg The Cryptic Notes in Fukuhara-san's Room
http://i.imgur.com/M4EPqtHs.jpg New "Shenmue AM2" Podcast Series
http://i.imgur.com/EsuuvpWs.jpg Shenmue 3 Kickstarter Dinner Party in Japan
http://i.imgur.com/Rypgz9es.jpg Recent sightings of Yu Suzuki
http://i.imgur.com/h3pJ2bKs.jpg Yu Suzuki Arcade Games at Retro Games Exhibition in Saitama, Japan
http://i.imgur.com/raoDtKjs.jpg Cédric Biscay: No "big update" on Shenmue III for the near future
http://i.imgur.com/HFrPyUas.jpg Dorimaga Awards Part 2: Best Script (Dorimaga / March 2000)
http://i.imgur.com/1gOEjcOs.jpg Sega TGS 2016 Merchandise: the Ryo Marshmallow
http://i.imgur.com/0ktXJTps.jpg TGS 2016 & Shenmue Merchandise
http://i.imgur.com/mBOebs6s.jpg Shenmue Realism: Washing Machines
http://i.imgur.com/8w8RmTxs.jpg Shenmue Wins Best Dreamcast Title (Dorimaga article / March 2000)
http://i.imgur.com/DYH3Z2Ss.jpg "This..." Unnatural Utterances at the Tomato Convenience Store
http://i.imgur.com/vVIonJts.jpg Slacker Backer: update on the PC version reward

August 2016
http://i.imgur.com/iVesGfVs.jpg Kickstarter Update #59: observations
http://i.imgur.com/G5LuJZhs.jpg Kickstarter Update #59 - From the Dev Room
http://i.imgur.com/KNza7MLs.jpg A New Shenmue Blog is Launched

Nothing about this was going to be an interesting discussion. It'd be another circular crapfest that doesn't matter anyway considering YSnet will do what they will independently of either of us and our edits.

This thread is literally just to keep that shit out of the other one, and I guess maybe to collect the edits in one place. If we get enough we can make a collage. Or maybe I can just print them out and burn them in a giant act of catharsis when Shenmue III releases.

I've posted up a full translation of a Famitsu interview held yesterday with Yu Suzuki at Gamescom.

"Tortoises, ducks and frogs will be making an appearance!"

Link to interview:
http://www.phantomriverstone.com/2017/08/translationinterview-with-yu-suzuki.html

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

Game Watch published a very interesting interview with Suzuki-san, the interview took place during Gamescom 2017 and includes some really insightful and interesting information about Shenmue III, here's a short summary of it:


⋅  The released Shenmue III teaser footage is real-time in-game graphics.
⋅  All charterers models are temporary and subject to change.
⋅  Facial animations were initially implemented but have been removed about a month ago.
⋅  The teaser was especially made for Gamescom 2017, no further plans to show more of the game at this year's Gamescom or Tokyo Game Show. However, a full-scale promotion will take place next year.
⋅  Deep Silver will publish the game internationally, and they'll provide budget and promotional support. A publisher for Japan is to be decided.
⋅  Suzuki-san would like to continue the series in Shenmue IV if possible.
⋅  Suzuki-san is not interested in forcing the Shenmue story to complete in Shenmue III.
⋅  Shenmue III will take around 30 hours of gameplay to complete.
⋅  The fighting engine in Shenmue III is being built from scratch, and unlike Shenmue II it won't use the Virtua engine.
⋅  A system that allows phone calls with characters from Shenmue and Shenmue II is planned for Shenmue III.
⋅  Suzuki-san would like to bring as many voice actors from the previous games as possible, but some are retired now, he will audition a new voice actress for Shenhua.
⋅  OST from Shenmue and Shenmue II will probably be reused in Shenmue III.
⋅  The new partnership with Deep Silver is strong and it's aimed to improve the Shenmue III experience beyond what was initially planned on the Kickstarter.

Finally, Suzuki-san asks the fans to continue their support, and promises to do his best to make a good game out of Shenmue III.

I have a very strong feeling that 2018 will be the year of Shenmue ...

Update:
Switch has kindly translated the original interview

Here it is, a full translation of the GAME Watch interview. Enjoy!

http://www.phantomriverstone.com/2017/08/game-watch-interview-with-yu-suzuki.html

http://i.imgur.com/sCek1CHl.jpg

-Escape from New York is pretty uninteresting, and even though it's a rip off, Metal Gear Solid is much more entertaining.
-Nolan's Batman movies are really not that great, especially the third one.
-Jedi's are the most uninteresting bunch in all of cinema and people only like them because they have lightsabers. The Sith are just as boring. The Star Wars Universe is not that interesting overall.
-Star Trek, as a whole, is a bunch of interesting philosophical ideas with very poor production values and story presentation. The episodes are largely not very fun to watch... so I like the new movies best.
-I don't watch Doctor Who but it's also probably pretty stupid.
-Game of Thrones is not very good. The author kills off characters because he doesn't know how to end plot threads, so he just uses shock (of death) to distract his audience. Everyone will dislike the show when it ends in a very mediocre way (see Lost).

Here's a new article translation from Game*Spark Japan, interviewing Yu Suzuki and executive producer Hideaki Morishita.

I think it contains a lot of interesting insight. They speak about the fuss surrounding the teaser trailer despite the fact that many of the characters in the trailer are nowhere near their finished form.

Read the interview here:
http://www.phantomriverstone.com/2017/08/translation-interview-with-yu-suzuki.html

http://i.imgur.com/1xOO0HZl.jpg

I've been playing Shenmue II for about fourteen years, and I just noticed the poem in the Thousand White Church. I took a photo with my phone, here's the poem:

A happy new year
Today is fine
Gone with window
A happy new year
Today is fine
Gone with window
Refining the vegetables
Refining the vegetables


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

Hello PlayStation fans! This is Yu Suzuki, director of Shenmue III.

It’s hard to believe so much time has passed since we debuted the game at Sony’s E3 2015 press conference. Since then, the team has been extremely busy developing the game in Tokyo, but now it’s time to come up for air.

To coincide with Gamescom 2017, we are happy to share the news that we have inked a publishing partnership with Deep Silver! From the early days on the project, the team at Deep Silver really impressed me with their deep passion for the series and their desire to work with us to deliver a proper sequel that all fans will love.

To celebrate the news, I would like to share with you a teaser video built from a small slice of an in-development build of the game . As you will see, the latest chapter in Ryo and Shenhua’s journey begins with a beautiful set piece in China. You’ll also see that we’re aiming to significantly upgrade the game’s visuals , and you may also notice a new character during that quick glimpse of our new battle gameplay…

I’m pleased to be able to offer a small peek into what we’ve been building thus far, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to show you more as we get closer to our 2018 release.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to all those who have supported me and the team. I will continue to work hard to deliver the best possible realization of Shenmue III.

Yu Suzuki


https://blog.us.playstation.com/2017/08/21/shenmue-iii-the-first-teaser/

http://i.imgur.com/g5yUqjb.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ufpkE9s.jpg

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

http://i.imgur.com/6aBGfXn.jpg

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

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

http://i.imgur.com/YLvset1.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/2HG6rvv.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/LMB9IsH.jpg

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

http://i.imgur.com/aB0cIOJ.jpg

Ryo & Shenhua Character Models (High Resolutions)

http://i.imgur.com/TAjc0zl.jpg

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

The lighting effects are so unreal! The teaser one was a bit overdone IMO, but if these screenshots are actually the desired direction, then I really thank God we are getting to play Shenmue 3 during our lifetime. Look at that jacket and its dirt and wear, and Ryo's face!

PS. Who's that? Is this a Yu Suzuki cameo?
https://s3.postimg.org/gwndt52pf/Qcbflb_L.jpg

Spaghetti wrote:

I think this is my favourite one. Everything about this scenery screams Shenmue to me. Can't wait to explore this place for myself.

Wow.

Why is it that every single time we get info on the game, people start to complain lol Look at Yu's track record. The man knows what he is doing! He isn't going to make it some overly simple 1 button kills all system... He is going to make it fun and something that probably hasn't been done before. Let him do what he wants and please, stop complaining!

I know we are all looking insanely forward to this game, and we have been for 16 years but think about it from Yu's side. He has been wanting to make this damn game for us, for all those years too. He must have soooooo many ideas and things that he wants to do and I trust that he will do what he feels right for the game. I wouldn't want to play a game that has been twisted, turned and over-influenced by the fans, I want the original idea by the fucking genius creator who made the first 2 games that we all love.

Give him a break, trust him, and he will make one fucking amazing game.

We did it!

Didn't see a dedicated thread for this so...

Full interview:

https://www.vg247.com/2017/08/25/shenmue-3-open-world-dead-eyed-characters-shenmue-4/

The bit we've all come for:

The environments look fantastic, but there’s been a lot of chatter about the character models this week. What do you have to say to that? Are improvements coming?

You know, to be honest… the faces, they’ve not been properly deployed yet. [b]This is a behind-the-scenes story, but up until a point 2 months ago the face motion has been removed. The developer changed some structure to the bones of the character model, and this caused a problem. Because of the problem, we decided to stop working on face animation for now.

[Suzuki opens his laptop and brings up an internal, unreleased development video showing facial animation tests for Ryo and Shenhua. The animations look fairly decent, and certainly avoid the dead-eyed stares seen in the recent Shenmue footage or Andromeda-style exaggeration.]

This is still the sample model, the older one, but… this is a test. We’re going to make this even better. We’re incorporating about 11 different types of face motion, and we’re working towards that. That will be improved a lot.

https://www.gamekult.com/actualite/yu-suzuki-le-plus-difficile-est-de-creer-de-bons-personnages-3050797909.html

Interview context: Gamekult is shown an extended version of the trailer with additional scenes and QTEs with "work in progress" mark. Then the interview begins with Suzuki and his English translator.

https://i.imgur.com/jseQm8Q.jpg

Gamekult: First of all, I would like to know why you decided to publicly publish a short version of what you just showed us privately? Is it for marketing purpose or a future backer exclusivity?

(Suzuki begins to talk to his translator who is also in charge of the business side of YSnet. The latter takes the floor.)

YSnet businessman: That's a good question! Honestly, there's no specific reason but some people think showing the extended version is too early. The idea behind the trailer was to announce our partnership with Deep Silver. We aimed to reveal that we got a better financial support. We have been silent for too long so it was important to show something at Gamescom while it's not a real marketing strategy.

Yu Suzuki: We may create an improved and longer version of the video for the end of the year. A true promotional trailer.

GK: After watching the video, I now wonder how you proceed with animation in Shenmue 3. Do you use motion capture, handmade animation or both? Are you working with an outsourcing studio or do you have your own motion capture studio?

YS: We use motion capture as working base then we make adjustments. Everything is captured internally although we do not have a true motion capture studio. We're using a magnetic capture tool because it needs less space to work so we can easily proceed in an open space. However, we are certainly going to use a real motion capture studio for the most important action scenes.

GK: Are you working with outsourcing studios? For instance, TOSE or Virtuous.

YS: We have our own team where people from various companies are working. In general, everything is made internally. The goal is to avoid outsourcing.

GK: How many people are working in the team?

YS: Sorry but I can't tell you any figure.

GK: How will your partnership with Deep Silver benefit Shenmue III? Is the original project going to evolve?

YS: To be honest, we just signed the contract. We have yet to know what Deep Silver can bring us exactly but we hope it's significant (laughs). From a business point of view, we should take advantage of their international network and their communication expertise since they have a great record with Japanese studios.

GK: How will you proceed to make the game interesting for the fans as much for the newcomers? Can we start Shenmue III without having played the previous episodes?

YS: We plan to insert images and videos from previous episodes in ingame situations, something like memories. One of the ideas consists of inserting visuals when you're phoning characters from Shenmue I & II.

GK: Yakuza 3 proceeded differently with cinematic buildups to summarize the story of Yakuza 1&2. I wonder if Shenmue 3 can proceed the same way but the visual contrast between cinematics and the gameplay would be obviously significant.

YS: I still don't know how it may look on screen but it's a possibility. Anyway, we'll decide our own way to proceed.

GK: What will the Shenmue III main themes be? Storywise, is there any particular event or topic you're willing to set up?

YS: It's faster to show you. (Suzuki starts his PC and launches a slideshow) Here we go, the three key points of the game are romance, characters' life and martial arts. Then my main goal is to use the latest advancements in technologies to express feelings through gaming situation. Today there are even more ways of expression but also more challenge with the modern tools. With Unreal Engine 4, the most challenging part is to create good characters.

GK: You mean, using your own engine when you're working on Shenmue I&II was easier than using a foreign third-party engine?

YS: Yes, absolutely!

GK: So far, have you programmed with your own hands?

YS: I created some algorithms and little prototypes but I'm not working at the heart of coding. I worked on an artist's AI who appears in the game, NPC behaviors and some combat scenes. But my main job is research. The final code is written by people who are more skilled than me.

GK: About visuals, how far do you think you are from the final state?

YS: First of all, I confirm that everything related to the characters is temporary. Then I would like to say that, in order to reach the best possible result from a technical point of view, we need a lot of resources, way more than we currently have today. That's why I'm trying to find a balance between visual quality and the other key points of the game, especially what makes the gameplay singular and different from the other productions.

GK: About environment size and interaction volume, how would you rate Shenmue 3 compared to the Dreamcast episodes?

YS: I would say that the game is as wide and dense as Shenmue 1&2... On further consideration, it will even be richer. The time of play is more difficult to estimate since each player has his own pace and may progress differently with all the side quests available. I think more than 20 hours will be needed.

GK: In order to make Shenmue 1&2, you traveled several times in China. Did you travel again for Shenmue III or are you using mainly archives and memories?

YS: I went back to China two years ago, when the project did start. (Suzuki is searching his PC folders to find photos of mountain landscapes, old buildings and busy streets) As you can see, we reproduced some roofs of tiles in the last video. I really would like to display as much characters as those you can see in these photos! (laughs)

GK: If you were going to leave Japan to live in another country, would you choose China?

YS: Not China, no. (laughs)

END OF INTERVIEW

https://s2.postimg.cc/8l5n0dqbd/yu-poll-dojo.png

After a huge turnout from both the press and public visitors at Gamescom in Germany, the head of Shenmue 3 publisher Deep Silver in France wants to know where they should bring the game's director Yu Suzuki next year.

According to the votes cast so far, it's looking good for Paris Games Week, but Japan Expo is also in the running and other suggestions are welcomed. To voice your opinion, respond to Olivier Comte's tweet here .

He's also looking for revenge.

Looking for the plastic surgeon that killed his face.

Also we now get a much better look at his belt buckle, compared to the Kickstarter Update. I had wondered if it was supposed to be an image of a pheonix (hence maybe a clue to a link to Niao Sun), but from the latest images it looks more like a flying crane or similar.

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

http://i.imgur.com/HNu1ile.jpg

As the tittle says.

I've been toying exporting the 3D model I use for my renders into Unreal engine 4 testing some animation and learning how the engine works,

It is a very Basic test, but it shows how passport Ryo would look in a modern engine, I did it just for fun, and prove the the model can actually look quite good when thrown in to a modern engine, it lacks facial riggin or animation ( that reminds me of something ... xD)

I had some problem importing materials to UE4, so you will see some jankiness in some speculars but whatever.
http://i.imgur.com/7iK3vZS.png

http://i.imgur.com/bJdQHks.png
http://i.imgur.com/oYqAIuh.png


Somehow it ended up looking like that Mario 128 tech demo for the Nintendo Gamecube. :rotflmao:

http://i.imgur.com/VLFqBPM.png

http://i.imgur.com/du1V08o.png

http://i.imgur.com/v3vtF5d.png

http://i.imgur.com/86lHJcj.png

http://i.imgur.com/syr33OA.png

http://i.imgur.com/iZqzlyO.png

http://i.imgur.com/5RrDPh7.png

http://i.imgur.com/86lHJcj.png

http://i.imgur.com/cDkvRej.png

http://i.imgur.com/v72okKc.png

http://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2017/08/27/shenmue-3-interview-japanese-games-more/amp/

Just an interesting article which I don't seem to see posted elsewhere where it shows Yu's intentions of asking Sega himself for Shenmue 1 and 2 HD to happen. Yes he said this sort of thing in the past which means he's persistantly asking. Also in the article it says he is pleased with the Japanese games market being popular in the west as it was not always like that and he hopes with his game Shenmue 3 it can help it stay like that.

For real this time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_G1FiovxP8&feature=youtu.be

90% transparency.

The latest post on the Phantom River Stone blog picks out seven details that appear in the Shenmue III teaser and digs into them a little further.

http://i.imgur.com/oFyAxZLl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/WCSNQeLl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/gwABoSul.jpg


Read the article here:

http://www.phantomriverstone.com/2017/08/seven-interesting-details-from-shenmue.html

NoconKid said on Facebook that he did the mirrors. Not sure if that's already been posted.

Shenmue series cracks the Top 20 Best Games of all time reader list for Famitsu:

Famitsu just released their 1500 issue, as they've done on previous milestones they asked their readers to pick the best game ever and the results are in:

[1]Persona 5
[2]Dragon Quest III
[3]Splatoon
[4]Nier Automata
[5]The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
[6]Final Fantasy VII
[7]Danganronpa V3
[8]Chrono Trigger
[9]Sakura Wars
[10]Shenmue
[11]Danganronpa 1 2 Reload
[12]Shenmue 2
[13]Hatsune Miku: Project Diva Future Tone
[14]Yakuza 0
[15]Otocadoll
[16]Persona 4: Golden
[17]Okami
[18]Xenoblade: Chronicles
[19]Suiokoden 2
[20]Final Fantasy XII
[21]Super Danganronpa 2
[22]Danganronpa
[23]Earthbound
[24]Dragon Quest V
[25]Zelda: Ocarina of Time
[26]Final Fantasy X

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1427219

https://68.media.tumblr.com/c76cd8e09ccbe5c284a877f39c982a54/tumblr_ovoeetc4Sy1vilcqco1_400.jpg

At the Gamescom 2017 event, we were very lucky to have a quick interview with Shenmue 3 director Yu Suzuki. Unfortunately, over the 3 days available with Suzuki-san, it was very hard to secure an interview with the team due to the general media already having pre-booked all of the time slots available with Suzuki-san through their new publishing partner, Koch Media. But thanks to a few people behind the scenes (especially the community's own Shenmue Ambassador Ali Novin!), we were able to be squeezed in for some quick interviews at the end of the final day, and got to experience the Deep Silver media area! (and rub shoulders with other developers in the area. 5 points to who can guess the developer in the chequed shirt.) Possibly a happy accident, but quite hilarious that Shenmue 3 was allocated Wareho...errr room number .08!

https://68.media.tumblr.com/e10f0bec5012af5650278ed6617f3ea1/tumblr_ovoeetc4Sy1vilcqco2_500.jpg

For this interview, we are unbelievably thankful, as both Suzuki-san and Harry-san were understandably extremely tired, and in light of that, our time with them was very short. Despite having upwards of 20+ questions prepared, i only had time to ask a very short number so apologies in advance that i did not get an opportunity to ask a lot of gameplay based questions. I didnt get to that stage, and before i was out of the "introductory" questions stage, it was time to wrap up the interview! Either way, its always an honour to be in the company of Suzuki-san, and we are so grateful for his time at Gamescom. Enjoy :)

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

SD. So hello Suzuki-san. Welcome to Germany! Have you been to Germany before? Have you been to Gamescom before?

YS. It’s my first Gamescom, but however, for Germany, I don’t remember… 2 or 3… around 3 times. I have a feeling the number grows with each interview (laughs)! It’s around 5 times… I think. Although, just before when you asked the question, I said twice! But I think 5 times is the right number.

SD. So we know you are in Cologne for Shenmue, but I know you have a love for art and architecture. Do you have any plans to do any sight-seeing whilst you are here?

YS. On the day we arrived, or maybe the day after, I went to see the Dom (Cathedral). It’s splendid! I also walked around the Old Town. Yes, it was amazing. It was more impressive than the Tokyo Tower (laughs). I am joking! But it was amazing. I could say amazing over and over.


https://68.media.tumblr.com/d9b32515d8c7f5ffadb78bf509d9ff0c/tumblr_ovoeetc4Sy1vilcqco3_500.jpg

SD. We are at Gamescom for Shenmue 3. But I have to ask, why Gamescom? We just had E3, and Gamescom is a little bit after, so did it just feel right?

YS. The reason for the timing was that I wanted to make the announcement in conjunction with the forming of the contract with Deep Silver. The agreement, to put it simply, was not ready in time for E3.

SD. Ok, so I just want to bring it back a bit, to the Kickstarter update where you announced that you had to delay the game. How hard was that decision, and were you worried about disappointing the backers?

YS. Hmmm, yes of course. I was most concerned about the backers. At the time, we had already made progress in our partnership talks with Deep Silver. So for us, being able to aim for something above what had been the plan with the original Kickstarter, it would have been extremely difficult to implement an open world with the initial plan we had at the time of the Kickstarter. So I continued to look for a partner after that. I really wanted to create an open world somehow. So I kept searching, and eventually we were able to form a partnership with Deep Silver which enabled us to upwardly revise the plan.
So at that time, I took into account what we would be able to achieve with Deep Silver. I felt positive we would be able to achieve a “scaled-up” Shenmue 3. If conditions improved after forming a partnership with Deep Silver, we would be able to expand our plans. That would bring along with it more tasks to complete, and I hoped to announce the good news to everyone along with the schedule change. But at that point the contract with Deep Silver hasn’t been finalized, so I wasn’t able to mention it. That was the situation.

https://68.media.tumblr.com/02ed8d4d4c19b506b54b42ccf5da6441/tumblr_ovoeetc4Sy1vilcqco4_500.jpg

SD. In the same video, you mentioned “new technologies, possibilities and new expressions” for Shenmue 3. Could you tell us more about those, and have they changed what you originally thought Shenmue 3 would be like?

YS. We have a complete set of basic shaders, although these need to be tuned for Shenmue. But having a full set of basic shaders is one of its (Unreal 4 Engine) advantages. Also it’s an engine designed for games, so there are all sorts of libraries for 3D games. So when you’re at the prototype/building stage, it’s very quick and efficient. That’s another benefit.
With Shenmue 1 and 2, my program forms the base, so I understand all parts of the program. However this time, the innermost working are a “black box” so I can’t obtain a full understanding of every part, and that can sometimes be a problem. From an overall perspective, it’s a really marvellous engine, especially when it’s used by multiple people. For example, we take the case of 30 or 40 people, or more, are developing the game simultaneously. It can handle management and so on, and do things like analysing the workload, rendering load, CPU usage and various others. Product management has also been made easier too, so overall, I think it’s a superb engine.


SD. I’m glad you mentioned shaders because I remember a conversation we once had about how important the colours of Shenmue were important to you. How difficult has it been to achieve the “look” and “colour” of Shenmue with Unreal 4?

YS. The basic attractive colours in Unreal 4 are formed with High Dynamic Range, and there is a wide range of colours from light to dark which can produce images where you can really feel the light and shade. This was the key deciding factor for my selection of the Unreal Engine. For me, the light and the shade are the most important part. For Shenmue, there are 2 things which are necessary to add. The next stage is there has to be a feeling of humidity. Shenmue has to have a slightly “wet” feeling to it. A damp kind of feeling in the air. I don’t mean actual rain, but the air should have a kind of moist feeling to it.
It’s difficult to achieve this with the standard Unreal 4 shaders, so I think we will have to write our own. The Shenmue teaser we have shown has achieved that look of “wetness” I think. We have now reached the second step. We are not yet at the third stage, but that will be images that you can smell. For example, in China they may chop up a pig like this, and then, without storing it in a refrigerator, sell it under the hot sun. It has that kind of raw stink, and that’s something I think we managed to achieve in Shenmue 2. Shenmue 3 will also be going onto this stage next. A “smell shader”, or a “stinky shader”! (laughs).

https://68.media.tumblr.com/9d51b582086d5bd4cb64552253c54f48/tumblr_ovoeetc4Sy1vilcqco5_400.jpg

SD. I have a lot of questions to ask, but I know time is very short, so I will ask my final question. With being president of your own company, you have hired new staff members to work on Shenmue 3. How does it feel to pass on all those years of knowledge and experience to young new developers? Have you had any difficulties managing a team like this?

YS. Well not all of our staff are young, there is someone who is 50 years old… all ages really. But management is the most difficult part. They have entered the company going through interviews, and it’s hard to get to know someone properly at the interview stage. So after that process it turns out there are some people who speak extremely little, for example, so yes it can be pretty difficult. Various strategies are needed in order for each person’s performance level to reach 100%, and that’s the part that’s most difficult. I would prefer to lose myself in the creative work, but quite a bit of time is used up on management.

SD. Suzuki-san, thank you.

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...and in the blink of an eye, it was all over! Apologies again that we could not have had more time to ask more questions, but there maybe more inverviews coming out from the Shenmue Online Community in the near future with lots more questions so stay tuned for that! ;-)

But before we left, as always, we had to surprise Suzuki-san with a gift! Thanks to a fantastic idea from 500k owner Aaron Barstow, we decided to try and somehow put Suzuki-san into one of his favourite bands, Van Halen. So working together, we came up with the idea of having an artist design an image of the band members but also insert Yu Suzuki in amongst them! After contacting one of our contributors to the Instagram page, @r_wuying, he understood the concept, and very quickly came though with an awesome piece of work!

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Of course, we couldnt give Suzuki-san an image on a PC, so we had it framed and brought it to Germany to present it to him from all of the Shenmue Community, for which he was extremely surprised and thankful (as always!)

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My Gamescom experience was one i will always remember, and i have to say thank you to so many people including David and Kenji from Shenmue Master, Aaron and James from 500K/Team Yu, Silvia from 500k, Chao from the community and of course Ali Novin for all his hard work behind the scenes to make the interview happen. On a personal note, it was fantastic to meet long time Dojo members YS, Snoopbob, B-Ren and Bluemue at the event too!! Its a shame we couldnt have all spent more time together! Also, of course how could I forget (which I did :oops: ) the amazing Switch for being on point with translating duties as always!

But with that, another event has ended, and the long journey continues! See you all again soon :D

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Thank you Peter, great job on the interview! And thanks to everyone else behind the scenes.

Well, I figured I can't make videos on my YouTube channel for every little thing that I wan't to say about Shenmue so I took the great example that is Switch's Phantom River Stone and made my own little Shenmue blog!

Yeah I know, name and design are "very" creative but it's just purpouseful. Not much to see on there yet but I'm sure there'll be many thing to post about and lots of content in the near future.

BlueMue's Shenmue Blog