by Anonymous81 » Tue Dec 20, 2016 4:40 pm
I think it will happen at some point, and that all the parties involved clearly want it to happen.
The questions are: 1) When? And 2) How good will the re-release be in terms of added features or enhancements?
It's #2 I'm most worried about. While for us Shenmue fans, just having the games again in a modern format (without needing to emulate) would be a dream come true, and, I believe, sufficient at least for many of us. But for modern audiences who know nothing about Shenmue, and are used to much more accessible and quicker paced games, I fear quick and dirty upscales would result in massively negative critical reviews, and the same on the user side.
Even if it means we have to wait until after Shenmue III is released, I really hope they give us a proper "remaster" treatment. Better camera control, a more convenient save system, incorporation of a "wait" feature into the original game not just the second one, both games released as a single package, perhaps even essentially as one "game" with seamless transition from I to II, full controller support with correct button prompts (including for QTEs,) less confusing QTE prompts (i.e. telling us what to press, but not then that weird little after the fact repetition that always made me think the QTE presses were longer than they really were lol,) and if at all possible, a complete retexture and modern lighting effects.
I think if they did this, it would make the game receive a much warmer reception, resulting in increased sales. But, as a fan, I would also happily accept just a quick and dirty upscale with modern controller support, just to have access to these classics again without emulation.
I would be very surprised if we get a full remaster with the kinds of enhancements mentioned above prior to Shenmue III's release. It would be a WONDERFUL surprise, don't get me wrong, but I am skeptical of their ability to do it in the time remaining (even with a S3 delay.)
So in terms of odds for a 2017 announcement, on a 1-10 scale, I give it:
6 to 7 if it's a quick and dirty upscale that works with multiple modern controllers on PC and PS4, completely digitally distributed, no physical release.
3 or 4 if it's a full remaster with those kinds of major enhancements, and if it gets a physical release.