1999 Interview with Yu Suzuki "15 Secrets of Shenmue"

[Switch]

I've posted up a translation of an interview Yu Suzuki held with the media on 18th January 1999, soon after the successful Shenmue premiere events. Shenmue was still somewhat shrouded in mystery, so the "15 Secrets" this article refers to - while not representing special in-game secrets or the like - are an interesting reflection on both expectations from the media/public as well as Yu Suzuki's mindset almost a year before its actual release.

Not only that, but Suzuki mentions themes that he still holds with importance today with development of Shenmue III, such as "reality vs realism".

Link to the interview:

Part 1/2:
http://www.phantomriverstone.com/2018/06/part-12-15-secrets-of-shenmue-1999.html

Part 2/2:
https://www.phantomriverstone.com/2018/06/part-22-15-secrets-of-shenmue-1999.html

[Switch]

Not only that, but Suzuki mentions themes that he still holds with importance today with development of Shenmue III, such as "reality vs realism".

I love this part.

[Supa]

Switch, I've been running across a lot of old Weekly Am2 interviews with Shenmue staff. Would you be interested in translating any of these? Most are rather short.

[Switch]

Switch, I've been running across a lot of old Weekly Am2 interviews with Shenmue staff. Would you be interested in translating any of these? Most are rather short.

Absolutely. If you'd like to send me the links I will add them to the blog's list of candidate future topics and see when I can fit one in.

[Switch]

Thank you for this!

[Switch]

The second half of the interview is now up:

https://www.phantomriverstone.com/2018/06/part-22-15-secrets-of-shenmue-1999.html

[Switch]

Wonderful! Love what you're doing, Switch. I will get those Weekly Am2 links to you soon!

[KidMarine]

"I feel a bit like I did with Virtua Fighter 1. It would be great if this game can create a new trend in gaming history.

[Switch]

I've come to understand Yu's design mindset thanks to your work, Switch. Thank you so much for this!