Ziming wrote: Yu Suzuki: The concept for Shenmue 3 already exists, so... [Laughs] The world of Shenmue 1 and 2 expanded outward. So, for example, in the original games, of all the data used for dialogue in the game, the main characters' dialogue was about 20%. The remaining 80% was dialogue by characters other than the two main characters. But Shenmue 3 doesn't expand outward, but inward. A lot of the dialogue is used for the main character and especially dialogue with Shenhua. They talk about a lot of different, deeper things.
This quote both excites and worries me. I get nervous, because this could be a big reason why Sega won't budge - how can Shenmue 3, with this concept, be re-introduced as something brand new? Shenmue fans of old would understand a more Disc 4-esque type of game, but would this make chances for success that much more difficult? There are clearly some exciting and action-driven parts of the story left, but I do have a feeling that there will be long spells like the Guilin portion of Shenmue 2.
So, people need to get sucked into the story. But how?
Shenmue HD? A straight port doesn't sit well with me, because I think most people who have never played Shenmue before might find it a bit outdated. The 2nd game improves, but that's 15 hours of Chapter 1 to lose interest during - which I consider Chapter 1 to be the tech demo of the Shenmue series (I mean that as an analogy and not a slur - I love the first game, as much as the second). And even if it was successful, a downloadable port won't necessarily have a huge audience anyway. Could a simple HD remake lead to a 3rd entry into the series, one that "expands inward"? If they don't fix Shenmue's most glaring issues (the slow pace, especially the start of Chapter 1, the at-times unbearable VA/dialogue, and clunky controls) it may flop or just do "OK". The reality of Shenmue III might hit a tone of finality depending on the success of these ports, and one of the possible outcomes scares me.
I'm not sure how big of a makeover they'd give to a downloadable game, but there are a bunch of simple ways to improve on Shenmue that will make it feel like more of a game, for those who want to play a video game - yet, not alter the essence of Shenmue negatively for those of us who realize it so much more than a video game. For example, more challenging QTEs, a wait feature, smoother controls, and a more interactive fighting system. You can get by in Shenmue by mashing X and A, so it's easy to overlook the move-handbook, the fact you can train and transform many moves (I still couldn't care less to mess much with the 'train' feature Ryo can activate (and only by his bed?)), etc. The "action selector" could use a bit of an overhaul, as well as the menu system and inventory organization. These are easy fixes that I think Sega could very likely blow off by not putting any effort into a re-release. I hope to god they are at least having conversations about what went wrong and how they can improve, as we may be doomed otherwise. I even think a 'quest' log or something might make more people aware of the fact there are many hidden scenes and special conversations you can get. I know, the beauty is finding these yourself, but face it - most people don't have time to play through a game a dozen times to find all the secrets and easter eggs like we did.
Shenmue II was obviously a continuation of the same game, but in many ways (and mostly intentional) it was very, very different. Shenmue III sounds as though it will be even more different from II as II was from I. Plus, the original plan of a 4 or 5 game series changed a long time ago. Suzuki was somewhat long-winded when relaying the first two games' stories. I think it was essential for character development, but in terms of Ryo's progress, it took 2 full games to find Zhu Yuan Da....who likely will only be a minor player from here on out (though, his back-story could prove to be crucial). The rapid-fire plot developments required to tell the rest of the story in one installment will further distinguish it from its predecessors. Fingers crossed for a 40 hour epic.