Not going to lie: Shenmue III's reveal almost had your humble host in tears last year. It's a game series that's had a profound effect on this author, as illustrated in this soapbox article. But many who missed out on the original – or perhaps were too young to play it – may not understand why Yu Suzuki's legendary adventure is held in such high regard.
This outstanding Digital Foundry video does a good job turning back time and outlining just what made the Dreamcast exclusive such a ground breaking outing. And if you're already a fan, it even includes footage from the title's Yokohama reveal event that we've never seen; pay close attention to the rudimentary Dreamcast motion controller that's used during the gambling minigame demonstration.
Shenmue III's unlikely to appear at E3 2016 as the game's only just entered full production, but we really can't wait to see how Ryo Hazuki's story matures. In the meantime, a re-release of the originals would be most welcome – even if newcomers may cringe at some of the voice acting and controls.
[source youtube.com]
Comments 12
Shenmue, and GTA 3, are probably the best two examples of titles that showcase the evolution towards modern AAA game mechanics and open worlds.
Had it on the Dreancast, and although I respected what it was trying to do at the time, it was always a series that my brother loved much more.....I would rather be playing Crazy Taxi or Jet Set Radio.
Brilliant video talking about all of the game's technical achievements. Shenmue's only fault was simply being ahead of its time. I'll definitely be playing Shenmue and Shenmue II in anticipation for the third one!
Shenmue 1 and 2 are still the most compelling and engrossing games i've ever played. Along side MGS1 shenmue is the best game ever imo.
never played Shenmue but from what I heard Shenmue is similar to the Yakuza games which are awesome
Whilst this is a good video, it only focuses on the technical elements of the game. Aside, from being a technical achievement, Shenmue did a lot of great things in terms of narrative, player progression, gameplay variation, and capturing a specific time period as well as a martial philosophy.
The way in which you are left to drive the narrative forward as a player is simply brilliant, having to find every breadcrumb you can and putting things into motion yourself. And the game opens on a huge event, leaving you with so many questions as to what's happening. It's a traditional epic narrative that is simply enthralling from start to finish.
Also, you have the different modes of gameplay including Virtua Fighter-esque combat, training, a stealthy levelling up system, free exploration, quick time event cutscenes, and specific gameplay modes when getting a job.
With it's technical achievements it is impressive, but with a game that captures an intangible spirit of martial arts and 80s Japan, backed up by a great narrative, it becomes magical.
And yes, I cried when number 3 was announced. In fact I needed a new carpet.
@sub12 Surely Mario 64 too?
interesting video . only one word to describe shenmue on dreamcast : masterpiece
@Churchy Yeah a bit of a shame it's only a technical analysis, but that's Digital Foundry's 'thing' so expected really. Totally with you on the announcement though, good thing I was in bed already watching it live at 2pm, 'cos I would have needed a lie down after that. So emotional.
C mon Sega announce remasters at E3!
The need to release 1 & 2 so I can play them as I have no idea what the hype is all about for the third one (sorry)
@Churchy yep, everything you said.
Also the few technical hiccups they mention are laughable. Their conclusion of impressive achievement or whatever is kind of an insulting understatement given the rest of their video.
There was a nice shout out to Omikron or Nomad Soul, another amazing game but it doesn't really compare other than being an epic console RPG open world game.
Greatest tragedy you should be thinking is with the achievement of Shenmue that SEGA gave up on hardware. Kinda proves Dreamcast was a beast.
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