Shenmue Sub-Director Searches for More Sailors in Shenmue III

Back on the bike

by Sammy Barker Sat 30th Jul 2016

Yu Suzuki's name will forever be tied to Shenmue – it was his magnum opus, after all. But as is the case with so many projects, he had a team around him to realise his vision, and one such person was Keiji Okayasu. He served as a sub-director on the SEGA Dreamcast original, and also contributed to its sequel massively. And now he's back to work with Ys Net on Shenmue III for the PlayStation 4.

The game, which was Kickstarted last year and is currently in development, is still a long way away from release, but in the video embedded below, Okayasu-san outlines what he hopes to achieve with the new game. "I want to help finish it, and do it so that the fans will be satisfied," he says. "That means making it interesting for everyone who played Shenmue I and II, and everyone who will be experiencing Shenmue for the first time."

Are you really looking forward to this long-awaited sequel? Did you contribute to the crowd-funding campaign? Get sweaty in the comments section below.

[source kickstarter.com]

As the Editor of Push Square, Sammy has over 15 years of experience analysing the world of PlayStation, from PS3 through PS5 and everything in between. He’s an expert on PS Studios and industry matters, as well as sports games and simulators. He also enjoys RPGs when he has the time to dedicate to them, and is a bit of a gacha whale.

1
Victor_Meldrew
Sat 30th Jul 2016

He was obviously involved for a long time, Since the Saturn days, kind of surprised he left two thirds the way through the second game. Its very positive to see lots of the original dudes back though.

2
Constable_What
Sat 30th Jul 2016

I contributed a $100 to the Kickstarter campaignass soon as I was able to. I'm very glad Okayasu-san is back to work on Shenmue; I cannot wait for this to finally be out! I've waited about twelve years for this, and thought that it would never come, but I'm very very happy Ryo's story is continuing. Shenmue and Shenmue 2 were among my favorite games for the Dreamcast and Xbox respectively. Regardless of how it turns out I am happy I contributed, and happy my name will be in the credits.

3
sajoey
Sat 30th Jul 2016

I'm so excited for this. I donated $60 when they announced physical PS4 copies. And when it comes out, I'll own all 3 Shenmue games in their original physical forms.

4
Tasuki
Sun 31st Jul 2016

@sajoey Do you own both a Dreamcast and Xbox Version of Shenmue II

5
get2sammyb
Sun 31st Jul 2016

@Tasuki

I do!

6
Nei
Sun 31st Jul 2016

Contributed ti the Kickstarter, as a proud SEGA gamer, and I must say this is a most reassuring piece of news.

7
Tasuki
Sun 31st Jul 2016

@get2sammyb Guess who will be getting the first one here very soon.

8
sajoey
Sun 31st Jul 2016

@Tasuki no, I own the Dreamcast versions of both

9
get2sammyb
Sun 31st Jul 2016

@Tasuki Yes! Enjoy!

10
Tasuki
Sun 31st Jul 2016

@sajoey Ah ok. I would like to eventually get the DC copy of Shenmue II since I am odd and like having games in a series on the same platform but it's just hard for me to find one here in the States. Lucky for me I do have an Xbox but still. Guess I am just odd.

@get2sammyb Oh I will, I will. Shenmue is one of my bucket list games that I have been trying to get for years now. Now I just hope I can find a copy of II.

11
sinalefa
Sun 31st Jul 2016

Didnt put any money but glad it is getting done.

12
SegaBlueSky
Mon 1st Aug 2016

Great news. In terms of the personnel involved this project is looking pretty positive. Still got Shenmue 1 and 2 on Dreamcast and will be playing through them again when this is closer to releasing.