It’s been some time since we’ve gotten any new information or footage for the upcoming title, Shenmue 3. Thankfully, that all changes today as not only was a gameplay trailer shown off during the Monaco Anime Game International Conferences 2019. But we also received word on the status of the game and some gameplay information as well.
Titled “Shenmue 3 Ryo & Master’, this gameplay trailer not only shows off new locations and a few NPCs but also gives more insight into the story. As the title implies, Ryo, the protagonist of the Shuemue series, has found someone to call this master. This unnamed character apparently was also friends with Ryo’s father, before his untimely death.
Watch the trailer below.
In addition to the trailer, Yu Suzuki, the director of Shenmue 3, addressed the audience and dropped some new information regarding the game. Such as the new fishing system, where Ryo will be able to visit multiple finishing spots, as well as sell whatever he catches. There’s also going to be around 500 different NPCs in the game, which seems like a lot. I recall Shenmue 1 and 2 having a large number of NPCs, so it’s nice to see that Shenmue 3 will also have a large number of NPCs. It’s what made the first two games feel alive.
He goes on to state that the inspiration for combat in the Shenmue series comes from Virtua Fighter. Which is something fans of the series were already very aware of. However, since we haven’t seen a new Virtua Fighter in several years, the team is coming up with attacks that will be incorporated into the game. Lastly, multiple moves and attacks will carry over from the first two games as well.
There’s also an option called “AT” or Auto System, that lets players map several moves to a button. Then using that button, they’ll be able to use them in rapid execution, making it easier off pull of those moves during a fight. You’ll still be able to input moves via a manual or traditional manner.
Moving into talk of the combat system! All old moves are returning and here is our first new screenshot demonstrating one of Ryo’s original moves once taught by Tom! #Shenmue3 pic.twitter.com/IlwJy3csyN
— Shenmue Dojo 🐉 (@Shenmue_Dojo) March 9, 2019
Music, which was a big part of the previous titles, will be just as important in Shenmue 3 as well. I remember my first time listening to the music in Shenmue 2 back during the Dreamcast and the original Xbox days. I was blown away, and I suspect the same will happen when I finally play the follow-up.
Needless to say, all of the recent info has been enlightening and greatly appreciated. Especially if you’ve been following the game since it’s Kickstarter announcement during E3 2015. Despite a delay, development looks to be coming along steadily and I can’t wait for it to finally be released. Heck, it might be time for me to finally revisit the original games with Shenmue 1 & 2 HD.
Shenmue 3 is slated to be released on August 27, 2019, for the PlayStation 4 and PC. While the title isn’t coming to the Xbox One, it was teased by Yu Suzuki. Seeing how Shenmue 2 was released on the original Xbox, it may not be completely written off. We just don’t know anything about it and nothing has been stated since that tease.
