Shenmue 3 is well on its way to release, but we still don’t know too much about the game. Director Yu Suzuki recently gave some insights on the upcoming sequel, including that it will be larger than its predecessors. He also said Shenmue 3 features many new ideas and improved combat.
Suzuki and animation producer Hiroaki Takeuchi were recently interviewed in China during the G-Fusion Tour event. Wccftech has the details, courtesy of a Shenmue Dojo forum user. Suzuki said that Shenmue 3 features a near-even split between old features and new ones. This is a shift from previous comments that the game would be largely older ideas, but given the game’s crowdfunding success it could be a result of the increased funding.
Suzuki also said the game was significantly larger than its predecessors, and claimed it may take several weeks to complete. There are also a wider range of mini-games in Shenmue 3, which have all been better integrated into the overall experience. Some returning minigames include Lucky Hit, Excite QTE, and capsule toys. Forklifts are in there too.
Shenmue 3 features a new combat system that was described as “varied, richer, and more playable” by Suzuki. Takeuchi said the goal of the new combat was to welcome players of all skill levels, and that it should feel fun for all players.
The developers also said they are integrating side quests into the main story better than previous titles. Side quests will interweave with the main plot, instead of acting as standalone events such as in the earlier Shenmue games.
Shenmue 3 was announced during Sony’s E3 2015 press conference as a Kickstarter project. The game quickly surpassed its goal and has gone on to raise over $7 million through crowdfunding. Shenmue 3 is being developed by Ys Net and Neilo, and is being published by Deep Silver. It is scheduled to release on August 27, 2019 for PS4 and PC.
