Yu Suzuki outlines new goes and new look at Shenmue 3
Via an email coming for its Kickstarter campaign, Shenmue creator Yu Suzuki has given us an update on the development of Shenmue 3 and how its story will be structured. When speaking at a presentation in China for Chuapp X 2015, he revealed some interesting details.
He spoke of how 11 chapters make up for the entire story of Shenmue as a whole, which would certainly mean that if Shenmue 3 is successful, we could be in-store for 2 or 3 more games perhaps. He said that Shenmue 1 comprised of chapter 1, while Shenmue 2 featured chapter 2, but also incorporated parts of both chapters 4 and 5. When Shenmue 3 is finished, it will then obviously be a continuation of the second game starting at chapter 5 and will move past chapter 6. So it might be safe to assume that the third instalment may very well go into chapter 7.
He also outlined that the games development and potential end product would be based upon the success of the Kickstarter and they are now at the stage of research work with the Unreal Engine 4, which Suzuki described as “the most exciting phase of the game development.” Once the UE4 research has concluded, they will then move on to GDD (Game Design Document) and TDD (Test-Driven Development). And once those phases are complete, then “actual production of the game will begin.”
Suzuki finished up by saying:
Programs, artwork and planning have become more closely related, realizing a new type of work flow for a new age. This new work flow utilizes both game engines, which used to be very expensive, and allows for work to be done on a more open, individual basis. I hope this will lead to everyone more fully enjoying their work.
Below are some images taken from the Kickstarter update, that not shows glimpses of the game so far, but also what is influencing its story and development. At this moment in time, the release of Shenmue 3 is aimed for a Q4 release in 2017 for PC and PS4.
A test model room within UE4. A shadow resembling Ine-san’s is present. Why do you suppose that is?
Scenes from the prototype. The forest in Shenmue 2 was created using the Magic Maze System With UE4, weather changes and forest density will be improved.
