Staying up to watch this was *almost* as exciting as the E3 Shenmue 3 reveal. Coupled with the new Sakura Wars title, and that cute little Mega Drive, and - I don't often say this - it feels that Sega are starting to realise the assets they have, both in terms of IP's and fans.
"That said, I challenge anybody not to lose interest at the point where you have to get a job in a warehouse in Shenmue II, HD or not" Well that brings back some memories! That damn forklift and those bloody crates!
Although, this release is great news and I wonder how well this will sell...
Haha - I know right? It did my head in moving those palettes around in Shenmue II. I can do that in real life for minimum wage - I don't want to do it in a game XD
At the time, Shenmue was unique in part because it dared to depict the mundane. However, games where you’re not constantly pulling off tricks and/or murdering folks are far more acceptable today than they were in the early aughts.
Considering Stardew Valley and Minecraft are massive hits, I think today’s gamers have come to tolerate — nay — EXPECT their games to include at least some flavor of box carrying and forklift driving simulation mechanics. So the real question becomes: does Shenmue have enough of those things?
I'd love to see a side-by-side comparison of these to the originals near release. I'll get it regardless, but, honestly, besides the widescreen format and touching up some jaggies, the HD versions don't look much different from the Dreamcast originals. Though maybe that's a testament to the originals.
You didn't enjoy shifting those palettes? Then you're going to hate the section of Shenmue III where you have to work in a call centre for six weeks... 😉
It's being ported from xbox version. Hopefully they tone down that ridiculous bloom and blur that ruined it...
Saturday, April 21, 2018
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It had to happen didn't it? After years of pressure on social media SEGA has finally announced that yes, HD remasters of Shenmue and Shenmue II are coming to current gen systems and PC in 2018. Revealed at the SEGA FES event in Japan, these new versions of the Dreamcast masterpiece look set to introduce a whole new generation to the annoying controls and awkward dialogue Dreamcast fans have endured for the past two decades.
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From the SEGA Europe press release:
"SEGA Europe Ltd. is proud to announce that the pioneering epic saga Shenmue™ I & II is to be re-released for a new generation. Get ready to go on a thrilling voyage across faithful recreations of Japan and Hong Kong, China, in a timeless tale of revenge and mystery when Shenmue I & II launches both physically and digitally on PlayStation® 4 and Xbox® One with a PC release on Steam in 2018.
"Since their original release, Shenmue I & II have established a passionate following and are revered as one of gaming’s greatest series of all time. These revolutionary masterpieces deliver a gripping story of retribution as Ryo Hazuki sets out to avenge his father’s death and attempts to unravel the secrets behind a mysterious artefact known as the Dragon Mirror.
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"Shenmue I & II comes complete with the original feature set that defined modern gaming, including enthralling jujitsu combat, investigative sleuthing, and RPG elements in addition to memorable mini-games. Shenmue I & II is set within engrossing real-time open worlds that feel truly alive thanks to day-to-night cycles and weather changes, with a population of civilians who follow their own schedules.
"This is the definitive version of these all-time classics and will be the best Shenmue experience to date. The re-release will stay true to the originals with modernised features including fully scalable screen resolution, choice of modern or classic control schemes, PC graphics options, an updated user interface and the option to enjoy either the original Japanese or English voiceovers.
The physical and digital editions will be available to pre-order from first party stores, Steam and US and EMEA retailers soon. Oh, and now all you nerds on Twitter can stop banging on about Save Shenmue this and Shenmue tweetathon that. Jeez guys. We get it." - SEGA Europe
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I do find it slightly odd that these games are coming to the Xbox One as well as PlayStation 4 when the third game is reportedly a PS4 exclusive, but this will undoubtedly only allow more people to enjoy the original instalments in the adventure. That said, I challenge anybody not to lose interest at the point where you have to get a job in a warehouse in Shenmue II, HD or not.
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So there we have it. Shenmue is back. It seemed like a bit of a no-brainer when you consider that Shenmue III is on its way. Releasing the third part of a series into a world where the only way to really appreciate the originals is by getting a Dreamcast and then paying through the nose for original games on eBay (or...um...burning copies) seemed a bit daft. Anyway, I'm going back to bed now and hopefully I won't wake up to a nuclear dawn...
Here's the reveal trailer:
Find out more about Shenmue and Shenmue II remasters here: https://shenmue.sega.com/
Thoughts? Overjoyed that Ryo is back to kick Lan Di's ass all over again in HD? Or could you not give a rat's ass about all this and just wish World War III wasn't about to start? Let us know in the comments or join the conversation on Twitter or in our Facebook group.
"Shenmue & Shenmue II HD Remasters Announced By SEGA"
12 Comments -
Staying up to watch this was *almost* as exciting as the E3 Shenmue 3 reveal. Coupled with the new Sakura Wars title, and that cute little Mega Drive, and - I don't often say this - it feels that Sega are starting to realise the assets they have, both in terms of IP's and fans.
Saturday, April 14, 2018
I noticed that the cutscenes had boarders but the gameplay footage is true widescreen.
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Maybe now I will actually finish Shenmue 2...
Saturday, April 14, 2018
"That said, I challenge anybody not to lose interest at the point where you have to get a job in a warehouse in Shenmue II, HD or not"
Well that brings back some memories!
That damn forklift and those bloody crates!
Although, this release is great news and I wonder how well this will sell...
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Haha - I know right? It did my head in moving those palettes around in Shenmue II. I can do that in real life for minimum wage - I don't want to do it in a game XD
Saturday, April 14, 2018
At the time, Shenmue was unique in part because it dared to depict the mundane. However, games where you’re not constantly pulling off tricks and/or murdering folks are far more acceptable today than they were in the early aughts.
Considering Stardew Valley and Minecraft are massive hits, I think today’s gamers have come to tolerate — nay — EXPECT their games to include at least some flavor of box carrying and forklift driving simulation mechanics. So the real question becomes: does Shenmue have enough of those things?
Saturday, April 14, 2018
I'd love to see a side-by-side comparison of these to the originals near release. I'll get it regardless, but, honestly, besides the widescreen format and touching up some jaggies, the HD versions don't look much different from the Dreamcast originals. Though maybe that's a testament to the originals.
Saturday, April 14, 2018
You didn't enjoy shifting those palettes? Then you're going to hate the section of Shenmue III where you have to work in a call centre for six weeks... 😉
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Excited to see the finished product, but I'm sure I'm in for disappointment...
Monday, April 16, 2018
I'm just happy to play these again without having to wrestle with a dodgy emulator or worry that my Dreamcast will reset itself at any moment.
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Will Shenmue 2 be from the Dreamcast or XBox?
Friday, April 20, 2018
It's being ported from xbox version. Hopefully they tone down that ridiculous bloom and blur that ruined it...
Saturday, April 21, 2018