Fans of the Shenmue series had two things to look forward to this year. First, the re-release of games one and two on PS4, Xbox One and PC. Second, the descent of game number three from a parting in the clouds amid a beam of sunlight and the glorious chorus of angel song. As it happens, Shenmue III‘s release has been shifted to 2019 because the angels had sore throats.
Okay, that’s not actually the reason… although it sort of might be. According to the official site, it’s a matter of making it the best game it can be.
“The extra time will be used to polish the quality of the game even further, to the high standards it deserves and release the product in the best possible timeframe.”
That’s alright, Deep Silver – we’ve waited so long, we can wait a little longer. I mean, this was a Kickstarter-funded project, after all. This kind of thing is par for the course.
And since it’s been so long since Shenmue II, here’s a bit of info for the third. Ryo starts off in Bailu Village in Guilin, China, still intent on finding Lan Di and encountering new villainess Niao Sun during the game. The second area players will explore is a riverside tourist town, while the third will host a “siege game.”
Fan reaction to the delay has been optimistic. A lot of people are invested in Shenmue III, and fans want to see it become the very best game the developers can make it. Details, footage, and general information are being kept under tight wraps even now, with only a few tidbits to find as the studio releases them. At least the game doesn’t seem to be in danger of getting dropped. If it’s still being worked on now, it’ll be seen through to completion.
