‘Shenmue 3’ release date, news & update: Graphics seem significantly upgraded; Kickstarter campaign in full flow

“Shenmue 3,” developed by Neilo and YS Net, is scheduled for a December release date. No fixed date for the launch has been revealed yet by game maker Yu Suzuki. The action-adventure role-playing game is on a Kickstarter campaign and Suzuki aims to raise US$2 million (AU$2.6 million) from the campaign. It’s getting a lot of support from Backers and the total amount pledged up to now is a whopping US$6.72 million (AU$8.73 million), as of Feb. 21. The game follows the story of Ryo Hazuki, a teenage martial artist, who seeks to avenge his father’s murder.

According to Shenmue.link, the promotional video for the Kickstarter project features the official game trailer where Ryo and Shenhua make their appearance. “Shenmue 3” graphics, as revealed by a video, seems to be significantly upgraded. It’s a dramatic leap forward from before. There are various rewards for the amounts pledged. The highest rewards are for the US$8,000 (AU$10,500) pledge where the Backer’s name will appear in the credits as a Special Sponsor. He will also get the original jacket worn by Masaya Matsukaze for all of the Shenmue press events 14 years ago.

There have numerous requests for the PC version pre-order option during the Slacker Backer Campaign. According to Kickstarter, all agreements from affiliated parties have been finalised and the developer is accepting PC version pre-orders. S ales from the PC version will also help towards the Stretch Goals. Backers will be able to choose whether they will like the PS4 or PC version. Switching between versions is also allowed. The development is reportedly shifting its entire focus on “Shenmue 3” production and R&D for various game elements are on track.

“I have been completely absorbed in development Shenmue III recently, and often stay at the studio throughout the night to make it the best game possible. My life has become Shenmue both day and night, and I’m happy,” Suzuki states.

Motion capture tests are also well underway and main game scenarios are nearing completion. Voicing tests have begun too. Backer Surveys are currently planned for the year. “Shenmue 3” was a surprise announcement at the E3 2015. Developer YS Net has also released images showing off scenarios such as a beautiful evening scene, with the moon rising above the mountains, as well as a marketplace fight. The images may not be representative of the final version that will be released. Everything is work-in-progress at the moment, writes GameSpot.