Shenmue creator Yu Suzuki has been answering a series of questions on Twitter, discussing the upcoming game’s Kickstarter campaign, content, and more. He also talked about the “open world” that he promised should the game manage to raise $10 million.
When asked if he’ll be disappointed in case Shenmue 3 doesn’t raise $10 million, Suzuki said that he’s grateful for another chance to make a Shenmue game, and that he’ll manage whatever he can within the available budget.
No I won’t [be disappointed]. I am grateful I have another chance for a new Shenmue. I will do everything I can within the budget.
When asked how open world Shenmue 3 will be if the game only manages to raise $5 million, Suzuki said that it’ll be similar to Dobuita in terms of scale. For newcomers to the series who aren’t aware of Dobuita, here’s a Wiki page that details the area.
Elsewhere in the Q&A session, Suzuki said that Shenmue 3 will come with 11 chapters, but with “branched story line, it will be more than 11.” He also confirmed that he doesn’t plan to recycle models and assets from the previous games. However, Suzuki did say that he will “use the good parts as a reference.”
Some other interesting Q&As can be found below courtesy of Siliconera:
Would love to hear Mandarin voice acting alongside Japanese in Shenmue3. Could we make it stretch goal?
Thank you, it is under consideration.
Why do you think Shenmue didn’t appeal to the mass audience back then? Would it need to be ‘modernized’ for today?
One reason may be there were so many new challenges. New challenges this time too. It’s the most important thing.
What can you tell me of the three blades?
Jobs using scissors, razor and knife- barber, cook, and sewer. Skills for jobs with steady demand in any era.
Can we expect epic fights like in Kowloon in Shenmue 2 and a similar battle fight system?
There is “Battle System Expanded” Stretch Goal. It will enhance the battles, better than Shenmue 2.
Will we start Shenmue 3 with some items/skills/scrolls from Shenmue 1 + 2?
The platform is different, so unfortunately we can’t do it.
Will the “Shenmue Trial” be used for feedback to improve the game like Square Enix have with the Final Fantasy XV demo?
I would definitely want to get feedback, so I’m looking into how to put a system like that in place.
Since relationships between characters will be more prominent, will we see something like a multiple choice conversation system?
I am thinking about a dialogue selection system.
Please confirm that guns will never be a part of Shenmue gameplay, not for Ryo or any other playable character.
I am not thinking about including guns as a weapon at the moment.
Will Coca Cola join the Party?
I’m considering collaborations with companies like Coca Cola.
So far, Shenmue 3 has managed to raise a little over $4 million through its Kickstarter campaign. Suzuki recently announced the addition of a PlayStation 4 disc version as one of the backer rewards as well.
For more on Shenmue 3, check out our previous coverage of the game.
[Source: Yu Suzuki (Twitter) via Siliconera]
