Shenmue's Ryo Hazuki in Sega Superstars Racing

[The Headliner]

I doubt anyone here will care about this, but please indulge me as I rant...

http://www.sega.co.uk/games/sonicracing



They may think they're "appeasing" Shenmue fans or "throwing us a bone," but if there are still no plans for the long awaited yet frequently denied Shenmue III, to me this feels like a cruel joke by Sega.

They've done their best for years to sweep Ryo's adventures under the carpet, unwilling to complete the epic saga due to the money they lost on the Dreamcast games. (Wikipedia calls Shenmue the second-most expensive game ever developed, behind only GTA IV which sold in considerably higher numbers to compensate.)

If they're not going to release the next sequel, which became even less likely after series creator Yu Suzuki took on a "much more diminished" role in the company, then I'd prefer they didn't taunt us with this guest appearance. Either continue pretending Hazuki never existed, or give his fans what we actually want - a proper game to wrap up the story. To suddenly start treating him as a much loved Sega mascot is a slap in the face without that longed-for conclusion.

[The Headliner]

We're sure we're going to regret reporting this, but Sega have been talking about the future of Shenmue.

Speaking in Japanese mag Famitsu 360 Sega claimed it "still thinks a lot about doing" another one, especially if a console maker paid for exclusivity.

The problem is the low sales of the originals. "If there is an opportunity to revisit the franchise, they would love to do it," says Famitsu.

[gungrave17]

speaking of shenmue, im planning to buy shenmue and a dreamcast, is it worth it heady?

[The Headliner]

Absolutely. Let me know how you get on.