Stunning Footage of the Original 'Shenmue' Remake Surfaces

While many Shenmue fans were excited for the game’s re-released on PS4, Xbox One, and PC, they will soon be disappointed to learn that their version was not the one originally planned for release. The Shenmue title has amassed a large cult-following since its inception, all-while going through its fair share of trials and tribulations — first, planned for the SEGA Saturn console, then on to the ill-fated Dreamcast platform (let’s not forget the lukewarm reception for both Shenmue Online and Shenmue City), and then finally left on a cliffhanger for some 18 years — but as it turns out, there is yet another notch to be added to the belt of Shenmue projects that will never see the light of day.

As DigitalFoundry recent revealed, the remake of Shenmue I & II was intended to offer players a completely new gameplay experience — visually. While we only get a glimpse of a few locations like the Hazuki Dojo, Yamanose streets, and Dobuita, there is already clear evidence that the remake would have been much more detailed. Overall geometry, shadow-mapping, lighting and texture were worked on in a much higher degree. This amount of work most likely forced delays and higher costs, which is probably what lead to the scrapping of this version. It’s sad that fans will never get to enjoy this elevated version of the game they’ve been championing for more than 15 years, but it’s just one more reason to get excited for Shenmue III’s release in late 2019.

In other entertainment news, a possible ‘Avengers 4’ title along with details of a first trailer have emerged.