Highly anticipated: Even if you wait patiently for Shenmue III to arrive, you will probably be happy to know that the first two games in the series will be completed before the end of the summer. Get ready for a walk in memory with the updated ports of Shenmue and Shenmue II bundled for PS4, XB1 and PC.
Shenmue III is still far away. After being pushed back twice, fans are beginning to worry about the game's release. Fortunately, they will soon be able to spend their time waiting with Shenmue I and II.
Sega just dropped a trailer today revealing the release date for the relaunch of the games that started it all. Fans will be happy to know that they will be able to play through the first two Shenmue games when they will come out simultaneously on August 21st. The games have been ported to modern hardware and will be available as a bundle on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC for $ 39.99.
Polygon reported in April that the PC version will have "fully scalable screen resolutions, a choice of modern or conventional control systems [i.e., D-pad control or analog stick] PC graphics options, an updated user interface, and the possibility of English voice-over. "
Of course, the games will be available digitally, but Sega has indicated that it will also release boxed versions.
The first Shenmue launched in 1999 on the Sega Dreamcast. Shenmue II followed it two years later in 2001 on Dreamcast and Xbox. Both were very well received.
According to the Sega FAQ, the Shenmue II reissue will be based on the Xbox rather than the Dreamcast version for "technical reasons". The Xbox conversion included an instant system with filters, texture mipmaps for improved anti-aliasing, and was slightly better graphically.
If you are one of the many antsy fans who is expecting Shenmue III, at least you will be able to relive the first two adventures of Ryo Hazuki again before the new chapter comes in on the shelf. 39 next year.