Shenmue Director Yu Suzuki Wants To Make Shenmue 4

Shenmue 3, the much anticipated third chapter in the long-dormant series, is finally out now. There was an 18-year gap between Shenmue 2 and this latest release; the second game hit the Dreamcast back in 2001, and Shenmue 3 was only possible thanks to a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign. Considering how difficult it was to get Shenmue 3 made, there was speculation that series director Yu Suzuki would use the game to wrap up his saga, which was originally envisioned to span 11 chapters (a few of which were condensed down into Shenmue 2). Instead, Suzuki is hoping to make Shenmue 4 as a continuation of the saga.

VGC has published a letter to fans from Yu Suzuki, which, as VG247 points out, appears in the game after the credits have rolled (so don't read ahead if you'd rather finish the game yourself to access the letter.)

"To all the fans who have waited many years for Shenmue 3, and to all of the crowdfunding backers who have made this game possible: This project would not exist without your love, support, and the connections we’ve made along the way. With profound appreciation for all that you have done, I am happy to finally present to you Shenmue 3," Suzuki's letter begins. He says that the game's scope expanded during development, and that, "for as long as there are those who wish to see Shenmue live on, I will never give up on my own personal journey to complete its story."

"I sincerely hope that, together, we can continue to spin the tale of Ryo and his adventures in Shenmue 4," Suzuki says. He's previously described the game as a commitment to a 20 year vision.

Our Shenmue 3 review is still being worked on, as review copies were sent out to press shortly before embargo. Reviews are starting to trickle in on Metacritic, though, and the consensus seems to be that it's very much a game made with fans of the series in mind.