After waiting for what seemed like an eternity, fans finally got Shenmue III this past week. It continues the story of Ryo Hazuki, as he meets a variety of people on his quest to avenge his father’s death. But while some may see it as a conclusion to the saga, producer Yu Suzuki doesn’t.
In a letter that appears during the game’s post-credits, Suzuki-san makes it clear that the story can continue onward with a fourth chapter. But that’s apparently up to the fans.
Can Ryo’s story continue?
First off, Suzuki offers his thanks to those that have supported Shenmue III. “This project would not exist without your love, support and the connections we made along the way,” he proclaims. He also hopes that the “new chapter strikes even a small resonance in your heart.” (For retro-based fans that remember the original games, this is obviously not a problem.)
But he then goes on to discuss the potential for a fourth game. He says, “I will never give up on my own personal journey to complete its story,” suggesting a new chapter. Suzuki noted that he hopes that, with the help of fans, “we can continue to spin the tale of Ryo and his adventures in Shenmue 4.”
In the past, Suzuki made it clear that he had a larger story in mind all along, spread across five games. He noted that, if possible, he would “like to realize the full story of 11 chapters.” That really does depend on how many fans want to see it, though. Well, that, and finding a proper publisher, like Deep Silver.
Still, the story continuing to any extent at all is a small miracle. Kudos to Yu Suzuki and Ys Net for making it happen. Here’s hoping we get more of Ryo and company in the future.
