At the end of Shenmue 2, protagonist Ryo Hazuki — and the player — are left with tons of unanswered questions and no real idea of why Ryo’s father was targeted and murdered. Now, Ryo’s journey of revenge and understanding is finally set to move forward once more, after 18 years, with Shenmue 3.
Ys Net and Deep Silver released a new trailer reminding viewers how long it’s been (as if we hadn’t felt every second like a roundhouse to the heart), showing Ryo’s world in stark grey tones. Apart from being stylish, that’s probably how Ys Net saw the world too, after delaying the game and kicking off the Shenmue 3 Epic Games Store controversy.
Then a message slowly appears in the trailer: “But passions never waver. A moment in motion; a story renewed.”
The world slowly fills with color, and we see Ryo and Shenhua Ling walking and speaking together. It seems Ling will be getting quite a bit more attention in Shenmue III, as she pursues her desire for knowledge of the outside world. The series’ staple slice of life components appear to be intact as well, with Ryo interacting with various townsfolk, learning combat from them, and getting completely owned by an old man.
Yep, he’s still got some learning to do.
And of course, the story’s main thread is going strong, with the mystery of the Phoenix Mirrors taking center stage, and Ryo finally facing Lan Di, his father’s murderer. Whether this confrontation is the culmination of Ryo’s story is unclear, since the journey has evolved into something much more than just seeking to avenge his father.
We won’t have long to wait to find out. Shenmue 3 launches on PC and PlayStation 4 on November 19. Stay tuned to GameSkinny for our Shenmue 3 review and guide coverage as well.
