Shenmue#Legacy

In the Shenmue games, the player controls the teenage martial arts pupil Ryo Hazuki as he investigates his father's murder. The player explores the Yokosuka, Hong Kong and Guilin open worlds, searching for clues, examining objects and talking to non-player characters for information. The games feature a 3D fighting system similar to Sega's Virtua Fighter series; Ryo can fight multiple opponents at once, and can practice moves to increase their power. In quick time events, the player must press the right combination of buttons at the right moment to succeed.{{Cite web|title=Why is everybody so excited? WHAT'S A SHENMUE? |date=June 25, 2015 |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/why-everybody-so-excited-whats-shenmue/ |access-date=June 30, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303191430/http://www.gamesradar.com/why-everybody-so-excited-whats-shenmue/ |archive-date=March 3, 2016 }}

Shenmue I and Shenmue II feature a level of detail considered unprecedented for games at the time of their release.{{Cite web|title='90s Making of Shenmue documentary gives glimpse into legendary game |url=http://www.gameskinny.com/1wd3d/90s-making-of-shenmue-documentary-gives-glimpse-into-legendary-game |website=www.gameskinny.com |access-date=November 19, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922234122/http://www.gameskinny.com/1wd3d/90s-making-of-shenmue-documentary-gives-glimpse-into-legendary-game |archive-date=September 22, 2016 }} Shops open and close, buses run to timetables, and characters have their own routines, each in accordance with the game's persistent clock.{{Cite news|title=Shenmue once featured cats that walk on two legs |website=Eurogamer |date=March 19, 2014 |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-03-19-shenmue-once-featured-cats-that-walk-on-two-legs |access-date=June 29, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001191709/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-03-19-shenmue-once-featured-cats-that-walk-on-two-legs |archive-date=October 1, 2015 }}{{Cite web|title=Shenmue Review {{!}} Edge Online |website=Edge |url=http://www.edge-online.com/review/shenmue-review/ |date=May 31, 2013 |access-date=July 3, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130531054446/http://www.edge-online.com/review/shenmue-review/ |archive-date=May 31, 2013 }} Ryo receives a daily allowance which can be spent on objects including food, raffle tickets, audio cassettes and capsule toys. There are several minigames; for example, Ryo can throw darts or play complete versions of Sega arcade games, or earn money from minigames including driving forklift trucks, gambling, arm wrestling, fishing and street fighting.{{Cite web |last=Torres |first=Ricardo |date=4 December 2001 |title=Shenmue II Review |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/shenmue-ii-review/1900-2829777/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109215416/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/shenmue-ii-review/1900-2829777/ |archive-date=January 9, 2016 |access-date=November 20, 2015 |website=GameSpot}}{{Cite web|title=Shenmue II Review – IGN – Page 2 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/10/29/shenmue-ii-review?page=2 |website=IGN | date=October 29, 2002 |access-date=November 20, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151129171042/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/10/29/shenmue-ii-review?page=2 |archive-date=November 29, 2015 }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/best-way-to-make-shenmue-3-money-quick-fast-easy-yuan/|title=Make it rain Yuan with these Shenmue 3 money-making tips|last=Bartlett|first=Liam|date=2019-11-22|website=PC Gamer|language=en-US|access-date=2019-11-30}} The Dreamcast version of Shenmue II allows the player to import their save data from Shenmue, carrying over money, inventory items and martial arts moves.

{{Timeline of release years

| compressempty = yes

| range1 = 1999

| range1_color = Gold Goldenrod

| 1999 = Shenmue

| 2001 = Shenmue II

| 2010 = Shenmue City

| 2018 = Shenmue I & II

| 2019 = Shenmue III

}}

IGN described Shenmue as a "revenge epic in the tradition of Chinese cinema".{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/04/21/ign-presents-the-history-of-sega?page=8|title=IGN Presents the History of SEGA – IGN – Page 8|website=IGN|date=April 21, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106173810/http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/04/21/ign-presents-the-history-of-sega?page=8|archive-date=November 6, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=November 18, 2015}} According to Suzuki, the three games cover around 40% of the story he has planned.{{Cite web|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/yu-suzuki-says-shenmue-iii-will-get-us-40-percent-through-ryos-story|title=Yu Suzuki Says Shenmue 3 Will Get Us 40 Percent Through Ryo's Story|last=Allen|first=Eric Van|date=2019-06-13|website=USgamer|language=en|access-date=2019-08-20}}

{{Main|Shenmue (video game)#Plot}}

In 1986 Yokosuka, Japan, the teenage martial artist Ryo Hazuki returns to his family dojo to witness a confrontation between his father Iwao and a Chinese man, Lan Di. Lan Di demands Iwao give him a mysterious stone artifact, the dragon mirror. When he threatens to kill Ryo, Iwao tells him the mirror is buried under the cherry blossom tree outside. As Lan Di's men dig up the mirror, Lan Di mentions Zhao Sunming, whom Iwao allegedly killed in Mengcun, China. Lan Di delivers a finishing blow and Iwao dies in Ryo's arms.

Ryo's investigation leads him to Master Chen in the Yokosuka harbor. Through Chen and his son Guizhang, Ryo learns that the dragon mirror taken by Lan Di is one of two mirrors. He locates the second, the phoenix mirror, in a basement hidden beneath his father's dojo. He defeats a local gang connected to Lan Di's organization, and Master Chen tells him to seek the aid of Master Xiuying in Hong Kong. Ryo boards a boat to China.

{{Main|Shenmue II#Plot}}

In Hong Kong, Ryo finds Master Xiuying Hong, but she refuses to help him, considering his quest for vengeance reckless. Ryo teams up with a gang leader, Wuying Ren, a free-spirited motorcyclist, Joy, and a street boy, Wong, to find Yuanda Zhu, who sent Ryo's father a letter warning him of Lan Di's intentions.

Ryo and his allies locate Zhu in Kowloon Walled City, but are ambushed by the criminal Yellow Head organization and Zhu is kidnapped. Ryo rescues Zhu as Lan Di departs by helicopter. Zhu reveals that Lan Di killed Ryo's father because he believes Iwao killed his own father. Zhu also reveals that the mirrors will lead to the resurrection of the Qing Dynasty, the last imperial dynasty of China. Zhu advises Ryo to continue his search in the village of Bailu in Guilin, where Lan Di is also heading.

In Guilin, Ryo meets a teenage girl, Shenhua Ling, whose family is connected to the legacy of the dragon and phoenix mirrors. She leads Ryo to a stone quarry on the village outskirts to meet her father, but discovers he is missing.

{{Main|Shenmue III#Plot}}

Ryo learns that Lan Di's father, Zhao Sunming, once visited Bailu with Ryo's father to train under the local grandmaster. Zhao died under mysterious circumstances several years later. Ryo also discovers that the phoenix and dragon mirrors were created by Shenhua's great-grandfather at the request of the Chinese emperor.

Ryo and Shenhua learn that Shenhua's father, Yuan, has been kidnapped by a local gang looking for the phoenix mirror. Ryo defeats two of the thugs, but is defeated by their boss, Yanlang. He convinces Sun, a local martial arts master, to teach him a powerful Bajiquan move, and uses it to defeat Yanlang. A village elder helps them discover a map to the treasure connected to the mirrors. Ryo fends off an attack from Chai, who reveals that Yuan and Xu have been taken to the city of Niaowu.

In Niaowu, Ryo and Shenhua learn that a local gang, the Red Snakes, is holding Yuan and Xu hostage. Shenhua is tricked by a Chi You Men leader, Niao Sun. Ryo and his allies infiltrate the Chi You Men's castle and rescue Shenhua and her father. Ryo confronts Lan Di, but Lan Di easily defeats him. Niao Sun betrays Lan Di, and has her men burn the castle. Ryo, Ren and Shenhua continue their journey along the Great Wall of China.

File:Yu Suzuki - Game Developers Conference 2011 - Day 3 (2).jpg.]]{{See also|Shenmue (video game)#Development}}

{{Main|Shenmue (video game)|Shenmue II}}

The creator of Shenmue, Yu Suzuki, joined Sega in 1983 and created several successful arcade games, including Hang-On (1985), Out Run (1986) and Virtua Fighter (1993).{{Cite web|title=Creator Yu Suzuki shares the story of Shenmue's development |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/3/19/5527120/yu-suzuki-shenmue-gdc-2014-classic-game-postmortem |website=Polygon |date=March 19, 2014 |access-date=June 29, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150628071042/http://www.polygon.com/2014/3/19/5527120/yu-suzuki-shenmue-gdc-2014-classic-game-postmortem |archive-date=June 28, 2015 }} In comparison to arcade games, where the ideal experience was only a few minutes long, Suzuki wanted to make a longer experience. In 1996, he and Sega AM2 began developing a Saturn RPG based on the Virtua Fighter series.

In 1997, development moved to Sega's upcoming console, the Dreamcast,{{Cite web|title = Shenmue, the History – IGN| date=July 14, 1999 |url = http://uk.ign.com/articles/1999/07/14/shenmue-the-history|access-date = July 3, 2015}} and the Virtua Fighter connection was dropped. By the time of the Dreamcast's release in Japan in November 1998, the game had been titled Shenmue. Sega advertised Shenmue as belonging to a new genre it termed "full reactive eyes entertainment" or "FREE".{{cite web|date=July 13, 1999|title=Shenmue, the History|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/07/14/shenmue-the-history|access-date=June 8, 2020}} It became the most expensive game ever developed at the time, reported to have cost US$70 million; in 2011, Suzuki said the figure was closer to $47 million including marketing.{{Cite news|title=Shenmue – discovering the Sega classic 14 years too late |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/may/02/shenmue-sega-classic-14-years-too-late |website=the Guardian |access-date=June 30, 2015 |first=Mike |last=Diver |date=May 2, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626163813/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/may/02/shenmue-sega-classic-14-years-too-late |archive-date=June 26, 2015 }} The development also covered some of Shenmue II (2001), which was completed for a smaller figure,{{cite web |last=Fahs |first=Travis |date=September 9, 2010 |title=IGN presents the history of Dreamcast |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/09/10/ign-presents-the-history-of-dreamcast?page=4 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140928010101/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/09/10/ign%2Dpresents%2Dthe%2Dhistory%2Dof%2Ddreamcast?page%3D4 |archive-date=September 28, 2014 |access-date=November 11, 2017 |website=IGN |publisher=}} and possibly groundwork for future Shenmue games.{{Cite web |last=Kolan |first=Patrick |date=14 May 2012 |title=Shenmue: through the ages |url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2007/08/08/shenmue-through-the-ages |access-date=June 30, 2015 |website=IGN}}

Shenmue was released on December 29, 1999, in Japan,{{Cite magazine |title=シェンムー 一章 横須賀 [ドリームキャスト] / ファミ通.com |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=8571 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211231911/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=8571 |archive-date=December 11, 2015 |access-date=November 28, 2015 |magazine=Famitsu |language=Japanese}} November 8, 2000 in North America,{{cite web |title=Shenmue (Dreamcast) |url=http://www.ign.com/games/shenmue/dc-14499 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121081946/http://www.ign.com/games/shenmue/dc-14499 |archive-date=November 21, 2015 |access-date=November 17, 2015 |website=IGN}} and December 1, 2000, in Europe.{{cite web|title=Soapbox: Why I Love Shenmue |author=Barker, Sammy |website=Push Square |url=http://www.pushsquare.com/news/2015/07/soapbox_why_i_love_shenmue |date=July 16, 2015 |access-date=November 28, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208185142/http://www.pushsquare.com/news/2015/07/soapbox_why_i_love_shenmue |archive-date=December 8, 2015 }} Shenmue II was released for Dreamcast in 2001 in Japan and Europe only. An Xbox port followed in 2002 in Europe and North America. Despite attracting positive reviews and a cult following, neither game made a profit and Shenmue III entered development hell.{{Cite web |last=Gillett |first=Nick |date=26 June 2015 |title=E3 2015 round-up |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/jun/26/e3-2015-special |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117034816/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/jun/26/e3-2015-special |archive-date=November 17, 2015 |access-date=November 12, 2015 |website=The Guardian}}

Suzuki worked on various projects which failed to see release,{{Cite news|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/yu-suzuki-at-a-time-of-transition |title=Yu Suzuki At A Time Of Transition |access-date=2016-11-24 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104161757/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/6414/yu_suzuki_at_a_time_of_transition.php |archive-date=November 4, 2016 }} including Shenmue Online, a PC MMORPG announced in 2004.{{cite web |last=Smith |first=David |url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3133808 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718064622/http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3133808 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 18, 2012 |title=Shenmue Online Officially Announced |publisher=1UP.com |date=August 3, 2004 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/shenmue-online-canceled-who-will-move-all-of-these-online-crates-now--37565.phtml |title=Shenmue Online canceled: Who will move all of these online crates now? |publisher=Destructoid |date=August 4, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102161135/http://www.destructoid.com/shenmue-online-canceled-who-will-move-all-of-these-online-crates-now--37565.phtml |archive-date=January 2, 2016 }}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/gamelife/2007/08/rumor-shenmue-g/ |title=Rumor:Shenmue Gone for Good |magazine=Wired |first=Susan |last=Arendt |date=August 7, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104150758/http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2007/08/rumor-shenmue-g/ |archive-date=November 4, 2012 }} He established his own development company, Ys Net, in 2008 and left Sega in 2011. In 2010, Sega announced Shenmue City, a social game for the Mobage service.{{cite web|url=http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2010/10/07/new_shenmue/|title=Shenmue Goes Social on Yahoo's New PC Service|last=Gantayat|first=Anoop|date=October 7, 2010|publisher=Andriasang|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717231900/http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2010/10/07/new_shenmue/|archive-date=July 17, 2011|url-status=dead}} It was not released outside Japan and was shut down in December 2011.{{Cite news |last=North |first=Dale |date=3 January 2012 |title=Shenmue City shut down |work=Destructoid |url=https://www.destructoid.com/shenmue-city-shut-down-218912.phtml |access-date=27 January 2018}}

{{Main|Shenmue III}}

During Sony's presentation at the E3 conference on June 15, 2015, Suzuki announced a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign for Shenmue III, having licensed the series from Sega. Shenmue III became the fastest-funded and the highest-funded video game project in Kickstarter history, reaching its initial $2 million goal in just over nine hours,{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/shenmue-3-just-hit-2-million-setting-a-new-kickstarte-1711615103|title=Shenmue 3 Just Hit $2 Million, Setting a New Kickstarter Record|date=June 16, 2015 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304044551/http://kotaku.com/shenmue-3-just-hit-2-million-setting-a-new-kickstarte-1711615103|archive-date=March 4, 2016|access-date=2016-02-27}} and earning $6.3 million in total.{{cite web |last=Luke |first=Reilly |date=1 May 2017 |title=Shenmue III Kickstarter closes with over $6.3 million |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/07/20/shenmue-3-kickstarter-closes-with-over-63-million |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817103837/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/07/20/shenmue-3-kickstarter-closes-with-over-63-million |archive-date=August 17, 2016 |access-date=2016-07-30 |website=IGN}} It was released on 19 November 2019 for PlayStation 4 and Windows.{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=2019-06-03 |title=Shenmue III delayed to November |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-06-03-shenmue-3-delayed-to-november |access-date=2019-06-03 |website=Eurogamer |language=en}}

Sega began developing remasters of Shenmue I and II featuring new models, textures and lighting, but it was canceled in 2017. Sega said that "working with original animations and characters but meshing them with enhanced HD visuals gave us a game that we felt would not meet the standards that Shenmue fans expect and deserve".{{Cite news|title=Revealed: Sega's cancelled Shenmue HD remake - with fully updated graphics|language=en|work=Eurogamer.net|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2018-segas-cancelled-shenmue-remake|access-date=2018-10-15}} Instead, in August 2018, Sega released high-definition ports for Windows, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.{{Cite news |last=Robinson |first=Martin |date=3 July 2018 |title=Shenmues HD re-release gets a final date |language=en |work=Eurogamer |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-07-03-shenmues-hd-re-release-gets-a-final-date |access-date=2018-07-05}} The ports include new graphics and control options, improved user interfaces, and Japanese and English voices.{{Cite web|last=Knezevic|first=Kevin|date=2018-04-13|title=Shenmue 1 & 2 Coming To PS4, Xbox One, And PC This Year|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/shenmue-1-and-2-coming-to-ps4-xbox-one-and-pc-this/1100-6458239/|access-date=2018-04-14|website=GameSpot|language=en-US}} Some details, such as product placement, are omitted, and cutscenes are presented in their original aspect ratio due to technical limitations.{{cite web |last=Linneman |first=John |date=21 August 2018 |title=Shenmues HD remasters analysed: enhancements are sparse but the ports are solid gold |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2018-shenmue-hd-remasters-tech-analysis |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821171319/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2018-shenmue-hd-remasters-tech-analysis |archive-date=August 21, 2018 |access-date=22 August 2018 |work=Eurogamer |df=mdy-all}}

In 2015, Suzuki said he hoped the series would cover four or five games.{{Cite web |last=Good |first=Owen S. |date=2015-06-20 |title=Shenmue creator: story has 11 chapters, ideally '4 or 5 games' in the series |url=https://www.polygon.com/2015/6/20/8818097/shenmue-3-story-11-chapters-kickstarter-yu-suzuki |access-date=2019-11-20 |website=Polygon |language=en}} Shenmue III includes a letter to fans from Suzuki expressing his hope to develop Shenmue IV.{{Cite web|url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/yu-suzuki-pledges-to-try-to-make-shenmue-4-via-in-game-letter-to-fans/|title=Yu Suzuki pledges to try to make Shenmue 4 via in-game letter to fans|date=2019-11-20|website=VGC|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-11-20}} In 2020, Suzuki told IGN he had created Shenmue III "for the fans", and that he planned to give Shenmue IV more mainstream appeal.{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Andy |date=2020-05-04 |title=Yu Suzuki believes Shenmue IV will happen and wants it to appeal to a broader audience |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/shenmue-4-broader-audience/ |access-date=2020-09-05 |website=Video Games Chronicle |language=en-GB}} In 2024, fans purchased a 15-second advertisement on a Times Square video billboard to campaign for Shenmue IV.{{Cite web |last=Marnell |first=Blair |date=5 June 2024 |title=Fans campaign for Shenmue 4 with Times Square ad in New York |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fans-campaign-for-shenmue-4-with-times-square-ad-in-new-york/1100-6523961/ |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}}

{{Video game series reviews

| game1 = Shenmue

| mc1 = (DC) 89%{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/dreamcast/198621-shenmue/index.html |publisher=GameRankings |title=Shenmue Reviews |access-date=July 18, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080118192213/http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/198621.asp?q=shenmue |archive-date=January 18, 2008 }}{{efn|name=GRs|GameRankings score}}

| game2 = Shenmue II

| mc2 = (DC) 88/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/shenmue-ii/critic-reviews/?platform=dreamcast |title=Shenmue II Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=July 18, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150901065600/http://www.metacritic.com/game/dreamcast/shenmue-ii |archive-date=September 1, 2015 }}
(Xbox) 80/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/shenmue-ii/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox |title=Shenmue II Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=July 18, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619015942/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox/shenmue-ii |archive-date=June 19, 2015 }}

| game3 = Shenmue III

| mc3 = (PC) 69/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/shenmue-iii/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Shenmue III Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=July 18, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316070222/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/shenmue-iii |archive-date=March 16, 2016 }}
(PS4) 67/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/shenmue-iii/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=Shenmue III Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=July 18, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729011225/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/shenmue-iii |archive-date=July 29, 2015 }}

}}

The Shenmue series has received mostly positive reviews and has attracted a cult following, with Shenmue I and II appearing in several "greatest video games of all time" lists.{{cite web|url=http://www.empireonline.com/features/100greatestgames/game.asp?title=7 |title=7. Shenmue – The 100 Greatest Video Games Of All Time – Empire Online |work=empireonline.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819084526/http://www.empireonline.com/features/100greatestgames/game.asp?title=7 |archive-date=August 19, 2014 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.empireonline.com/100greatestgames/default.asp?p=42 |title=The 100 Greatest Games Of All Time- Shenmue - Empire - www.empireonline.com |work=empireonline.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008235346/http://www.empireonline.com/100greatestgames/default.asp?p=42 |archive-date=October 8, 2014 }}{{cite web |url=http://tech.uk.msn.com/features/20-greatest-video-games-of-all-time#image=13 |title=Tech news and gadget reviews – MSN News UK |work=msn.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319031829/http://tech.uk.msn.com/features/20-greatest-video-games-of-all-time#image=13 |archive-date=March 19, 2014 |access-date=March 18, 2014 }} Shenmue III, released almost two decades later, received mixed reviews for its similarity to the earlier games. Some critics described it as outdated, while others praised its faithfulness to the franchise.{{Cite web|last=Handrahan|first=Matthew|date=25 November 2019|title=Shenmue III: Critical Consensus|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-11-25-shenmue-iii-critical-consensus|access-date=2019-12-02|website=GamesIndustry.biz|language=en}} The series has received praise for its graphics, soundtrack, realism and ambition, but criticism for its controls, slow pace and voice acting; its realism and focus on mundane detail has divided players.{{cite web|date=March 5, 2014|title=Retrospective: Shenmue {{!}} Features {{!}} Edge Online|website=Edge |url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/retrospective-shenmue|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129195144/http://www.edge-online.com/features/retrospective-shenmue/|archive-date=November 29, 2014|access-date=July 1, 2015}}{{cite web|last=Diver|first=Mike|date=May 2, 2014|title=Shenmue – discovering the Sega classic 14 years too late|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/may/02/shenmue-sega-classic-14-years-too-late|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626163813/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/may/02/shenmue-sega-classic-14-years-too-late|archive-date=June 26, 2015|access-date=July 1, 2015|website=the Guardian}}

Shenmue is credited for pioneering several game technologies. Its large environments, wealth of options and level of detail have been compared to later open-world games including the Grand Theft Auto series, the Yakuza series, Fallout 3 (2008), and Deadly Premonition (2010).Brendan Main, [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/issues/issue_285/8455-Lost-in-Yokosuka Lost in Yokosuka] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022094537/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/issues/issue_285/8455-Lost-in-Yokosuka |date=October 22, 2013 }}, The Escapist[http://www.nowgamer.com/features/1148/interview-with-shenmue-creator-yu-suzuki Shenmue: Creator Yu Suzuki Speaks Out] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110102193343/http://www.nowgamer.com/features/1148/interview-with-shenmue-creator-yu-suzuki |date=January 2, 2011 }}, GamesTM[http://uk.games.ign.com/top-100-game-creators/9.html Yu Suzuki] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113174620/http://uk.games.ign.com/top-100-game-creators/9.html |date=November 13, 2013 }}, IGN{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=3&cId=3182648 |title=The Disappearance of Yu Suzuki: Part 1 |work=1Up.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121206045152/http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=3&cId=3182648 |archive-date=December 6, 2012 }} Shenmue is also credited for naming and popularizing the quick time event in modern games,{{cite web|url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/retrospective-shenmue |title=Retrospective: Shenmue {{!}} Features {{!}} Edge Online |website=Edge |date=March 5, 2014 |access-date=July 1, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129195144/http://www.edge-online.com/features/retrospective-shenmue/ |archive-date=November 29, 2014 }}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/may/02/shenmue-sega-classic-14-years-too-late |title=Shenmue – discovering the Sega classic 14 years too late |last=Diver |first=Mike |website=the Guardian |date=May 2, 2014 |access-date=July 1, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626163813/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/may/02/shenmue-sega-classic-14-years-too-late |archive-date=June 26, 2015 }} which was featured in the Resident Evil, God of War, and Tomb Raider series.Adam LaMosca, [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/columns/waypoints/1310-On-Screen-Help-In-Game-Hindrance On-Screen Help, In-Game Hindrance] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201191746/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/columns/waypoints/1310-On-Screen-Help-In-Game-Hindrance |date=February 1, 2014 }}, The Escapist

Several Shenmue soundtracks have been released. A promotional album, Shenmue Juke Box, was packaged with the limited edition of the original game in Japan and North America, containing ten select tracks from the in-game cassette tapes.{{cite web|title=Shenmue Juke Box |url=http://vgmdb.net/album/599 |website=VGMDB |publisher=The Video Game Music Database |access-date=May 30, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530055429/http://vgmdb.net/album/599 |archive-date=May 30, 2015 }} A soundtrack for the first game, Shenmue OST: Chapter 1: Yokosuka, was released in 2000.{{cite web|title=Shenmue chapter 1 -Yokosuka- Original Sound Track |url=http://vgmdb.net/album/595 |website=VGMDB |publisher=The Video Game Music Database |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530051714/http://vgmdb.net/album/595 |archive-date=May 30, 2015 }} In September 2015, Data Discs released the Shenmue soundtrack on vinyl in three separate colored editions.{{cite web|last1=Summers |first1=Nick |title='Shenmue' and 'Streets of Rage' tunes are headed to vinyl |url=https://www.engadget.com/2015/05/22/shenmue-streets-rage-vinyl/ |website=Engadget |date=May 22, 2015 |access-date=May 30, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530053508/http://www.engadget.com/2015/05/22/shenmue-streets-rage-vinyl/ |archive-date=May 30, 2015 }} In March 2016, the music of Shenmue was voted into the Classic FM Hall of Fame in 144th place.{{Cite web|url=http://halloffame.classicfm.com/2016/chart/p/list-all|title=Vote for the best music in the world in the Classic FM Hall of Fame|last=Radio|first=Global|website=Vote for the best music in the world in the Classic FM Hall of Fame|language=en|access-date=2018-04-14}}

{{Main|Shenmue: The Animation}}

An anime adaptation of Shenmue was announced on September 4, 2020, at the virtual Crunchyroll Expo.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/shenmue-anime-adult-swim-crunchyroll|title=Shenmue Anime Announced for Crunchyroll and Adult Swim|publisher=IGN|access-date=September 4, 2020}} It premiered on simultaneously on February 6, 2022, on the U.S. network Adult Swim's Toonami programming block and the streaming platform Crunchyroll in English dub and Japanese sub, respectively.{{Cite web|last=Diaz|first=Ana|date=2022-01-19|title=Shenmue gets new anime on Crunchyroll and Adult Swim|url=https://www.polygon.com/22889939/shenmue-anime-crunchyroll-adult-swim|access-date=2022-02-06|website=Polygon|language=en-US}} The series is directed by Sakurai Chikara, with Suzuki as executive producer, and adapts the events of the first two games. It was animated by Telecom Animation Film, with production management by Sola Entertainment.

Ryo Hazuki is a playable character in Sega's mascot racer Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing. Ryo rides Naoyuki's motorbike and his special move features him driving a forklift, referencing his job at the Yokosuka Harbor.{{cite web|author=Mike Fahey|title=Sega All-Stars Racing Gets A Little Shenmue|date=October 7, 2009 |url=http://kotaku.com/5376255/sega-all+stars-racing-gets-a-little-shenmue|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013185257/http://kotaku.com/5376255/sega-all%20stars-racing-gets-a-little-shenmue|archive-date=October 13, 2013|publisher=Kotaku}}

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{{Commons category|Shenmue}}

• {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140218014641/http://www.shenmue.com/ |date=February 18, 2014 |title=Website from original release }}
• {{Official website|https://shenmue.sega.com/|Official Shenmue I & II website}}
• {{Official website|http://shenmue.link/|Official Shenmue III website}}

{{Shenmue}}

{{Franchises owned by Sega Sammy Holdings}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Shenmue (Series)}}

Category:Sega video game franchises

Category:Video games designed by Yu Suzuki

Category:Video game franchises introduced in 1999

Category:Video games based on Chinese mythology

Category:Video games adapted into television shows