It’s been a long time coming, but Shenmue is finally making a return to consoles. Along with the eagerly-anticipated Shenmue 3 reported to hit this year, SEGA has announced that Shenmue 1 and 2 HD are making their way from the Dreamcast to the current generation of consoles of Xbox One and PS4, as well as on Steam.
If you’re unfamiliar with the epic, sprawling tale of Ryo Hazuki, then fret not. Both Shenmue 1 and Shenmue 2, while not receiving the full remaster treatment, will come with the option for the original English and Japanese voiceovers, as well as an updated user interface and a modernized control scheme should you desire it. The titles are slated to hit sometime in 2018.
Essentially, this is the definitive version of the quirky series that left so many Dreamcast owners spellbound at the turn of the century. With the upcoming release of Shenmue 3, SEGA has clearly felt that now would be the best time to pull the trigger and get those who missed out on it the first go around (let’s not forget those, too, those who want to re-live their wistful days as a forklift truck driver).
Pricing has not been confirmed for the title, but both Shenmue 1 and Shenmue 2 will be part of the same package, presumably on the same disc.
You’ve asked, we listened and we’re extremely excited to finally announce that Shenmue I & II are coming to PS4, Xbox One and PC in one package! Both games will feature Japanese and English voice overs, the choice of classic or modern controls and more! #ShenmueSaved pic.twitter.com/EvtcEt5pgn
— SEGA (@SEGA) April 14, 2018
Despite nearing its twentieth year, the Shenmue series, as SEGA’s ‘launch’ trailer revealed, still looks as spry and colorful as ever. Who would’ve guessed it? It’s 2018 and we’re a third of the way through what’s shaping up to be the Year of Shenmue. Life finds a way, I guess?
