While the hype-train is all for Shenmue 3, many also hope the original Shenmue Series will make a comeback. After all, if not for the Shenmue 1 and 2, there’d be no third outing at all. Just like the original, there are access limitations for this release.

The original Shenmue Series is exclusive to the Sega Dreamcast; both are key flagship titles for that console. Launched in 2000 and 2001, respectively, the games follow teenage jujitsu artist, Ryo Hazuki, on his quest for revenge. The first game focuses on tracing the trail of the man that murdered Ryo’s father. It’s an action-adventure that combines investigative scenarios and puzzle-solving, a rare mix at the time.

As for the second part, the narrative sees Ryo leaving Japan for Hong Kong as he pursues the killer. Along the way, he makes new friends and meets various martial arts masters. All of them add depth to the already engaging storyline for Shenmue. Interestingly, the Shenmue Series is the first game to introduce a core feature that most will now know as ‘Quick Time Events’. It also is one of the first to convincingly offer night and day-cycles along with unpredictable weather patterns. Even non-playable characters have their own plot drivers and timelines they must adhere to.

There are no release dates yet though Sega confirms that the Shenmue Series will appear on all current platforms. Indeed, it’ll be on the Sony PlayStation 4 and Microsoft Xbox One. It’ll also be on Steam. Interestingly, the Japanese release will only be for Team Sony while the rest of the world will get all variants.

More details are available on the new Shenmue webportal (US / Japan). Those following the Shenmue 3 story will want to pick this up first before continuing Ryo’s quest of vengeance.

(Source: Gematsu)