24 Years Ago, Fans Started Begging for an Ending to One Video Game Series

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Approximately two decades ago, SEGA introduced a groundbreaking game that redefined storytelling and immersion. Debuting on the Dreamcast, this game showcased a vibrant, lifelike world with cinematic narratives, real-time settings, and an epic martial arts adventure. It captivated players’ imaginations and left them eager for more. Although subsequent games in the series were developed, their delayed releases left fans dissatisfied. Many feared that the series would never be completed, and it gained notoriety within the gaming industry. While it was lauded by many, this notoriety cast a shadow on its legacy and influenced how both fans and outsiders perceived it.

On September 6th, 2001, the highly anticipated sequel to the acclaimed game Shenmue, titled Shenmue II, hit the shelves. However, it took fans another 18 long years to get their hands on the next installment, Shenmue III. Despite being released only two years after its predecessor, Shenmue II ended up leaving a significant cliffhanger in the gaming world, becoming one of the most famous unresolved storylines. Fans of Shenmue II were left hanging, eagerly awaiting a resolution to the narrative for nearly two decades.

How Shenmue 2’s Story Ended, and Set Up Shenmue 3

In the sequel of Shenmue II, the storyline revolves around Ryo Hazuki, a young martial artist who embarks on a quest to avenge his father’s murder. The players were initially acquainted with this intriguing tale and gameplay mechanics in the first installment, which also introduced the enigmatic villain Lan Di. The second game significantly broadened the series’ dramatic scope by introducing fresh settings, new companions, and a more complex mythology.

In the narrative, we tag along with Ryo as he travels to China in pursuit of Lan Di. Along his journey, Ryo learns that Lan Di suspects Ryo’s father for murdering Lan Di’s own father. There seems to be a hidden relationship between the Phoenix and Dragon Mirrors. The game concludes with Ryo encountering Shenhua Ling, who has ties to the mirrors’ history. Together, they find that Shenhua’s father is missing, but they come across an enigmatic note and a sword. When put together, the sword and Phoenix Mirror reveal a grand mural, marking the end of the game.

The story’s conclusion in Shenmue II significantly impacts Ryo’s journey and Ling’s role, creating a huge cliffhanger due to the long gap between the two games. Despite promising a dramatic resolution, it instead left fans with even more unresolved questions at their peak of excitement. The series creator, Yu Suzuki, initially intended for an expansive story across multiple games, but fans had to wait 18 years for another installment, leaving the rest of the series in question.

Shenmue 2 Developed a Strong Following Despite Being a Commercial Failure

In a natural and easy-to-read manner, one could say: Shenmue II significantly expanded upon the pioneering groundwork set by its forerunner in numerous ways. It amplified the level of intricacy and player interaction, which were groundbreaking for their era. The game allowed players to stroll through lively urban streets, converse with most Non-Player Characters (NPCs), and participate in a multitude of side activities separate from the main plot. This high degree of immersion was complemented by a realistic day-night cycle and weather system, which added a sense of life and authenticity to the game.

Although Shenmue II introduced numerous innovations, unfortunately, it didn’t perform well commercially. Originally released on the Dreamcast, it was subsequently adapted for the Xbox to broaden its reach. However, by this time, the game seemed to have missed its prime opportunity, leading to its reputation as a financial flop. The substantial expenses incurred during development, both for the Dreamcast and Xbox versions, further reinforced this image of failure.

Shenmue 3 Finally Happened…18 Years Later

For quite some time, concluding the series appeared impossible. Yet, Yu Suzuki persistently held onto the dream of Shenmue. Eventually, in 2015, the creator declared a Kickstarter initiative to revitalize the series and bring forth Shenmue III. This announcement sparked both cheers and astonishment among fans who had thought they’d lost hope for the continuation of the story.

The fundraising for Shenmue III was incredibly successful, demonstrating a strong desire for the series’ continuation which ultimately resulted in the establishment of YS Net under Suzuki’s leadership. Suzuki and his team spent four years tirelessly working, eventually releasing Shenmue III following almost two decades since its initial conception. Finally, fans’ long-held dreams were realized as they neared the resolution of Ryo’s story and his triumph over Lan Di.

In a different turn of events, Shenmue III didn’t deliver a series conclusion as one might expect. Instead, it progressed the storyline significantly. The anticipated showdown between Lan Di and Ryo took place, but fell short of audience expectations. Moreover, new plot developments brought about more questions than answers. Additionally, new characters were introduced to enrich the narrative, although some viewers felt this could potentially complicate wrapping up all the storylines satisfactorily.

As a devoted admirer, I must say that experiencing Shenmue III was a bittersweet journey for me and countless others. While it was exhilarating to finally delve back into the captivating narrative, we found ourselves yearning for a resolution rather than just another chapter in the story. In many ways, this series encapsulates both the zenith of gaming’s potential and the perils that come with anticipation.

The unwavering dedication of fans is undoubtedly evident, but after eighteen long years, we’re left with a familiar predicament: we’re craving an ending, not another captivating tale to follow. So here’s to hoping that the creators will hear our pleas and deliver us the conclusion we so desperately desire.

Suzuki has expressed his aspirations extend beyond three games, possibly reaching five or six installments, and is currently in the planning process. However, it remains to be seen if the Shenmue series possesses the necessary elements to sustain itself that long. The future production of Shenmue IV and V is uncertain, and if they are made, fans might have a prolonged wait ahead.

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2025-09-06 20:12