Shenmue 3 is allegedly bigger than its two predecessors, described as a ‘more hardcore game’

Right on

While a lot of people are worried about how Shenmue 3 is going to turn out, this new interview with series creator Yu Suzuki really talks the talk.

Suzuki basically uses the interview to dispel the notion that we’re getting a smaller Shenmue experience, noting that as opposed to the originals which were a “one week game,” this is a “multi-week game” with a richer world and more to do. While specifics weren’t given, note that the original duo had a roughly 25-hour long story each, and Suzuki is saying Shenmue 3 will be bigger.

He also confirms the return of forklift minigames, on top of capsule toys, Excite QTE and Lucky Hit. Side quests are also more integrated into the story itself and are less gaiden oriented, perhaps contributing to the extended length. Suzuki says this is something he always wanted for the series, calling Shenmue 3 a “more hardcore game.”

Side note: isn’t the above image just the best?

Shenmue [A9VG via ResetEra]