Shenmue III Switch and Xbox Port Now a Real Possibility
ININ Games has recently acquired the publishing rights for Shenmue III, sparking excitement and speculation among fans about the game's future on additional platforms. This development could potentially broaden the reach of the iconic Shenmue series and bring new life to the franchise. Dive into the details below to understand the impact of this significant move.
ININ Games Acquired Shenmue III’s Publishing Rights
Potential Release to Xbox and Switch Consoles
In an exciting turn of events for fans of the Shenmue series, ININ Games has officially taken over the publishing rights for Shenmue III. Originally released as a PlayStation exclusive in 2019, the acquisition by ININ Games opens up the possibility of bringing the game to other platforms, including Xbox and Nintendo Switch. This move has reignited hope among Xbox users who have long awaited a port of the game to their console. While specifics are yet to be fully disclosed, ININ Games, known for their work with arcade classics across multiple platforms, is well-positioned to expand Shenmue III's availability, potentially revitalizing interest in the beloved series.
Currently, Shenmue III is accessible on PS4 and PC in both digital and physical formats. With ININ Games at the helm, the game could soon find its way into the hands of a wider audience on other platforms.
The Journey Continues in Shenmue III
The journey of Shenmue III began with a highly successful Kickstarter campaign launched by Ys Net in July 2015. The campaign surpassed its $2 million goal, raising an impressive $6.3 million, demonstrating the enduring passion for the series. Following its successful funding, the game was released on PS4 and PC. Now, with ININ Games acquiring the publishing rights, there's a promising outlook for Shenmue III to reach additional platforms, extending its reach even further.
Shenmue III continues the saga of Ryo Hazuki and Shenhua as they embark on a quest to uncover the truth behind Ryo's father's murder. Their journey takes them deep into enemy territory as they confront the Chi You Men cartel and face the formidable Lan Di once again. Developed using Unreal Engine 4, the game seamlessly blends classic aesthetics with modern graphics, creating an immersive and vibrant world for players to explore.
On Steam, Shenmue III holds a "Mostly Positive" rating with a score of 76%. While many fans have embraced the game as a worthy addition to the series, some have voiced concerns, including issues related to controller-only gameplay and delayed Steam key distribution. Despite these challenges, the community's enthusiasm for potential Xbox and Nintendo Switch ports remains high.
Possibility of Shenmue Trilogy
The acquisition of Shenmue III's publishing rights by ININ Games not only hints at expanded platform availability but also raises the possibility of a Shenmue trilogy release. ININ Games has a track record of reviving arcade classics on modern platforms, as seen in their collaboration with HAMSTER Corporation to bring Taito games from the 80s and 90s to contemporary audiences. This partnership has resulted in the upcoming release of the Rastan Saga series and Runark in both physical and digital formats, set for December 10.
Shenmue I and II were previously released in August 2018 and are available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One. Although no official announcements have been made regarding a Shenmue trilogy, the recent acquisition suggests that ININ Games could be the key to realizing this dream for fans, bringing the entire saga to new platforms and audiences.
