Yu Suzuki has fighting and racing games on plans, though not with SEGA
On a recent interview by Tieba.Baidu.com, Yu Suzuki took the time to answer some questions during his recent visit to China. The interview reveals his status with some SEGA IPs and the possibility to continue those genres but on his own. The Shenmue Dojo site has provided a translation for that interview, read it below:
Q: Master Yu, when did you first meet up with master Lui Lian Zhi – was it 1991 or 1994? On what did you two first collaborate, was it working on Virtua Fighter 1 or 2?
Yu: The first time we met was 1993. Our first time working together was for VF2.
Q. Will Shenmue 3 have Chinese subs?
Yu: We are looking into it at the moment.
Q. In the near future, do you have any plan to release a fighting game similar to VF? Or to work with Sega for the next installment of the game?
Yu: Right now Daichi Katagari is the one who is overseeing the VF games. I handed over the games to him 100%. I will not be working with Sega for another VF game. But I might develop a brand new fighting game of my own.
Q: How many more Shenmue games are there until the end of the story?
Yu: There is a total of 11 chapters. Shenmue 3 will be chapters 5 and 6.
Q: Will everyone who donated for the game have to wait until near the release date to have their address and version of the game confirmed?
Yu: When the time comes we will send out an email to everyone. Please keep an eye on your mailbox.
Q: Can you use Chinese characters for all the Chinese people who donated for the game, in the “Thank you” credits at the end of the game?
Yu: All the credits will be in Roman characters.
Q: Will Shenmue 3 follow the same formula as Shenmue 1 and 2? In your opinion, what is the biggest difference with Shenmue 3? And what is the key selling point to attract new players to the game?
Yu:
1. Shenmue 3 will follow in the footsteps of Shenmue 1 and 2. It will keep what makes Shenmue Shenmue. For example, real-time full voice acting.
2. Shenmue 3 will be a more of an “open world” game so player can explore more places.
3. Towards the later half of the game, there will be a brand new way to play the game to attract new players. But the details are a secret.
Q: Will there ever be a spin-off of Shenmue, such as Shenmue 0?
Yu: No, not at the moment… [laughs]
Q: Is there any plan to release an Outrun-like racing game in the future?
Yu: We do have plans to release such a game.
Q: Will Shenmue 3 have an online feature?
Yu: There is no plan for any online feature for Shenmue 3.
