Shenmue 3 just launched yesterday, but some players have already seen the end credits, and doing so has revealed a post-credits message to fans from the series' designer, Yu Suzuki.
In a lengthy message first shared by VGC, Suzuki thanks fans and says the project would not exist if it weren't for the "love, support, and the connections we’ve made along the way." He even mentions Shenmue 4 by name.
Suzuki previously said in a 2015 AMA that he's envisioned 11 story chapters across roughly five games in the Shenmue saga and that, as long as there are fans who want them, "I will never give up on my own personal journey to complete its story."
The full contents of his message to fans can be read below:
"To all the fans who have waited many years for Shenmue 3, and to all of the crowdfunding backers who have made this game possible: This project would not exist without your love, support, and the connections we’ve made along the way.
With profound appreciation for all that you have done, I am happy to finally present to you Shenmue 3.During development I expanded the scope beyond what I had originally envisioned. I’m happy we were able to include the distinct “Shenmue” charm throughout the game.
I hope that this new chapter strikes even a small resonance in your heart.
For as long as there are those who wish to see Shenmue live on, I will never give up on my own personal journey to complete its story. As with Shenmue 3, the Shenmue story is with you.
I sincerely hope that, together, we can continue to spin the tale of Ryo and his adventures in Shenmue 4.
This goes out to all who have ever loved and supported Shenmue.
Yu Suzuki"
Shenmue 3 comes 18 years after the second game which launched on Dreamcast in 2001. Both Shenmue and Shenmue 2 were ported to modern consoles and PC last year as fan interest in the franchise was revived ahead of the third installment.
Shenmue 3 is the most successful Kickstarter video game in the history of the crowdfunding website, pulling in a final sum of $6.3 million from nearly 70,000 backers. It also set records for the fastest crowdfunding campaign to break both the one million and two million dollar milestones, clearing the former in just one hour and 44 minutes, and the latter in eight hours and 43 minutes. Sony and Deep Silver provided further funding for the game, which launched on PS4 and PC this week.
Only a small handful of reviews have hit OpenCritic so far, as most outlets received their review copies later than one might expect given the scope of the game. With the first six reviews registered, Shenmue 3 currently has a Fair score of 70.
