~ Shenmue Zero ~
The concept of a Shenmue Zero has been on my mind for quite some time now. The idea of exploring a prequel featuring characters like Ryo and Iwao has always intrigued me, a time where Iwao was alive.
In this blog post, I'll delve into my ideas for a possible Shenmue Zero, discussing what Yu Suzuki has mentioned about the concept, as well as touching on the Shenmue Zero fan game and other related topics.
~ Story and Characters ~
I envision two potential directions for the storyline of Shenmue Zero. One approach involves centering the game around a young Iwao in the late 1960s, exploring the reasons behind his journey to China. The other direction is the story could focus on Ryo as the protagonist, set in 1985, precisely one year before Lan Di's fatal encounter with Iwao.
I think Iwao's story would be best told through a separate game series, spanning multiple titles that explore his adventures in China. I've even written a blog post about an Iwao spin-off. If you're interested in learning more about this idea, you can check it out here.
https://www.shenmuedojo.com/forum/index.php?threads/shenmue-spin-off-series-iwao-hazuki.5282/
For Shenmue Zero, I'd prefer Ryo as the main character. In my opinion, it would be wonderful to witness the relationship between Ryo and Iwao before the events unfolded. Imagining the daily routine Ryo shared with his father, possibly training together every day with Iwao, is quite poignant.
We caught a glimpse of this dynamic in the anime, during Iwao's lifetime, where Ryo appeared to be happier. This game would offer a beautiful opportunity to explore the intricacies of Ryo and Iwao's relationship, thereby making Iwao's death even more heartbreaking, emotional, and impactful.
In Shenmue Zero, we could delve into a time when Ryo attended Suka High School. Many intriguing events could unfold there, introducing new characters with their own stories, along with new mini-games and much more.
For example Ryo training Karate in the school with his Instructor Nonaka-san could be a fun mini game, a fun way to train in the game.
One of the new characters in the school could even be one of the villains in the game.
A game featuring Ryo attending school would be quite enjoyable. Players could have the option to choose whether or not Ryo attends school, but this decision would have consequences. In Shenmue Zero we would be able to see Ryo with his School outfit, it would be possible to change clothes in the game.
Those who choose to attend would experience unique scenes and interactions that only occur at school. This setting would provide more insight into Ryo's relationships with characters like Nozomi and others before the tragic events of the first game unfold.
Additionally, players could witness how Ryo acquires his iconic brown leather jacket, as he mentions this in Shenmue III. It would be fascinating to see the complete Karate tournament and much more.
The game would have a calm vibe but it would also have action/battle scenes.
Terry was the final villain of the first game, for Shenmue Zero i still don't have an idea for a villain, but i imagine Ryo maybe alongside with his father saving Yokosuka.
I also think it would be interesting if Iwao were playable in certain parts of the game. While the majority of the gameplay would revolve around Ryo, incorporating sections where players control Iwao could add depth to the story and gameplay experience.
I envision Shenmue Zero concluding right at the point where the first game begins, with Ryo arriving at the Hazuki Residence. In my opinion, crafting a captivating Shenmue Zero story with Ryo as the central character in Yokosuka is entirely feasible.
It could even incorporate flashbacks featuring Ryo's mother, adding depth and emotional resonance to the narrative. There are countless possibilities to explore in a Shenmue Zero game, and I'm truly excited about the idea of a Shenmue Zero unfolding in this manner.
~ Gameplay ~
I don't have any issues with the Shenmue style; I actually love its uniqueness and special quality. However, for a Shenmue Zero, I wouldn't mind if the game incorporated modern elements. Of course, this should be done without compromising the essence of the series and what makes Shenmue stand out from other games.
~ Yu Suzuki on Shenmue Zero ~
In 2023, During an interview, Yu Suzuki discussed the possibility of a Shenmue Zero when asked if he had considered it:
Yu Suzuki: "Yes, I have. I cannot go into detail at this point, but it is something I have been thinking about. I think recreating the streets of Dobuita with modern visuals on a new engine alone would make it worth doing. It also connects to the topic of not simply expanding in size.
Making an even more detailed Dobuita than the original Shenmue is an interesting idea, especially if it’s not a remake but a prequel with a new story."
I agree with Yu Suzuki, and I would love to see a larger Yokosuka, featuring new locations, characters, and much more.
~ SEGA ~
At The Game Awards 2023, SEGA made waves by announcing the revival of several classic IPs, including Jet Set Radio, Crazy Taxi, Shinobi, Streets of Rage, Golden Axe, and more, although specifics for some are still under wraps. This signals a new era and vitality for SEGA.
There's speculation about whether SEGA might also have something in store for Shenmue, although details remain unclear.
Considering Shenmue is an old SEGA IP, it's not beyond the realm of possibility that SEGA is contemplating a move with the Shenmue series once again. Depending on the execution, it could breathe new life into the Shenmue series.
~ Shenmue Zero Fan Game ~
Shenmue Zero is an unofficial PC game developed by Tenshin Soft. Before Lan Di arrived to seize the Dragon Mirror, before Iwao Hazuki's tragic murder, before anything you've witnessed, there was Shenmue Zero. Set in Yokosuka, Japan, just a few years prior to Shenmue I, the game portrays Ryo as a young child under the strict tutelage of his Sensei and father, Iwao Hazuki. Life was markedly different then.
To download the game go here. >>>>> https://shenmuedojo.com/media/shenmue-zero/
~ Final Thoughts ~
The concept of a Shenmue Zero is quite appealing to me. In a Shenmue Zero game, we could explore a larger and more detailed Yokosuka, delve deeper into Ryo's relationship with his father, and perhaps even have segments where Iwao and Shenhua are playable.
It would be interesting to see Ryo attending Suka High School, encountering new characters, and participating in new mini-games and the full karate tournament.
The potential for a Shenmue Zero game is vast, with numerous possibilities to enrich the series.
In my opinion, while continuing the story with Shenmue IV should take priority, if they were to develop Shenmue Zero first, it could still be a fantastic addition to the Shenmue series depending on its execution. However, my preference would be to see the story progress with Shenmue IV.
How would you envision a potential Shenmue Zero game? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. Thank you all for taking the time to read, and remember to cherish those you love. See you in my next blog post. Bye bye! ~ Hikari ~ (Hiki)
The concept of a Shenmue Zero has been on my mind for quite some time now. The idea of exploring a prequel featuring characters like Ryo and Iwao has always intrigued me, a time where Iwao was alive.
In this blog post, I'll delve into my ideas for a possible Shenmue Zero, discussing what Yu Suzuki has mentioned about the concept, as well as touching on the Shenmue Zero fan game and other related topics.
~ Story and Characters ~
I envision two potential directions for the storyline of Shenmue Zero. One approach involves centering the game around a young Iwao in the late 1960s, exploring the reasons behind his journey to China. The other direction is the story could focus on Ryo as the protagonist, set in 1985, precisely one year before Lan Di's fatal encounter with Iwao.
I think Iwao's story would be best told through a separate game series, spanning multiple titles that explore his adventures in China. I've even written a blog post about an Iwao spin-off. If you're interested in learning more about this idea, you can check it out here.
https://www.shenmuedojo.com/forum/index.php?threads/shenmue-spin-off-series-iwao-hazuki.5282/
For Shenmue Zero, I'd prefer Ryo as the main character. In my opinion, it would be wonderful to witness the relationship between Ryo and Iwao before the events unfolded. Imagining the daily routine Ryo shared with his father, possibly training together every day with Iwao, is quite poignant.
We caught a glimpse of this dynamic in the anime, during Iwao's lifetime, where Ryo appeared to be happier. This game would offer a beautiful opportunity to explore the intricacies of Ryo and Iwao's relationship, thereby making Iwao's death even more heartbreaking, emotional, and impactful.
In Shenmue Zero, we could delve into a time when Ryo attended Suka High School. Many intriguing events could unfold there, introducing new characters with their own stories, along with new mini-games and much more.
For example Ryo training Karate in the school with his Instructor Nonaka-san could be a fun mini game, a fun way to train in the game.
One of the new characters in the school could even be one of the villains in the game.
A game featuring Ryo attending school would be quite enjoyable. Players could have the option to choose whether or not Ryo attends school, but this decision would have consequences. In Shenmue Zero we would be able to see Ryo with his School outfit, it would be possible to change clothes in the game.
Those who choose to attend would experience unique scenes and interactions that only occur at school. This setting would provide more insight into Ryo's relationships with characters like Nozomi and others before the tragic events of the first game unfold.
Additionally, players could witness how Ryo acquires his iconic brown leather jacket, as he mentions this in Shenmue III. It would be fascinating to see the complete Karate tournament and much more.
The game would have a calm vibe but it would also have action/battle scenes.
Terry was the final villain of the first game, for Shenmue Zero i still don't have an idea for a villain, but i imagine Ryo maybe alongside with his father saving Yokosuka.
I also think it would be interesting if Iwao were playable in certain parts of the game. While the majority of the gameplay would revolve around Ryo, incorporating sections where players control Iwao could add depth to the story and gameplay experience.
I envision Shenmue Zero concluding right at the point where the first game begins, with Ryo arriving at the Hazuki Residence. In my opinion, crafting a captivating Shenmue Zero story with Ryo as the central character in Yokosuka is entirely feasible.
It could even incorporate flashbacks featuring Ryo's mother, adding depth and emotional resonance to the narrative. There are countless possibilities to explore in a Shenmue Zero game, and I'm truly excited about the idea of a Shenmue Zero unfolding in this manner.
~ Gameplay ~
I don't have any issues with the Shenmue style; I actually love its uniqueness and special quality. However, for a Shenmue Zero, I wouldn't mind if the game incorporated modern elements. Of course, this should be done without compromising the essence of the series and what makes Shenmue stand out from other games.
~ Yu Suzuki on Shenmue Zero ~
In 2023, During an interview, Yu Suzuki discussed the possibility of a Shenmue Zero when asked if he had considered it:
Yu Suzuki: "Yes, I have. I cannot go into detail at this point, but it is something I have been thinking about. I think recreating the streets of Dobuita with modern visuals on a new engine alone would make it worth doing. It also connects to the topic of not simply expanding in size.
Making an even more detailed Dobuita than the original Shenmue is an interesting idea, especially if it’s not a remake but a prequel with a new story."
I agree with Yu Suzuki, and I would love to see a larger Yokosuka, featuring new locations, characters, and much more.
~ SEGA ~
At The Game Awards 2023, SEGA made waves by announcing the revival of several classic IPs, including Jet Set Radio, Crazy Taxi, Shinobi, Streets of Rage, Golden Axe, and more, although specifics for some are still under wraps. This signals a new era and vitality for SEGA.
There's speculation about whether SEGA might also have something in store for Shenmue, although details remain unclear.
Considering Shenmue is an old SEGA IP, it's not beyond the realm of possibility that SEGA is contemplating a move with the Shenmue series once again. Depending on the execution, it could breathe new life into the Shenmue series.
~ Shenmue Zero Fan Game ~
Shenmue Zero is an unofficial PC game developed by Tenshin Soft. Before Lan Di arrived to seize the Dragon Mirror, before Iwao Hazuki's tragic murder, before anything you've witnessed, there was Shenmue Zero. Set in Yokosuka, Japan, just a few years prior to Shenmue I, the game portrays Ryo as a young child under the strict tutelage of his Sensei and father, Iwao Hazuki. Life was markedly different then.
To download the game go here. >>>>> https://shenmuedojo.com/media/shenmue-zero/
~ Final Thoughts ~
The concept of a Shenmue Zero is quite appealing to me. In a Shenmue Zero game, we could explore a larger and more detailed Yokosuka, delve deeper into Ryo's relationship with his father, and perhaps even have segments where Iwao and Shenhua are playable.
It would be interesting to see Ryo attending Suka High School, encountering new characters, and participating in new mini-games and the full karate tournament.
The potential for a Shenmue Zero game is vast, with numerous possibilities to enrich the series.
In my opinion, while continuing the story with Shenmue IV should take priority, if they were to develop Shenmue Zero first, it could still be a fantastic addition to the Shenmue series depending on its execution. However, my preference would be to see the story progress with Shenmue IV.
How would you envision a potential Shenmue Zero game? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. Thank you all for taking the time to read, and remember to cherish those you love. See you in my next blog post. Bye bye! ~ Hikari ~ (Hiki)
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