Shenmue Online

Infobox VG
title = Shenmue Online


developer = Sega Corporation
publisher = Sega Corporation
designer = Yu Suzuki
released = In Development, TBA
genre = MMORPG
modes = Multiplayer
ratings =
platforms = TBA

"Shenmue Online" (シェンムーオンライン「莎木OL」, Shenmū Onrain) is an MMORPG where players participate in scenarios from "Shenmue II", joining one of three clans, led by Shen Hua, Xiu Ying, and Wu Ying Ren, all significant characters from the story.

Development

In 2004, "Shenmue Online" was announced to be development in joint venture between Sega Japan and JC Entertainment of Korea. Beta testing for the online system was due to start in early 2005.

However, in 2005, JC Entertainment pulled out of the development of "Shenmue Online", and as they owned 50% of the properties of "Shenmue Online", there was [http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/shenmueonline/news.html?sid=6131932 legal] debate over who had the rights to the game. Fortunately, it is believed the argument was settled out of court.

In November 2005, it was confirmed in an [http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/663/663899p1.html Interview with Yu Suzuki] that "Shenmue Online" was indeed in development in Taiwan, despite internet rumors and legal issues.

In July 2006, a new enhanced version of Sega's "Shenmue Online" has been shown, with a video that is just under 13 minutes long. It showed the game in action and some of the features that will be included in the game, including mini games, jobs and various other things. Sega also included a small plot spoiler. [http://vision.ameba.jp/watch.do?movie=517077 Direct feed of the July 2006 video]

In September 2008, it was confirmed in a new [http://spong.com/feature/10109814 Interview with Yu Suzuki] that the game is not cancelled, but in standby due a "situation" and may be categorized as "In Development". Despite internet rumors, Yu Suzuki is still an employee at Sega Corporation.

Gameplay

Quoted from an interpretation of Yu Suzuki's [http://gnn.gamer.com.tw/7/21707.html 2005-11-05 interview] :

Players will join one of three clans, led by Sha Hua, Xiu Ying and Wu Ying, and go through the story by completing tasks given by the leaders. Of course, during the course of the story, each clan will interact with one another in both friendly and hostile situations. Lan Di and Ryo will definitely make appearances in those situations as well.

Yu states that even though the Korean company JCE had announced their withdrawal from development, since Shenmue Online is a Sega venture, they will fulfil their duty of completing it. Yu says despite the internet rumours, development is well on its way and following their original goals and target. He adds that Sega Sammy will make an official announcement about its progress in the future.

When asked about the various activities possible in Shenmue II and whether they will make it into Shenmue Online, Yu says that the arcade games will definitely make it in, and 2/3rds of the things like working, collecting capsule toys, etc, from Shenmue II will make it into Shenmue Online, along with much more contents exclusive to "Shenmue Online". Yu adds that the game will take place not only in Hong Kong and China, but Macau as well, Yu smiled when he was asked what players will be able to do in Macao.

Yu says that QTE's will make it into Shenmue Online; but conceptually, it is impossible to implement the exact same kind of QTE into an online game. So in Shenmue Online, QTE's will be something geared towards an online MMO game, but since the implementation haven't been finalized yet, he can't go into specifics.

Yu states that Shenmue's world is very suitable for online play. Shenmue Online's world will be much bigger than the home versions thus far, including over 1200 buildings/locations, and it will be possible for each player to have his or her own house. Yu adds that he has always been very fond of Chinese culture, so he is very happy that "Shenmue" is liked by the Chinese gamers. This is why he is making this game for the Chinese market. But from a game perspective, Shenmue Online will include many things that all gamers will be able to enjoy.

Graphical upgrades during development

When "Shenmue Online" was first announced, under the development of JC Entertainment, the screenshots released were considered by many "Shenmue" fans to be disappointing graphically, especially as being part of a game series that boasted ground-breaking graphics on the Sega Dreamcast.

However, new screens released in 2005, with the development under the guise of a new company, show marked graphical improvements.

In 2006, 6 new screens from the gameplay along with a 14 minute video were released to the public during the 4th China Expo. These shots showed further improvement on graphical issues, comparing the graphics to other MMOs and even home versions of "Shenmue".

External links

* [http://www.shenmue-online.com/ Official "Shenmue Online" website]
* [http://vision.ameba.jp/watch.do?movie=517077 12:45 long "Shenmue Online" gameplay & render video - July 2006]
* [http://www.shenmue.com/ Official "Shenmue" website]
* [http://www.shenmuecampaign.org/ "Shenmue" Campaign website]