Shenmue Creator Discusses Potential Shenmue IV & Yakuza 0-like Prequel

IGN recently interviewed Yu Suzuki, known for the new 3D shooter Air Twister, and the Shenmue series revealed new tidbits about the latter.

Firstly, assuming Shenmue 4 ever happens, Suzuki wants it to be approachable to newcomers, meaning that elements of the previous games’ stories would be naturally woven into the narrative. This would ultimately make the entry more approachable without making it all a dull recap.

Suzuki then went on to say that he’s interested in the notion of making a new Shenmue title that’s akin to being a prequel like Yakuza 0.

“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.”

It’s worth emphasizing that none of these comments mean that any official Shenmue prequel or sequel is in development, but Suzuki is very open to the possibility of doing either option.

You can view IGN’s full interview for additional comments.

Shenmue the Animation premiered last year.