You do make a hazy point, and i also admire your enthusiasm for the series.
But what my point is, as ive been trying to emulate since news of the interview came to light, was that once again, the obvious will be stated in spades, but as per dojoesqué style, the littlest point or sentence will be clung onto in order to preserve hope of an offline, console based Shenmue 3.
As seen in your post though almin, it has not now come to us clinging onto one sentence or point, but now a letter, in this case S (as in gameS) that we have for a hope of Shenmue 3. I mean its just ridiculous, improbable and downright pathetic, to cling to the hope that is literally on a life support machine.
I apologise to anyone who sees offence, or unhappiness in my post attitude or content. As some may see me acting like a petulent child, wanting a specific Shenmue 3 is because that IS what i want. I understand if you feel that its better than nothing, and of course i respect that. But for me, and im sure a few others, its just not enough. Not by a long shot. I mean im sure Sega wont give a toss if i feel like that. They are still going to make a " killing" with MMORPG releases in the asian gaming community, but if Sega wanted more capital from a willing paying customer such as myself, then they would be better off releasing a DVD movie of the entire Shenmue story, or even a paperback novel. But there is no way i will be paying for an individual PC game, never mind a monthly subscription!
I must also draw attention, to those who wish to look upon statements within the interview that can offer hope, to the remark made by Suzuki in relation to how well Sega is doing in the Arcade market:
" Yu Suzuki [/quote
As a result, we' re the strongest in the business now. That' s certainly good for Sega. So even though the overall market is shrinking, we' re still making a killing. We' ve got a sixty per cent market share in Japan now, so it' s not bad at all for us.
Not that it offers any hope to me really, but surely this suggests that Sega have a relief of the bankroll that was spent upon the gamble that was, the original Shenmue. If perhaps money was the problem for bringing forward Shenmue 3 (although if the inside info provided from the Kikizo articles anonymous source is valid then money should not be the case) then there is more light shining on the element of hope.
As much as i am against Shenmue Online, and the whole MMORPG direction of the series, the words AREAS to EXPLORE and also STORY continuing are clearly stated. I wonder how a story can possibly be told through a PC based MMORPG? Ah well but i guess Suzuki is good at creating new features of games, as indicated in the interview with the mention of QTE' S
I personally, am not giving up on Shenmue, and the hope that S3 / a complete Shenmue game on the next gen consoles are still existent (i still believe after SO makes a revenue in its designated areas, then a " western" Shenmue game, aka the complete series will be considered.) I mean does it not strike anyone else a bit peculiar as to SO not being announced worldwide, considering that Shenmue has just a big as, if not even more bigger fanbase in the western world. Id say my theory of having 2 seperate genres of the one game on a global scale DO still exist.
But i do have to move on with my life. I mean im currently working on my university dissertation/thesis and i should graduate this summer. In relation to beginning the Shenmue experience, im now grown up. I have other responsibilities. Unfortunately i have to allocate my time to other features, and cannot sit about and wait for a videogame for much longer.
< Message edited by PeterC -- 16 Feb 06 1:03:44 >