Shenmue 3 is still very early in development, which is why we have not yet gotten to see much of the game. However, owing to the game’s early announcement, and its very open development, we have gotten an unusual insight into the development of a big game as a result- and seeing early prototype builds of the game, which will doubtless morph into something more refined and sophisticated by the time the game is out, has been exhilarating.
So, for instance, take this new prototype footage of the game, which was captured off screen in China. It’s not even very high quality, but it already tells us so much about what Shenmue 3 is planning to do- realistic fire (possibly thanks to some highly advanced particle effects), dynamic time of the day, and dynamic weather, for example.
It looks like Shenmue 3 will have the same kind of dynamic, immersive world that made Shenmue and Shenmue 2 stand out back in the day. And in the end, I don’t think Shenmue fans would expect anything less.
