Let me run down the events which took place recently.
Shenmue was a game that, for a long time, I believed was the greatest of them all. In
fact, I still do believe it is one of the best, although recently the series was going through a tough time, here is my overview of the events;
A) Shenmue Online was announced, showcasing a new fresh start for the series, showing us bland graphics, especially compared to the likes of the console series.
B) No new news regarding the project had surfaced for about a year and a half. (Many members of our forums believed it to be canned, and there were plenty of rumours, believe me...)
C) Shenmue Online failed to be shown at ChinaJoy, the biggest gaming event of China. Which was...strange, especially since what audience it was catering for (fans of MMORPGs, which were mainly from Korea and China, hence the release in only those two countries and nowhere else).
D) A few days ago, the site webmaster of Shenmue Dojo received a reply to his e-mail sent to Adam Doree many eons ago regarding Shenmue Online's status, since it had gone quiet for a long time.
E) Adam told us that SO has been confirmed by a contact in SEGA itself (whom is said to have worked on ALL of the Shenmue games, a person said to be, that not many know of), to be cancelled. SEGA aren't even considering Shenmue now, this may be thanks to Sammy's recent silent takeover strategy and need for 'change' in the organisation. Either way, Shenmue has become less and less likely to reappear, and this is the final nail in the coffin.
http://shenmue.planets.gamespy.com/foru ... sc&start=0
So there you have it, my favourite games shall never have a conclusion. I'm rather upset about it, but what I'm more upset about is how SEGA have left us in the dark for so long now (seven years in total) only tell us it's never coming.
Sorry if this upset anybody else. But all I can say to those of you who enjoyed Shenmue; move on and remember the game well, for it is worth remembering as a great game for many years to come.
