Yu Suzuki’s Shenmue 3 Hits Kickstarter, Sets New Funding Record

Is it just me, or is this E3 proving to be one of the best ever? From Microsoft adding backwards compatibility to its Xbox One to Bethesda announcing the latest DOOM to Final Fantasy VII finally getting a remake – it’s almost hard to take it all in.

And as if it couldn’t get even more exciting, Shenmue director Yu Suzuki has come out of nowhere with a new Kickstarter project to help fund Shenmue 3. As we can now see, getting that funding didn’t prove too much of a hassle: The entire $2 million was funded in 9 hours, setting a new Kickstarter record. As of the time of writing, it sits at $2.4 million.

The Kickstarter project calls Shenmue 3 a true sequel to the original titles, and once produced, it will be available for both the PlayStation 4 and PC, in both boxed and digital form.

Funding options begin at $5, which allows you to participate in surveys. To secure a digital copy of the game, you’ll need to fund at least $29. At $60, you’ll be able to get a hard copy of the game, while $100 will give you access to the “Trial Version”, as well as your name in the credits. This project also features some stretch goals; if $4 million can be secured, the Baisha village will be expanded, more mini games will be included, a rapport and skill tree system will be added, all in addition to new translations: Dutch, French, Spanish, and Italian.

I’m still a bit timid of Kickstarter projects, but it seems likely that with a name like Yu Suzuki at the helm, this one has the best possible chance of becoming a reality. I’m also thinking it might be about that time to haul out my Dreamcast and dive back into the original!