Shenmue isn't a game for everyone, with even the latest entry to the series, Shenmue III, exhibiting dated and clunky mechanics. However, a lot of people are still interested in the story. Those fans will be getting a new way to experience the story, as Shenmue: The Animation has been announced.
Shenmue: The Animation is an anime series based on Shenmue 1 and 2, with Yu Suzuki working with the writers to incorporate previously scrapped story elements.
#BREAKING via #VCRX: @Crunchyroll x @adultswim announce Shenmue TV anime based on the classic SEGA game! ? pic.twitter.com/CNv7I7yRoC
— Shenmue the Animation (@ShenmueAnime) September 5, 2020
The series is being backed by Adult Swim (Toonami) and Crunchyroll, so it will air both on TV and via the Crunchyroll streaming service. Adult Swim being on-board also means there will be an English dub, in addition to Japanese voice acting.
The first season will be 13 episodes long, tackling the story of the first game and diving a bit into Shenmue II territory. Depending on how it turns out, we could see future seasons going beyond what we've seen in the games thus far.
KitGuru Says: I have very little interest in playing Shenmue in 2020 and due to its dated gameplay, many others likely feel the same way. With that in mind, bringing the story into a new medium seems like a good idea. What do you all think of this announcement?