ININ Games Acquires Shenmue III Publishing Rights: Xbox and Switch Ports a Real Possibility?
The acquisition of Shenmue III's publishing rights by ININ Games has sparked excitement among fans, particularly regarding the potential for releases on additional platforms. Originally a PlayStation 4 exclusive (released in 2019), the game's availability on Xbox and Nintendo Switch consoles is now a strong possibility.
Expanding Shenmue III's Reach
ININ Games, renowned for its multi-platform releases of classic arcade titles, could bring Shenmue III to a wider audience. Currently available on PS4 and PC (digitally and physically), the publisher's history suggests a similar treatment for Shenmue III is likely.
A Continued Journey for Ryo and Shenhua
Following a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2015, Shenmue III continued the saga of Ryo Hazuki and Shenhua. Their quest to uncover the truth behind Ryo's father's murder leads them deep into enemy territory, confronting the Chi You Men cartel and Lan Di. The game's Unreal Engine 4 development delivers a captivating blend of classic style and modern visuals.
While Shenmue III boasts a "Mostly Positive" 76% rating on Steam, some players have voiced concerns about controller-only gameplay and late Steam key delivery. Despite these issues, the demand for an Xbox and Switch port remains high.
The Potential for a Shenmue Trilogy
ININ Games' acquisition could extend beyond Shenmue III. Given their track record of reviving classic games, the possibility of a Shenmue I & II and III trilogy release under their banner is intriguing. Shenmue I and II are already available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One (released August 2018). While unconfirmed, this development significantly increases the likelihood of a unified trilogy release. This is further supported by their current collaboration with HAMSTER Corporation on various retro game releases.
