![]() ![]() The enhancements here seem a little thinner on the ground - perhaps because it was earlier in development but again, texture detail is boosted significantly and the addition of shadow-maps adds depth to the environment. ![]() The video also includes footage of Shenmue 2, suggesting that full remakes for both titles in progress. A look at the lost Shenmue remake, stacked up against the remastering work completed by the same developer and based more closely on the original AM2 art. We'd say that there was still work to be done here. Compared to the original, there is a boost in detail but it feels less significant in this area. NPCs are also upgraded, with increased geometry and new normal maps designed to increase the perception of detail. Foliage, trees and stone work benefits from all of the same improvements, light shafts are added in one location showcased in the video, while ambient occlusion - not a feature of the original game - is also added to the mix. Proper shadow maps are implemented, textures and foliage are of a much higher resolution while the complexity in geometry is increased: flat textured roof tiles and fence post become full 3D objects - it's the same game, the same environment, but substantially reworked. For starters, there's the suggestion of significant improvements to the rendering. We only have a rough idea of what happened and we can't presume to understand all of the business reasons behind Sega's change in direction, but the bottom line is that in common with other unfinished and cancelled projects, the work-in-progress video we received adds a further dimension to the history of one of gaming's most celebrated franchises.īased on the video, there are a number of things we can tell about the ambitions behind the cancelled work. So, what's the story here? Well, the details are murky but as we understand it, this more in-depth remaster/remake was in development for quite some time before the plug was pulled due to budget constraints and development delays - and perhaps owing to concerns with the nature of some of the changes being made. But what we now know is that prior to completing this work, plans were afoot for something considerably more ambitious - a comprehensive remake with completely revamped artwork more in step with the capabilities of the host platforms. What we received was a good game that brought classic Shenmue to today's machines, albeit with visuals based almost exclusively on the original AM2 assets. As we know, Sega tasked UK developer d3t with remastering Shenmue and its sequel for the current generation consoles and PC. It's a timeless classic and one with a deep and fascinating history - which becomes even more compelling today. Original story: Shenmue - a game of discovery and adventure. Rather than going ahead with a release that may disappoint fans, we chose to focus on bringing the classic game to PC and modern consoles, so that new players could experience Shenmue's original charm." Working with original animations and characters but meshing them with enhanced HD visuals gave us a game that we felt would not meet the standards that Shenmue fans expect and deserve. That being said, we soon realised that this was a project with its own set of challenges. ![]() UPDATE 16/10/18 3:52pm: Sega has been in touch with a statement - "SEGA and D3T indeed had started exploring the feasibility of a full HD remaster for Shenmue I & II.
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