The “definitive version[s]” of Shenmue I and II are coming this year.
Shenmue and Shenmue II are coming to PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC in 2018, SEGA announced today.
While specific graphical enhancements weren’t detailed, the publisher says the upcoming re-releases will be the “definitive version” of each game. These new versions will include “fully scalable screen resolution,” PC graphics options, and an updated UI. Players will also have the choice between modern or classic controls, as well as original Japanese or English voiceovers.
The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions will be available both digitally and at retail, while the PC version will be released via Steam. Preorders for all versions will go live “soon.”
Shenmue I and II first came to North America in 2000 and 2002 in North America, respectively. The original earned a 9.7 in IGN’s Shenmue review, while the sequel was awarded an 8.3.
Word of HD re-releases for the Shenmue series first surfaced back in 2012. More recently, SEGA said complications surrounding quality and licensing would have to be solved before the games could come to new platforms.
A third game in the series was announced during Sony’s E3 press conference in 2015. While development on the long-awaited third entry is still underway, series creator Yu Suzuki has already voiced his desire to make a fourth game. Shenmue III is being published by Deep Silver and is expected to be released in the second half of 2018.
Jordan is a freelance writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @jdsirani.