Shenmue short fan-film, ‘Iwao and Young Ryo’, endorsed by veteran voice artist
Over the years, SEGA fans have repeatedly demonstrated they’re capable of some truly incredible things. Whether it’s remaking Sonic 2006 from the ground up into something not only playable, but genuinely impressive (shoutout to ChaosX), mining ancient copies of such classics as Burning Rangers to find developmental content, or simply mucking about with the games they love in a variety of creative ways, there seems to be no end to their potential. Now, Shenmue, one of SEGA’s most renowned IPs has gotten some TLC, in one of the most nostalgic, warmly reverential ways possible.
Shenmue, a franchise dating back to the 1990s known for its tight action and intriguing narrative, has been more or less dumped on the curb by the company since the turn of the millennium. The first two games in the series were critical darlings; but, put bluntly, they bombed spectacularly in financial terms. Discounting a couple of ports and mobile spinoffs in the 2010s, the mainline Shenmue brand effectively ended in 2004, when an announced online MMO threequel, Shenmue Online, failed to materialise.
SEGA’s interest in the IP
That isn’t to say SEGA haven’t tried anything with the IP, however; a collection of reboot projects and follow-ups have entered production at various points, but have all wound up in the harsh realm of development hell. A spiritual successor, which technically bore the title Shenmue III but which was not produced by SEGA, was Kickstarted and hit consoles in 2019 – and was subject to a critical lambasting thanks to a host of outdated mechanics. Another false start for what could have been a grand revival, then. Today, an active cult following maintains the position of the franchise as one of the era’s overlooked gems, and has given rise to today’s (frankly awesome) fan project.
One of the principal reasons that Shenmue’s abject benching stings so much is that the core plotline, following martial artist Ryo Hazuki, has never really enjoyed proper closure, nor any meaningful expansion beyond what we see in the existing games. Players have clamoured for years to see more of these characters’ journeys, and that’s where a dedicated group of animators steps in. Joe and George Kitchen, teaming up with a handful of self-proclaimed ‘Shenmue expert historians’ (good one for the resume, eh?) have created their own short film, ‘Iwao and Young Ryo’. It’s animated in a style which closely mimics the iconic in-game cutscenes that characterised the original adventures, and utilises music with a believable authenticity that pulls you right back into its charming vision of 80s Japan.
Watch the fan film
In fact, the Kitchens’ work is so authentic, that not only have Shenmue fans turned out en masse to sing their praises in the comments, but the official voice artist behind Ryo’s father Iwao from back in the day, Robert Jefferson, has too. In a comment which almost moves one to nerd tears, Jefferson has the following to say about the project:
“Wow! I’m very impressed. It’s nice to see how this game has evolved over the years, even decades ago… and that you all are still avid fans! When I did the voice for Iwao I was for about 30 years younger. I remember that day at the studios. Some of the voicing was hard on my vocal cords, especially the fight scenes. But listening to this after all these years I remember how much fun I had doing the voice of Iwao Hazuki. Joe, George, the music is fantastic! Thanks a million!”
It seems that the film was as much a nostalgic, wistful joyride for the veteran actor as it was for the rest of us. It’s a certainly a major accolade for the Kitchens, and one which I doubt they ever dreamed they’d receive, so good on ’em.
Maybe you guys could get round to making Shenmue IV while you’re at it, since nobody else seems to be bothered?
What do you think of this short film? Are you a Shenmue fan? Let us know!
Via, YouTube.
