The first-ever anime adaptation of a cult video game series is coming soon with the premiere of The virtual Crunchyroll Expo on September 4, 2020, announced the development of the animated series. Sega published the original game for the Dreamcast in 1999, followed by Shenmue II in 2001 and Shenmue III in 2019 after a successful crowdfunding campaign. When Shenmue was released, it was the most expensive video game ever developed and turned into a commercial failure. Despite its financial drawbacks, the franchise has developed a cult following.
Chikara Sakurai directs Shenmue the Animation and is best known for Tower of God, animate the series. Masaya Matsukaze and Austin Tindle voice Ryo in Japanese and English, respectively, who parallels his video game counterpart in avenging his father's murder by seeking out Lan Di (voiced by Takahiro Sakurai and Scott Gibbs).
Adult Swim reveals Shenmue the Animation will release on February 5, 2022, at 9:30 p.m. PST, and debuts the official trailer. Crunchyroll co-produces the series and will premiere the Japanese subtitled version simultaneously. In it, Ryo arrives at his family's dojo to see his father confront Lan Di and subsequently perish after being asked about a mysterious mirror. Ryo engages with street gangs and other martial artists across Japan, saying, "I will not lose to anyone. Not until I find the truth about my father and his death." Check out the full trailer and key visuals below:
While the characters of Ren and Joy from Shenmue II do appear on the series poster, there's no indication that the first season will feature them. Shenmue the Animation's premiere seems to primarily follow the events of the first video game (Demon Slayer over the weekend.
As fans eagerly await word on Shenmue IV, which could be the closing chapter of the popular franchise's story, the series should be a welcome piece of new content that provides some necessary backstory not included in the games. And, after failing to profit from Shenmue I and II and a third game releasing to lukewarm reviews after digging its way out of development hell, the series could bring new eyes and renewed interest to the franchise. If successful, additional seasons of Shenmue the Animation would flesh out the story of the sequel games and possibly jumpstart the development of Shenmue IV. At a minimum, it looks like a fun adaptation of the 3D, arcade-style brawling and roleplaying of the games that many fans consider to be among the greatest of all time.
Source: Adult Swim and Crunchyroll
