Kickstarter campaign launches for Shenmue 3

There's probably no better way to launch a Kickstarter campaign than live on stage during Sony's E3 press conference, and that's exactly what Yu Suzuki did for Shenmue 3 tonight.

The fate of the long-anticipated third game in the series is now in the hands of fans, and a lofty $2million target has been set (although we don't think it'll have much trouble hitting target).

If funded the game will launch on PC and PlayStation 4; there's no option for an Xbox One version, not even in the stretch goals.

"Since the release of Shenmue 2, now 14 years ago, I have been greeted by the passionate outpouring of dedicated fans and Shenmue community members wherever I go," Yu Suzuki said.

"They all want to know one thing: "When will Shenmue 3 be coming out?" With the advent of games using Kickstarter during these past few years, the new and now frequent demand from the fans has been, "Do a Kickstarter for Shenmue 3!" 

"If Shenmue 3 was going to get made, I wanted to make it with the fans. Through Kickstarter, I knew that could happen. Together, with Shenmue fans everywhere, I knew we could build the game that the series deserves."

We're promised familiar elements plucked from the original games, mixed with new fight mechanics. The story will continue thus:

Ryo Hazuki has made his way to China in search of his father's killer. There he meets a new travelling companion, Shenhua, and learns of a legend from her village that has foretold their path together. 

The story continues as Ryo and Shenhua start off on a new journey that will take them farther into enemy territory, deeper into mystery, and ever closer to their destiny. 

Will the mystery of the mirrors be revealed? How is Ryo's father connected to all of this? Will Ryo track down the Chi You Men cartel and face Lan Di in a final showdown?

Head this way to find out more about the campaign and/or back the game.