New trailer released for Shenmue 3 as Kickstarter creeps closer to $5 million

“Yu Suzuki has sent it with loving care and hopes it will be all that the fans of the series have come to love, and will show those new to the game some of the wonder and magic they can expect from the continually unfolding world of Shenmue,” the update reads

There really isn’t much in the way of new information in the trailer. As described in the Kickstarter update, “Ryo and Shenhua arrive at the Lake of the Lantern Bugs after their long journey. Entranced, they watch the gentle flight of the lantern bugs upon the mirage-like oasis.” Still, if you’ve already backed the game and just need more Shenmue 3 in your life, you’ll probably watch it multiple times.

This update also adds a new reward giving backers a chance to actually appear in the game. Four backers who pitch in at the $6,000 level will allow appear as NPCs staying at the Choubo inn. The “Ryo voice message by Corey Marshall” is included as well.

At the time of this writing, the campaign has two days to go, and it’s still creeping toward $5 million. This isn’t pocket change, but it’s only half of the $10 million Yu Suzuki said is needed in order for Shenmue 3 to be the game he really wants it to be.

This Kickstarter campaign isn’t the only source of funding for Shenmue 3, as Sony is providing some funding for the project. At the same time, Suzuki has made it clear that Sony isn’t getting any of the funds raised through the Kickstarter campaign.

Kickstarter campaigns tend to surge as they reach their final days, and it’s certainly possible that will happen here. If you haven’t backed the game yet or want to increase your current pledge, there is still time to head over to the game’s Kickstarter and push the funding higher.

The campaign for Shenmue 3 comes to a close this Friday, July 17.