The Dilemma of being a Shenmue fan.

I have mentioned Shenmue a few times, but mainly it was due to the kickstarter for Shenmue3. Now while looking at the recent teaser... Suzuki already mentioned that a TRUE Promotional Trailer will happen, we have this Pre-Alpha Teaser that has rubbed people the wrong way... That's not counting clickbait glorified blogs that call themselves "games journalism" and have less journalistic integrity than The National Enquirer. Not going to mention names but one of them sounds like Crap Otaku.

Shenmue fans WANT Shenmue 3 to succeed. I do so as well, but MANY members of the fandom ARE BLINDED BY NOSTALGIA GLASSES.
Some think that Shenmue might even become mainstream. Even back then, Shenmue was a niece game. Yes, it's a Proto-Free-roam game, but at the same time it's VERY Japanese. While BACK IN THE DAY 1999-2002, more Japanese style games were very welcome, on this day and age they may be a bit more difficult to swallow. Staple gaming genres that were very popular back in the day have dwindled in the past few years. Some series have even abandoned their main genres and sold out to appeal to "Western Sensibilities" *Cough* Square Enix *cough* abandoning Turn-Based combat *cough* While Revenge themes are universal, Shenmue is VERY Japanese, which is why I find it appealing (at least to my inner weaboo) Now, let's remember that outside of Japan and parts of Europe, not everyone got the True Blue Shenmue experience with the First game being on Dreamcast and Shenmue 2 being in an incompatible console, the Original XBox. Now we have 3 coming out for PS4 and PC, which will NEVER BE COMPATIBLE WITH 1 and 2, EVEN IF SEGA REMAKES OR PORTS THEM. Speaking of 1 and 2...

10+ Years we have rusted... I mean, abandoned in that cave. A Tiny Recap is not good enough substitute than doing Japan and Hong Kong. Aside from Dreamcast Emulation, there's no way to TRULY Experience Shenmue. This is one of those games that you HAVE to play and no, watching a let's play is not enough. It helps you fill in the story, but it's not the same.

Now with Shenmue being "limited in scope" in its open worlds if compared to say GTA V, not to mention the VERY JAPANESE feeling it has, will NOT MAKE IT MAINSTREAM. Shenmue is an acquired taste. It's not for everyone, and those who adapt to it find it enjoyable. A Cult Classic, which hardcore fans have learned to love, but it's not for everyone. I wish it could hit GTA V numbers, but I have more chances to marry my third grade crush than Shenmue 3 becoming the next GTA V.

We must accept that the main driving force for Shenmue 3 IS the main chunk of the fanbase. IF it goes way beyond the fanbase, then AWSOME, but it's very likely that it won't be the massive hit that some hardcore fans want it to be. Suzuki and his team are working hard on the game, but they need to show something that blows people away BEYOND the fandom. Shenmue's greatest weakness COULD become its greatest strength if Suzuki plays his cards right. The VERY JAPANESE Experience that I have mention as something that could push people away COULD ACTUALLY PULL People towards it, like the first game did to me in early 00. It'd be a breath of fresh air in the sea of GTA and COD clones.

Basically, what I'm trying to say is: I'm cautiously optimistic about it... but my optimism is bordering on realism. I'm taking off the Rosy Nostalgia Glasses because they impair my judgement. I hope that Shenmue 3 does well enough that we can get a 4