by Terra Ryzing » Thu Jan 15, 2009 5:13 pm
OK, even more Shenmue III talk.....
- Now comes the prophecy of Bailu village and the constant mention of fate, as Shenhua's stepfather has told her many times. Shenhua's stepfather was mentioned to be sick and coughing constantly, which is why Shenhua was always brewing him herbs she gathered on the trip back to her house. She alway mentioned that her father had been secretly working on a "mysterious project" in the stone pit, which is later revealed to be a large scale combination of the Dragon and Phoenix mirrors. This is intended as her Stepfather, whom we may or may not refer to as 'Yuan', translated through his letter, because Yuan knows that his stepdaughter is secretly a special figure of power and must be protected by the 'chosen one' : Ryo Hazuki. Bailu Village is in danger of being destroyed by the Chiyoumen, Lan Di's possible intention, in order to retrieve the hidden treasure of the Qing Dynasty. Ryo is destined to save Bailu village and topple the entire Chiyoumen Organization, one executive at a time (Each bosses territory must be explored individually).
- From what Xiuying mentioned about her brother Ziming, a Chiyoumen executive and the same rank as Lan Di, he is quite powerful in Baji style (Xiuying's style) and is evil: yet he is good deep down inside. If Ryo is to meet Ziming, he will show him the comma bead and perhaps convert Ziming back to the good side for his sister's sake. Xiuying may come back in order to confront Ziming even. Ziming may become an ally, although this is complete speculation.
- Also, about Shenhua's stepfather, he know for certain he was in terrible health around the end of Shenmue II. He may of died from his illness rather than being kidnapped by Lan Di's thugs in black suits. Or maybe he was. Point is, we know that he entrusted in Ryo to care for his daughter as he believes in the prophecy and knew that Ryo was coming. Prophecy and fate are huge themes.
- For the start of Shenmue III, Shenhua's mentioned several times in dialogue about an "old woman at the village". This mysterious "old woman" is one of the village elders and Ryo will probably have to consult her once he arrives in Bailu village. This "old woman" will probably be the next transition in the plot and will send Ryo back to his old detective ways.
- Now, as far as locations and settings, Shenhua mentions about a dock where you can purchase medicine, iron, and other valuable materials at the Languishan mountain. Mountains are constantly mentioned in the Languishan chapter, so Bailu village is in fact surrounded by some huge mountains. These mountains are probably exploration points for Ryo to transition into other regions. One of Shenmue's signature gameplay styles is wide open exploration, so this will probably not of changed in Shenmue III. Many wilderness settings for the first portion of Shenmue III would of included rivers, mountains, grass fields, forests, and other natural settings, as well as crags, caves, and farming fields for crop cultivation.
- Another thing, while staying in the cave with Shenhua overnight, she mentions that it was as if somebody had stayed there already. Personally, I don't think this is Lan Di's style. He is a vastly wealthy mafia overlord who rides around in black limos and black helicopters. Lan Di would of most likely of not been this visitor. In fact, it may not even be of importance.
- Shenhua mentions that there are 50 villagers, approximately, in Bailu village. There is no modern currency which may nullify Ryo's HK dollars. Also, they live a simple life of farming and work. The villagers are also very festive at certain times, which may imply they enjoy drinking and celebrating at night (which she mentions they would do if they fix the landslide which blocked your path). This may imply that Ryo will have to have a lifestyle clash with villagers and in order to stay in Bailu village, he must adapt to there primitive farming lifestyle while resuming his role as detective. This would probably include waking up early in the vistor house, or wherever he stays, and performing a routine morning task like he has done so many times in the past.
- Shenmue isn't exactly a complicated plot to where we have these sudden shocking twists and turns. Shenhua mentions at her house she feels Nostalgic about Luoyang... This only means that this is the setting to which she was born, as mentioned earlier in the cutscene where she's a baby. Luoyang is probably the second major location you go after Bailu Village.