Thanks, CodingGenesis.
I did have a look for a new members section, but didn't see one. I think my story is similar to a late of you - in my late twenties, played Shenmue when it first came out and it had a powerful effect on me. I'm not even that much of a gamer, but I loved the almost mythic heroes journey that Ryo undertook. The archetypes and everything resonated powerfully with me. I remember playing it around Christmas time, and I felt like I knew Doubuita and Yokosuka intimately. There was - and still is - a subtle magic to the game. I love the fact that at it's core, Shenmue is profoundly moral, and that Ryo (despite his baffling lack of awareness/understanding of the opposite sex) is a good role model. If I have kids - and most probably will - I want them to play Shenmue. I'll never forget that sense of adventure as the boat set off to China; I left my house on a crisp, cold February afternoon and it felt as though the world was overflowing with possibility, and that everything had been re-enchanted. Other people (a lot of my friends have played and loved the game) have similar feelings.
I was a little disappointed with the overtly mystical direction that Shenmue 2 seemed to be heading (magic swords and whatnot) but the series is still my favourite of all time. I desperately want a part 3, but as I mentioned in another thread, I think for that to happen we first need 1 & 2 released on HD.
Anyway, that's it pretty much. As I said, I've been lurking for ages (since 2004? It feels like it anyway, but I don't know if the site has even been here since then). It's good to be part of the forum - you are all extremely dedicated!
To keep this thread on track (well, sort of), I remember seeing a video of a 360 gamer magazine, with Shenmue 1 & 2 HD listed in the upcoming games section. Did anyone ever contact that magazine to enquire about that?