What would you include in Shenmue 3 so it's more realistic?

[koalazeus]

I'd like AI based npc actions that are more spontaneous or complex. Like the other day I saw Cool Z walking around Kowloon and it made him feel more real. Maybe if npcs got into arguments or ate with each other at "randomish" intervals.

The weather system in Shenmue 1 was good too, maybe news [reports] based on actual records would be good.

[FlagshipFighter]

More than graphics I just want superb (facial) animations, I know that with the current budget that's not gonna happen but a man can dream.

[Rikitatsu]

I'd like AI based npc actions that are more spontaneous or complex. Like the other day I saw Cool Z walking around Kowloon and it made him feel more real. Maybe if npcs got into arguments or ate with each other at "randomish" intervals.

Definitely this. It's all about the NPCs, it what made the Shenmue locations feel so alive. They need to be as detailed and personalized as the NPCs in Shenmue 1... Or even better, since Shenmue 3 is set in villages and there won't be many folks around. NPCs should have more focus, more daily routines, interactions, etc...

I want to follow some dude around from morning until he goes to sleep.

[Sonoshee]

I want to follow some dude around from morning until he goes to sleep.

It'd be great if they actually asked you why you were following them. Or they could even do a Yuan and keep turning around to look for you

[Kiske]

The NPC AI talk reminds me of Suzuki San interview at GDC 2014:

Suzuki recalls an amusing bug where everyone disappeared

Shenmue was notable for offering the concept of in-game characters having schedules - waking up, going to work and eating at specific times - all powered by AI and scripting.

"I remember this because it took a long time to find cause," he explained.

"The cause was a convenience store. In the morning. All of the NPCs (non-playing characters) in the warehouse district went to buy breakfast at the store, which became congested. They became stuck because they couldn't get out."

The solution was two fold; to increase the size of the automatic door, and limit occupancy of the convenience store.

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[fittersau]

More than graphics I just want superb (facial) animations, I know that with the current budget that's not gonna happen but a man can dream.

Exactly... there's been so much progress in whole departments of animation and modelling that it will be a shame if Shenmue 3 doesn't incorporate it and simply is the old game with a new story.

I don't want Shenmue 3 to change whole sale, but appropriate changes that add life to the characters and their stories. The Shenmue Online trailer was such a nice example of where money could help add more to a character's movements in both body and clothing. Of course this is pre-rendered, but 10 years later the technology allows this to be real time.

For example, how awesome would it be to see Ryo's jacket move and flow when he's fighting in it.

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[Yokosuka]

More than graphics I just want superb (facial) animations, I know that with the current budget that's not gonna happen but a man can dream.

Another good point seeable in the Lara Croft gifs is the realistic hair which can be easily challenging for the devs. The "plastic" hair syndrome is pretty common in mid-budget games although I doubt Yu will let this kind of details pass.

[Tigrr]

I agree that it's the NPCs that have a huge impact on how realistic the game feels. One area I would like to see improved is the flow of conversations.

I'm currently playing through Shenmue and had forgotten how disjointed parts of conversations can feel at times. Someone will tell you something which you'll acknowledge, but when you press the 'A' button to continue the conversation, Ryo will repeat the answer again in a very unnatural way.

Another thing I've noticed a lot is there is no acknowledgement of previous conversations at times. Someone will tell me to speak to someone else, who I have LITERALLY just spoken to. Instead of saying that the other person didn't know anything, Ryo just says "Good idea, I will ask them"

[zema]

I would hope for a better written dialogue and better voice acting.
When i show shenmue to other people they always laugh at the dialogue.
I try telling them, of all the great points of the game, and the breakthrough it was, but they don't care, they just make fun of the dialogue.