'Shenmue 3' release date, news: new screenshots, PC preorder details revealed

Ys Net unveiled new screenshots and development updates about the highly anticipated "Shenmue 3" via the game's crowdfunding page.

Three new images were posted on Kickstarter to provide an update on the development of the soon-to-be-released open-world, action-adventure video game.

One of the screenshots depicted a scenic image featuring a temple gate under the moonlight. Another image showed a person in jeans standing over a plank of wood, where a piece of a familiar-looking heavy machinery is lying on the ground. The last image showed several men in the middle of an action-packed fight.

The developer also revealed that the research and development (R&D) for the different game elements is currently underway as the team centered their focus on the production of the game. The blog also claims that the main game scenarios are already close to being finished, while the motion capture tests are right on track as the auditions for the voice talents have already started.

Main developer Yu Suzuki also released a statement about his involvement in the game, saying: "I have been completely absorbed in development Shenmue III recently, and often stay at the studio throughout the night to make it the best game possible. My life has become Shenmue both day and night, and I'm happy."

The blog also announced that they are already accepting preorders for the PC edition of the game after they received a lot of requests during the Slacker Backer Campaign. The game developer also mentioned that the sales that will be earned from the "Shenmue 3" PC edition will be pooled toward the Stretch Goals. "Just as with the Kickstarter, backers will be able to choose whether they would like the PS4 version or the PC version. For example, if you have pledged for the PS4 version, you can still switch to the PC version, or vice versa. Backers will be able to make their choice during the backer surveys," the game developer stated.

"Shenmue 3" can be preordered through this link, while the game is expected to be released on December 2017.