Yu Suzuki has confirmed that Shenmue Online is
progressing and on track for an early 2006 release (at least in the Far East).
Yu: "[R]eports of a halt in development are completely unfounded. We have daily meetings and are currently working
hard on the game's development. Rest assured." It's been a while since
the last bit of Shenmue news was reported
here, but it's good to hear anything from Sega regarding the game at this point.
Of course, it's unlikely that Shenmue Online will see a release here in the West anytime soon. In a similar
vein, the touch-screen nature of Suzuki's futuristic dodgeball game, Psy-Phi, may hamper its release outside
of Japan as well. At least some
girls are "getting totally involved with the game, playing busily with two hands, while some guys play with one
hand." Good for them.
Engadget
TUAW