SHENMUE and SKIES OF ARCADIA Could Get HD Releases, Hints SEGA

Ben Harbone, Digital Brand Manager at SEGA, has recently hinted to Game Reactor that both Shenmue and Skies of Arcadia could be the next downloadable games for current consoles. Though the interview on the site dealt with their upcoming release of Jet Set Radio on PSN and XBLA this summer, he hints at the end that these two cult-favorites could be in the works.

Ben Harbone:

Those are a couple of our most requested games. I can’t say ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ but we may be working on them.

I never played the first Shenmue, but I did get to play the Xbox port of the second entry and enjoyed it quite a bit, even with all its gameplay faults (quicktime event overload). Shenmue was revolutionary for its time and because of that, it developed a loyal fan base. I can assume that many people will be happy to see this game available on current consoles, even if it is not the third entry that has been talked about for years.

Skies of Arcadia was another game that I didn't play on the Dreamcast, but I did play the port on the Gamecube and found myself lost in the fantastic sky-pirate world. Skies of Arcadia was not only memorable for its characters, but you actually were able manage your own pirate-island. I enjoyed it.

I am unable to confirm anything as of right now about these two titles, but when I hear something, I'll let you guys know.

Shenmue fans: Are you excited to see your cult-classic brought back to life?