Sega Franchises Come to An End
No more NiGHTS or Crazy Taxi games, Shenmue III still not approved by Corporate Planning division.
In the current issue of Japanese magazine Dorimaga, Sega executives are questioned about a number of issues and it emerged that at least two key franchises will probably not see any more releases.
There will be no Crazy Taxi 4, meaning that the GBA rendition, Catch a Ride, is the last in the series. Since Crazy Taxi 3 failed to improve over the first two games, this is not such a big deal - and Crazy Taxi the Movie is still going ahead, according to Sega's Japanese product managers.
Depressingly, the prospect of a NiGHTS sequel has reportedly been put to rest, although Sonic Team's forthcoming Billy Hatcher looks set to revive the level of innovation reached with the Into Dreams spectacular in 1996.
AM2's Yu Suzuki was asked what the score is with Shenmue III - and he said that development could begin "immediately, were Sega to give the project the go-ahead." If it commences, the remaining 16 chapters of the game would be included, in order to wrap up the huge Shenmue project. This compares with one 'chapter' dedicated in the original Shenmue game, and four chapters in Shenmue II.
We'll bring you more news on this as we get it.
Adam Doree
Shenmue III had better come out - even if Microsoft has to fund it themselves!
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