Shenmue: Back in Yokosuka – Frogbull Releases Sega Saturn Fan Game in Honor of 30th Anniversary
Entry information
Published on: April 14, 2025
Description
Celebrated homebrew developer Frogbull has made headlines once again with the public release of his latest project, 'Shenmue: Back in Yokosuka' for the Sega Saturn.
This fan-made title, available as of April 13, 2025, arrives as a tribute to the 30th anniversary of the Sega Saturn—a milestone that took place last year—and serves as a unique homage to both the beloved console and the iconic Shenmue franchise.
Unlike a straightforward recreation, 'Shenmue: Back in Yokosuka' is a love letter to the original Dreamcast classic, creatively reimagined rather than faithfully replicated.
Players control a stylized, chibi version of protagonist Ryo Hazuki, who explores an isometric rendition of Yokosuka City.
Within this nostalgic setting, fans can enter a Sega arcade brimming with playable classics such as Wonder Boy, Space Harrier, Shinobi, and After Burner.
The experience also extends to the iconic docks—famous for forklift races—and features cameos by legendary Sega figures like Segata Sanshiro (portrayed by Hiroshi Fujioka), Sakura Shinguji from Sakura Wars, and a roster of other Saturn-era icons.
The project is notable not just for its playful reinterpretation, but also for its historical roots.
'Shenmue' itself has a deep connection to the Sega Saturn, as Yu Suzuki and his AM2 team first prototyped what would become the game on the Saturn in 1996, under the working title 'The Old Man and the Peach Tree.' This early version was ultimately moved to the more advanced Dreamcast hardware in 1997, yet the Saturn connection remained a point of fascination for series fans.
Sega famously included Saturn prototype footage as a bonus feature in Shenmue II, but Frogbull's creation goes further by providing a playable homage built for real Saturn hardware.
While not a comprehensive remake, 'Shenmue: Back in Yokosuka' delivers an authentic retro experience that highlights the creative talents and technical skill of Frogbull—already known for impressive Saturn adaptations of Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII, and Crash Bandicoot.
The fan game is available now as a free download via Frogbull's Patreon, giving enthusiasts the opportunity to revisit Yokosuka’s streets on the hardware where Shenmue’s legend began to take shape.
Originally released in 1999 for Dreamcast, Shenmue is recognized as a visionary open-world title, reportedly costing Sega between $40 and $70 million for its initial development and 2001 sequel—making it one of the most ambitious projects of its era.
Shenmue III followed in 2019, with ININ Games recently acquiring the rights for future endeavors.
For those looking to celebrate the Saturn's legacy and Shenmue's enduring impact, 'Shenmue: Back in Yokosuka' stands as both tribute and testament to a devoted fan community.
