Shenmue Dojo

Last year saw a healthy selection of Shenmue fan game releases, from the incredible Dreams of Saturn 2.0, to the charming and addictive Virtual Chobu Chan, and even a Shenmue Quiz playable on an actual SEGA Saturn. Now, 2025 is shaping up to be just as exciting, with another fan-made game, fully playable on SEGA Saturn hardware!

Created by the talented SEGA modder, homebrew creator, and now game developer extraordinaire Frogbull comes Shenmue: Back in Yokosuka. Built specifically for the SEGA Saturn (the original console Shenmue was intended for before its shift to the Dreamcast), Back in Yokosuka captures that distinct Saturn aesthetic. From its low-resolution 3D graphics in the Game You Arcade and Forklift Racing sections, to its beautifully animated isometric 2D overworld, the game is a nostalgic tribute to what might have been.

The 3D segments offer a glimpse into how Shenmue might have played on the Saturn, faithfully recreating the visual style seen in the original SEGA Saturn Shenmue prototype footage, which was unlockable after completing Shenmue II on Dreamcast or the original Xbox. In the You Arcade, nearly all the minigames (except darts) are fully playable, including Master System versions of Space Harrier and Hang-On. There’s even a tabletop arcade cabinet capable of loading and playing multiple Master System games. A complete Forklift Racing mode rendered in Saturn-style graphics becomes available as you progress through the game’s story.

The 2D section delivers a fun and enjoyable retro experience, featuring characters inspired by classic Saturn titles that you can interact with throughout Yokosuka. The game blends its 2D and 3D elements exceptionally well, creating a cohesive and engaging fan-made experience.