Sunday, February 2, 2025

Weekly AM2 Volume 12 [29th Feb 2000] - Guizhang Chen's Background

In this series we translate Shenmue content from Weekly AM2, the official online magazine published by Sega's AM2 development team back in the day. These pages regularly featured news and information about the Shenmue series from the end of 1999 through to 2001 with the release of Shenmue II.

Shenmue content in Vol. 12 features a developer interview about the character of Guizhang Chen, providing insight into how his character design came about, and even some of his hobbies!

-Switch

 

Vol. 12: 29th Feb. 2000

Hello, it's Takuan!

Did you attend AOU2000*?
The excitement and the crowd were overwhelming.
I've written a report on it, so please check it out.

We have an article that fans of Guizhang from Shenmue Chapter One: Yokosuka will love.
There are also plenty of other articles that can only be read here, so don't miss this week's Weekly AM2!
Let's get into it!

*Note from Switch: the AOU Show (Amusement machine Operators' Union), was an annual show held in Japan for arcade and amusement machine companies to exhibit their hardware to the public. It  ran from 1986 until 2013. In 2000 it was held at the Makuhari Messe convention center near Tokyo.

This week's contents:
  • AOU2000 Report [not translated]
  • Insights into the Creation of the Super-Popular Character of Guizhang
  • Interview with 18 Wheeler Developer Mr. Goji [not translated]
  • Four-Panel Manga Submissions


Insights into the Creation of the Super-Popular Character of Guizhang


Guizhang Chen is currently a hot topic on the Shenmue BBS*! So, we quickly set up an interview with the developers about him.

Note from Switch: the opening of the online Shenmue bulletin board service (BBS) was announced in the previous week's edition of Weekly AM2.


First, let's talk about Guizhang's character profile.

Q: How did Guizhang come to be created?

A: Guizhang was in the scenario from the beginning, as part of the Chen father-son duo with Master Chen. However, his age hadn't initially been set; he was sometimes portrayed as around the same age as Ryo, and sometimes older. Ultimately, we wanted Guizhang to have a different stance in the story from Ryo, so his character ended up being a bit older, with a logical and mature demeanor. One of Guizhang's CG images showed him reflected in the glass of a window as he gazed at the night view, giving off a dark vibe. It sparked chatter among the team that "This guy definitely looks like a villain" (laughs).

Note from Switch: the Guizhang art on this telephone card art is a likely candidate for the illustration mentioned in the interview (image source: Shenmue Dojo)

For Ryo, Guizhang makes a worthy rival. Their martial arts skills are evenly matched. If Ryo hadn’t left for Hong Kong, they might have continued to be good friends and training partners, much like Yamagishi-san and Ryo's father, Iwao. However, if they hadn’t met through the events that occurred, they might never have crossed paths, due to their very different worlds. From a story perspective, Guizhang was always meant to play a crucial role, especially in the latter section. Events like the move instruction event and the 70-man battle were added, making him even more significant and ultimately a very memorable character.

Q: Guizhang is very popular on the BBS. What do you think is behind his popularity?

A: Hmm, that's a tough question. Honestly, as developers, we thought that Chai would be more popular than the overly serious and stiff Guizhang (laughs). At first glance, Guizhang appears to be the silent, calm type. But he also has a ruthless side when dealing with enemies. His different form of masculinity compared to Ryo might appeal to fans. Although he initially criticizes Ryo’s actions and thoughts, he gradually comes to understand Ryo's feelings. Despite everything, he teaches Ryo moves and ultimately fights alongside him, making fans realize that he might actually be a good person after all, which may also resonate with them. On top of that, you can really sense his respect and affection for his father, Master Chen. It's clear that the Confucian value of filial piety, which emphasizes respecting and serving one's parents, is deeply ingrained in him.

Q: Can you tell us more about Guizhang's background?

A: He was born in Yokosuka but has traveled around the world with his father from a young age, which gives him a very global perspective. Because they were constantly on the move, he sometimes attended local schools, but his greatest teacher was his father. He learned not only basic education but also moral values and business philosophy from his father, giving him a solid foundation. He is also fluent in several languages, which is essential for the trading business. He speaks Japanese, Chinese (both Mandarin and Cantonese), English, and Russian.

Q: What are Guizhang's favorite foods and hobbies?

A: He likes Chinese cuisine, especially spicy Sichuan dishes. His favorite dishes are Dan Dan noodles and Chili Shrimp. I recommend trying them at a Chinese restaurant, but be warned—they can be extremely spicy (especially in China) so I can't take responsibility if you end up screaming! His main hobby is practicing Yan Qing Quan* martial arts, aiming to reach his father’s level. He is also good at billiards, enjoying the precision and calculated moves. Surprisingly, he also enjoys dancing, which is necessary for social interactions in business (he says the rhythm of dancing is related to martial arts).

*Note from Switch: Yan Qing Quan (also known as Mi Zong Quan), is one of the most famous martial arts of China's Hebei province.

Q: Is there anything you'd like to point out about Guizhang when playing?

A: There are two secret items: move scrolls written in Chinese. If you have Guizhang read them in the old warehouse district... Well, you'll have to play and find out! Pay attention to his movements and demeanor, as we put a lot of effort into them. He has quite a few of his own original moves, so keep an eye out for unexpected moves in the 70-man battle. His voice is deep and subdued, making it pleasant to listen to.

Next, we asked Shenmue's design director, Oe-san*, about Guizhang's appearance.

*Note from Switch: Masanori Oe is credited as Main Designer for Shenmue. He also featured in Weekly AM2 Vol. 6.

Q: What was the intention behind Guizhang's distinctive suit and facial features?

A: Initially, several illustrations were proposed as candidates for Cang Long* (蒼龍), including one of a character in a suit representing Cang Long in Japan dressed in formal wear. His cool-looking figure in a suit was a perfect match for the image of Guizhang in the story, so this led to its adoption as Guizhang.

*Note from Switch: Lan Di's character was originally to have been called Cang Long (Sōryū in Japanese) meaning "Blue Dragon". 

Q: What do you think is the reason for Guizhang's popularity?

I think it’s because his character is well-established in the story. Visually, he might seem plain, but his cool demeanor and gradual empathy for Ryo make him appealing.

Q: We heard you are secretly working on Guizhang's visuals. Is it possible that his illustration will feature here on our top page, or be available as wallpaper at some point in the future?

Please look forward to it!


After the interview, I discretely asked if they had any illustrations of Guizhang, and they gave me one!

Here is the illustration I received! It’s so cool. Too cool.


It's amazing how a single character can have such a deep backstory. I was surprised.

And that's it, for everything about Guizhang Chen!


Four-Panel Manga Submissions


Following last week's illustration submissions, we are now seeking submissions of 4-panel manga based on Shenmue. Outstanding works will be featured in the Weekly AM2. Shenmue staff all eagerly await your heartfelt masterpieces.

＜Submission Guidelines＞
・For Image Data:
Please email your image data as an attachment to webmaster@shenmue.com.
Include your name, address, and phone number in the email.
Accepted formats: JPG, GIF, PSD only.
Maximum file size: 1MB.
(If you do not have email access, you can submit the data on a floppy disk, MO disk, etc. to the address below.)

・For Hand-drawn Submissions:
Clearly write your name, address, and phone number, enclose your work in an envelope and send to the following address:

Sega Enterprises Co., Ltd.

AM2 Development Department Illustration Section

1-2-12 Haneda, Ota-ku, Tokyo 144-8531

Note: Submitted documents and artworks will not be returned. Thank you for your understanding.


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