Count Binface, the self-styled independent space warrior, has thrown his support behind Shenmue fans by demanding Sega create Shenmue 4 and revive its iconic London Trocadero arcade. The move comes as he campaigns for the Clacton parliamentary seat, opposing Nigel Farage.
Binface's call to Sega
In a video shared on social media, Count Binface urged Sega to take action. 'The Shenmue fans are amazing, Sega! You need to get your bottoms in gear, sort yourselves out, and get the update done,' he said, adding that perhaps Sega 'needs to be nationalised along with Adele.' The video ends with the hashtag #LetsGetShemnue4 and the declaration 'Count Binface has spoken.' It was posted on X and YouTube by Shenmue fansite Shenmue Dojo, though not on Binface's own channels, suggesting it may have been a Cameo request.
Arcade nostalgia
Count Binface also expressed a desire to reboot SegaWorld at London's Trocadero, which opened in 1996 and was a cornerstone of the city's arcade scene until its closure in 2011 due to declining interest. 'I'd quite like to reboot SegaWorld in London’s Trocadero and have Sonic The Hedgehog back in his prime. Oh, that would be wonderful,' he said. This aligns with his 2021 London mayoral manifesto, which called for the Trocadero to be turned back into 'a truly top-notch video arcade.'
Impact on campaign
While Binface's endorsement may not sway Sega executives, it could attract voters nostalgic for the arcade and Shenmue series. However, even if elected, he would have no direct power to reinstate the arcade. The Shenmue franchise has a history of long gaps: Shenmue 3 arrived nearly two decades after Shenmue 2. Series creator Yu Suzuki has promised to continue, but fans remain anxious. Last year, a purported Shenmue 4 trailer turned out to be AI-generated. For now, an enhanced re-release of Shenmue 3 is coming to modern consoles later this year.
