Shenmue fans seem to have gained a powerful ally. Count Binface, a joke candidate running to be the next MP (Member of Parliament) of Clacton, England, is campaigning for Sega to release Shenmue 4. The series has been dormant since the long-awaited Shenmue 3 came out in 2019 after a successful Kickstarter campaign and support from publisher Deep Silver.

“I need to say a galactic ‘hello’ to Sega on behalf of the Shenmue fans,” Binface said in a video posted on ShenmueDojoVOD’s YouTube channel. “I’ve got a little bone to pick with you because the fans would like to campaign for an update from you Sega about Shenmue 4. They can’t leave you guys on another cliffhanger for years.” Of the criticisms leveled at Shenmue 3, many disliked how the game didn’t move the series closer to an ending, a particularly odd decision given how long it took to make this sequel.

“I wonder whether Sega needs to be nationalized along with Adele?” Binface joked. “Should we harness the power of the Shenmue to ensure there is no delay with updates ever again?” He added, “I’d quite like to reboot Sega World in London’s Trocadero, and have old Sonic the Hedgehog back in his prime.”

Now, before residents of Clacton race to the polls to support the Shenmue agenda, keep in mind that Binface’s view isn't an off-the-cuff remark, but comes from a Cameo video commissioned by a fan of the series. ShenmueDojoVOD admits as much in its own comment section. It looks like Big Shenmue has put its hand on the scale.

For those unfamiliar with Count Binface’s bizarre rise to fame, he’s a novelty candidate running against the controversial right-wing politician Nigel Farage for his seat in Parliament. Farage, who is the leader of the Reform UK party, is currently under investigation for alleged breaches of campaign finance laws after receiving a $6.7 million donation from a cryptocurrency billionaire. In response, he announced his intention to resign, triggering a by-election that he's contesting. The move has been described as a means to distract from his conduct while reaffirming his popular support.

Farage co-founded the Brexit Party (later renamed Reform UK) and is known for an extreme anti-immigration stance, conservative economic policies, and opposition to limiting greenhouse gas emissions. Former Dulwich College classmates accused him of racist and antisemitic behavior. Despite these controversies, Farage is considered a likely candidate to become the next Prime Minister of the U.K. That is, unless a talking bin backed by Shenmue-heads can defeat him.

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