Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Developer: Rutubo Games
Platforms: Xbox
Genre: Action RPG

ESRB Content Descriptors: Use of Tobacco and Alcohol

The Scoop: Shenmue II was released to the American audience for the Xbox on October 28, 2002. Like it’s predosessor, Shenmue II was released with little to no commercial advertisement, thus leading to poor sales in the United States even at the cheap price of only $9.99 USD when it was released.

With many things changed from the original Shenmue II which was released for the Sega Dreamcast a year earlier you’d figure that the chages would improve the game, but that isn’t the case here. While the game still remains playable, it’s haunted with laughable English voice acting and below average graphics considering the time of it’s release and it’s ported status.

The Setup: Shenmue II starts off where the first one basically left off. Arriving in Hong Kong, you set out to find a martial arts master by the name of Lishao Tao who has information about the death of your father. As you might have figured, you again assume the role of Ryo Hazuki who desperatley wishes to seek revenge upon the man who killed his father.

The geographical maps in Shenmue II are precise to the actual locations in China which really add to the free roam experience of the game. The game doesn’t only focus on Hong Kong, but also Kowloon and Guilin which are designed beautifully and accuratley to the actual look of their real locations.

We are also given a few new extras this time around with a camera giving you the ability to snap shot different things around China. Now while this might sound boring, it actually gives you the ability to unlock a prequel comic that takes place between the original Shenmue and Shenmue II on your boat ride to China.

What’s Hot:

• Story: Like the first, Shenmue II gives us yet another well told story to play through with lots of twists and turns leading off to a dramatic climax.
• Gameplay: Sega conquered the complaint about the pace of the first one by adding triple the action in it’s sequel. You’re in for a lot of fighting sequences in this one.
• Longevity: Also like the first, play time will take about 20+ hours and there’s loads of mini games to distract you from your main objective.

What’s Not:

• Graphics: Though the graphics aren’t bad, they seemed to look a lot better and less dull on the Sega Dreamcast version.
• Audio: Compared to the previous edition of Shenmue II, the english dubs in this port are pretty laughable. Though it makes it easier for those who’d rather not read subtitles, it doesn’t help us take the game as serious as it’s meant to be taken.

Final Verdict: Shenmue II is an amazing way to follow up on the first title, I just recommend getting it for the Sega Dreamcast instead though since this is such a big step down to it. This games quality could have been a lot better since they had so much time to port it to the Xbox.

For the review on the original Shenmue II title for the Sega Dreamcast click here!