Review – Shenmue II

Publisher: Sega
Developer: Sega-AM2
Platforms: Sega Dreamcast
Genre: Action RPG

Rating: Teen
ESRB Content Descriptors: Use of Tobacco and Alcohol

The Scoop: The main thing I remember about Shenmue II was it being released on September 6, 2001 for the Sega Dreamcast for only Japan and Europe. I was absolutely crushed so I got on Ebay and bought a Japanese copy of the game for $70 USD plus a hefty shipping fee. The game, being Japanese of course wouldn’t play on my American Sega Dreamcast due to the regional code, but the guy sent me a disc that fixed that up for me allowing me to play the Japanese game on my American console. I was in love all over again.

I was yet crushed again because on October 28, 2002, it was released to the US and Europe for the Xbox at the cheap price of $9.99 USD. For the Shenmue II review on the Xbox, you can find it here.

The Setup: As in the first, you assume the role of Ryo Hazuki, a 17 year old Japanese boy set to get revenge upon the man who killed his father. Now travelling to China to find his fathers killer, Ryo will find himself getting involved in Hong Kongs criminal underworld as well as searching for a martial artist who knows about the death of 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.

Final Verdict: If you plan on playing Shenmue II, this is the edition you should play. Whether you have to go on Ebay like I did, or whether you goto Play-Asia, you should definitely find a way to play this game as it will rock your Sega Dreamcast in every conceivable way possible. In some way’s it’s a step up from Shenmue and in others it’s equal. This is a title that nobody should miss out on.