Review – Shenmue

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

Rating: Teen
ESRB Content Descriptors: Animated Violence, Strong Language, Use of Tobacco and Alcohol

The Scoop: One of the better Dreamcast titles, Shenmue was released to the American audience on November 6, 2000 with little to no advertisement in the US making it a commercial flop. While the title didn’t rack in much money to the American audience, it definitely remains as one of the top reasons to own a Sega Dreamcast console.

Shenmue was written and designed by Yu Suzuki (Virtua Fighter, Virtua Cop, Out Run) and was initially created to be a split between Virtua Fighter and an RPG game. It was set to be released on the Sega Saturn, but due to the fact that the console went under, Shenmue was just going to have to wait until a later time. This gave the designers at Sega-AM2 several years to work out all the bugs that the game might have come with on the Sega Saturn copy as well as renewing the graphics and giving them enough time to do the logical thing by advertising it properly across the seas but because Sega failed to do so, Shenmue remains as one of the most underrated video games for any Sega console… ever.

One thing that made Shenmue stand out from other titles from the Sega Dreamcast, Sony Playstation 2, Microsoft Xbox and the Nintendo Gamecube were the graphics and audio. This game surpassed every game of its generation graphically. This is truly Sega’s masterpiece.

According to an interview with creator Yu Suzuki, Shenmue cost about $70 million dollars to make and would have to have been sold to every Dreamcast owner twice for Sega to turn a profit. With that being said, I would like to delve into why Shenmue is a great game and why you should consider owning this title for your Dreamcast console.

The Setup: Shenmue takes place in Japan and begins on November 26, 1986 putting us into the shoes of Ryo Hazuki who comes home to witness his father being murdered over an artifact that the foe so desperately seeks. Ryo and his father exchange words before he dies in his sons arms, leaving Ryo set on seeking revenge upon the man that killed his father.

As you can imagine, the story is very deep but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The game is a total of four discs long and it probably one of the longest Action RPG games I’ve played. Not only that, but the title gives us a lot to do outside of the main story which can also burn several hours of gameplay. Upon all the mini games are full versions of Sega arcade titles Space Harrier and Hang-On as well as the option to train your techniques, play darts and the perfected QTE (Quick Time Events) system that’s in Shenmue.

Something else that I think is really cool is the “Magic Weather System” that was put into the title to actually give us the same weather that occurred on that specific day in that specific area of Japan which you might happen to be in. It’s really quite amazing as weather changes throughout the end of the year from sunny, to raining, to snowing… it’s just remarkable.

What’s Hot:

• Story: The story in Shenmue is far more advanced than any of the other stories from it’s time. The story delves into every human emotion imaginable and then some. It’s truly a remarkable experience.
• Graphics: Far more superior to any game of it’s time. The characters and environments are really gorgeous and everything looks completely photo realistic.
• Audio: Sega-AM2 did something no other game did at the time, and that was supply a voice actor for each and every character in the game. No more reading what people say.
• Longevity: Shenmue takes 30+ hours to complete and leaves most gamers coming back for a second dosage.

What’s Not:

• Pacing: While most gamers might not have a problem with this, Shenmue lacks in action. You’ll find yourself doing plenty of walking around Japan, talking with people and playing the mini games, but you’ll rarely be mashing buttons to fight off enemies.

Final Verdict: What stumps me is why you’re still reading this review and not buying this game! Whether you hate it or love it, Shenmue is one of those titles that you have to play before you die. I give this game one of the strongest recommendations I’ve given for a video game and also give it a prestigious 5 star rating.