Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Simply Blown Away
Now, everyone, you have every right to resume your "oooh-ing and ahhh-ing," about this title, but please, allow me to just express my own personal opinions on this amazing game. First of all, I'll just mention that I remember viewing back issues of my favorite video game magazines, only to find the developmental screenshots of "Shenmue." I looked at these screenshots and thought, "This game will make me proud to be an owner of the Dreamcast." I was correct. That's only "Shenmue" in a nutshell, however. This game has everything, EVERYTHING a gamer would only be able to dream about, IF that. The graphics are, in one word, unbelievable. However, in words, I can't even begin to explain the amount of detail that helps this game live up to its hype. Utilizing a brand new engine called "Magic Weather," this virtual environment will display rewarding rain effects on some days, or snow on others. An internal clock built into this game provides another form of realism, as shops will open and close, the sky will change from a radiant blue, to a crimson sunset, to a dark night sky. And if the breathtaking graphics don't pull you in, the ambient sound effects of distant dog barks, or city traffic, or mood-shifting music will. This game also utilizes a innovative "Lock-On" engine as well, allowing you to see through the eyes of Ryo, our story's hero, to examine different objects on tables, desks, etc. There isn't too much to say about the controls other than these adjectives: "Fluid, responsive, and...no I guess that's it." These elements combined creates a world that literally lives. People all have their own voices, all with different personalities, and depending on decisions you make, your progress will show different events, making the game have numerous outcomes and possibilities--choose wisely. Understandably, a flawless game has never existed, and I only wish I could tell you all that this game is a perfect game, with no flaws at all, but I can't. Don't despair, however, the only major complaint I have with this game would probably be the voice acting of only some of the many characters you encounter within your journey through this immensely large and virtual environment, but it gave me a few chuckles here and there. So, by now you're either thinking, "When is he going to wrap up this lengthy review?" And then I'll say, "In just ONE sec." But, honestly, people, I hope you're really thinking, "Okay, I'll be on my way to buy this game." This is what your intent should be, especially if you're looking for quite possibly, the greatest game you'll ever play for any game-system. Well then, I have finished talking, so you may once again return to your "oooh-ing and ahhh-ing."
Rating: - great; read and review!
I recently wrote a review for Shenmue and I realize that my judgment was completely premature. I hadn't completed the game yet. In fact, I wasn't very far. Anyway, this game, though frustrating at times (trying to find people, etc.) is amazing. The graphics are crystal clear, control is great, fights are awesome, and the realism is unparalleled.People exist in Shenmue as they do in the real world. You have friends, enemies, and strangers that go about their lives and aren't concerned with yours. My personal favorite parts of the game include the following: 1.) Your job at the harbor. Driving a forklift is so cool! Plus, you race with your co-workers everyday before you begin your work. You are supposed to move crates around to different warehouses. It's pretty fun really... 2.) Real-time battles. I think there should be a Shemue fighting game because I loved these battles. There's nothing quite like getting in a fight with six people and using your moves you've learned from friends to beat the ... out of all of them. 3.) The instantaneous judgment situations. At certain parts of the game, a button will flash on the screen, and if you don't press the button you will (for example) get punched in the face. So, in conclusion, kudos to Yu Suzuki and everyone at Sega of America, inc. You've done a great job!
Rating: - Fabulous game!! off the hook... sorta.. :)
This game is really amazing... I hit disk three in 3 days. I was completely sucked in. But there are a few draw backs. There are a lot of load times..Everytime you walk into a store or your home etc.. The game has to load the next environment. This in turn causes a lot of waiting around. This can be annoying. The moves taught to you by random people are hard to catch at first.. But the game is pretty much idiot friendly. But you advance at your pace so more cerebral players are not really affected by this. But overall this game will captivate you.. It is quite amazing. The graphics are great, the game engine smooth and fast, you have realistic relationships, and you do have control..mostly anyway..it will suck you in, I should know..three days straight .. I have built a coffee table homage to the dreamcast gods (3 days worth of drink cans--etc etc..)
The only other bad thing about this game is...sadly enough.. Shenmue 2 was only released overseas... Shenmue 2 in America is only released on Xbox (from what I can tell) Which I will never feed the Microsoft gods.. so I will have to hope I can get the overseas version for DC. (So if you have it... e-mail me.)
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