The Historical Dreamcast Game Is Here Right Now!

Publisher: Sega Developer: AM2 Buy Now

Some may argue that this game is only an over hyped franchise machine. 

There are no in-betweens on this game, you either love it or you hate it. I've played

through the game in great detail spending a lot of quality time with it and I can

tell you this game requires a lot of attention. It's not for the weak or ADD ridden

boy who lives next door. This game is for the inspired. 

Graphics

I shouldn't have to explain myself here. Even on the PS2 there exists no game

with so much graphical intensity as Shenmue. The worlds are HUGE and

enthralling with so much to see, touch and experience. Each character

has his or her own unique facial structure with detailed expression. One can't

help but wonder what the next Zelda game will look like after playing through

Shenmue. Every now and then there is some minor slow down like in the Harbor 

or in populated sections of Dobuita but this occurs rarely. The colors are rich and

lush. Sometimes it rains and sometimes it snows, you just never know in this game. 

I have to hand it to Sega for creating the best graphics on a console system in 2000.

Sound

This is the part that gets me. I'm so used to the N64 and its reserved synth effects that I

forget there's a world of sound out there. Out of all the hundreds of characters in the game

each one has his or her own unique voice. The only downside is sometimes the voice 

acting is a little over the top and just doesn't fit the mood. Most times though I love

the intimate conversations Ryo, the main character, has with fellow citizens. Music 

is beautifully orchestrated, which is no surprise judging from the 5th disc which is 

comprised fully of songs. The real kicker is you can actually buy cassette tapes in the game

then listen to them on any available stereo. I wasted quite a bit of time just listening to the

wonderful music in the game while I ate hotdogs and laid the smack down on lovely

ladies. 

Gameplay

This section will be split into two parts; control and experience. This game is magical.

The world suspends all belief and for the period you play this game you will believe too.

Shenmue is a symphony. Too technical for the normal man but a myriad of beautiful

pictures, atmosphere and sounds. Leaves falling, rain pattering and snow filled streets. These 

are the amazing things that will penetrate your eye. Play this game alone, there need not be

your asshole friend breathing down your neck hoping a zombie pops out to eat Ryo. Now

let us visit the second part of...this part.

Welcome to the wonderful world of Shenmue game controls. So how does it control? You

ask, you little brat. Well that depends on which part of the game you're talking about. 

First we have the free roaming system, which simple lets you wander around the town 

and look in every direction. Also while in this mode you can kneel down and touch or read

things. There's even a kitty in a box you can play with if you wish. My favorite thing to do though

is buy those damn action figures in the quarter machines along the street. I think I spent half my

Shenmue experience just buying toys that looked cool. No rhyme or reason, I just wanted

toys. Next on the controls list we have the "Dragon's Lair" style scheme, which has

players react to certain events by pressing a properly timed button. This may sound

boring and simple but mind you it is fun and addicting. I loved this aspect of Shenmue and I

hope it continues in Shenmue 2 & 3 because sometimes pressing buttons can be enjoyable. 

For "ways-to-play-Shenmue" number three we have the implemented fighting engine. Have you

ever played Virtua Fighter? Yes? well then you'll be right at home here in the wide world

of Shenmue. Yes it's true, the fighting engine is very similar to the VF series and maybe that's

because the same team worked on both titles. Trust me little Timmy there are plenty of 

moves for you to learn so take your right hand out of your pants and start practicing. I 

found myself so enamored by the brilliant combat style that I picked up Virtua Fighter 3 again. 

Oh yeah, sometimes Ryo can get pesky to control at times. Like for instance when you're

riding in the forklift he constantly rams into other workers and walls causing him to completely 

stop. Actually that's the only thing I can think of that was wrong with the gameplay. Lets move

on, shall we?

Longevity

Here's another easy one to answer, especially for me. I plan on playing through Shenmue at least

twice more because the game is different every time you play. I can safely say that I missed out

on a lot of events the first time I went through because I never saw scenes that I downloaded 

from IGN. I can't remember exactly how long I spent the first time I went through but it

was close to 8-12 hours. That doesn't sound like a long time but it is when you factor out

all of the cut-scenes. Plus you will want to play through this masterpiece again, if not to buy more toys

than to witness different scenarios. Another extra is the supplemental disc, which allows players

to upload their top scores and get ranked among other Shenmue players. Other features include

online trading of toys and items. The fourth disc is enough to waste hours on by itself. Let me get this out 

now, the story in Shenmue is not very original but that is not the draw of this beautiful, brilliant and

deep game. I recall waking up early mornings to walk in on my sleeping Dreamcast only to turn

it on and be drawn into the world known as Shenmue. When you walk in the first part of town

your jaw will go slack. Drool shall fall down onto your leg. You will want to touch everything, mark

my words. Each step dives deeper into the dark and mysterious plot and you will want more when it

is over. I want more. Shenmue was something I had never experienced since Super Mario 64 and Seaman. 

It simply cannot be denied, this game is extravagant. For those of you who don't know this game is

merely an opener to the real story line, which will be presented in Shenmue 2. If you are a patient gamer

then by all means get this game, otherwise you shouldn't be playing games at all.

Overall: 90%

-Evil Romero

Pictures taken from www.shenmue.com, www.sega.com and www.ign.com.