Shenmue II

"Detailed gameplay, great music, beautiful girls, twisting story, realistic battles, neat moves. What more do you want?"

If you have played Shenmue I, you would think of...

Beautiful graphics.
Good gameplay [might not be the best]
And....cheap story?

But after I've played Shenmue II, I would like to say, it isn't what you think. Shenmue II's story is ironic. It is more interesting that you would expect (for those of you who have played Shenmue I). Remember, if you have played Shenmue I, you have only played 1/16 of the game. You do not know the complete story (neither do the people who have played Shenmue II). Sure, it's not like a 'saving the world' type of story, but do you need that? You have probably saved the world over 10 times already! Now try something that sounds less exciting.

Character design and interaction is also another aspect of a good game. In Shenmue I, you do have many games, however, most of the time you spend time alone. What I think is so special about Shenmue II is that it allows you to get 'know' other characters. This makes a character 'round,' rather than 'flat' in Shenmue I. You will see character development as you progress.

Shenmue II also defines the word ''choreography.'' Although the battle system is kept similar to Shenmue I, moves do look much better (notice the roundhouse kicks, hook kicks). If you have played Shenmue I, you will notice that some moves (kicks are noticeable) are not motion captured. Actions Shenmue II looks much more real. The quick-time battle has been enhanced; more action has been added. For Jet Li and Jackie Chan fans, this is something you wouldn't want to miss.

Gameplay. This is where the line is drawn. When you play RPGs, do you ever run away from battles? If you get bored of battles (meaning you love the story and fighting the bosses, but are pretty lazy to level up), then Shenmue II is something you might want to try. But, that doesn't mean people who love 'leveling-up' won't like the game. It depends, some people say it is too boring. But most of the people who have played through the game think that it's wonderful.

Overall. For someone who wants to try living as someone else. I don't know man. But try living as Ryo Hazuki. If you haven't entered (I didn't say finish) the world of Shenmue, then obviously you can't say anything about the game. However,if you have experienced Shenmue, you won't be able to come out of that virtual world.

For people who have played Shenmue I:
I think part II is much better than part I. So if you think part I was awesome, part II has to be god-like.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 10/05/01, Updated 10/05/01