Shenmue II

"I really wanted to love this game to pieces..."

Graphics- 7
Sound- 4
Gameplay- 8
Replay- 8
Overall- 6.5 (not an average)

First of all, let me say that I loved the first Shenmue. It was an amazing experience that I'll never forget. When I was playing it, I actually felt as if I WAS Ryo Hazuki. The game was so perfect. The story, music, drama, everything. And the graphics are still up to bat with those on PS2 or GC. Seriously, that game changed my life. When it was almost over, everything became so sad- seeing Nozomi just almost express her feelings for Ryo, Megumi going off with her kitten (I teared up right then, as I can really relate to that), Ryo packing up, and finally getting on that boat: I was glued to my system. I could relate to this game so well! Once it was done with, as like most other people probably, I began looking for news about the sequel. Reading that it would be coming out a year later, I was filled with glee. Months passed, and there I was in October, checking out IGN's DC site. It was loading...and then it hit the screen-

''SHENMUE 2 CANCELED''

My heart stopped. I'd read tons of things about the game being done and all...but WHY?! I was so mad at this, and didn't play games/read EGM/visit IGN for weeks. Eventually I cooled off, just thinking up what's next for the series. Then in the summer of 2002, I was waltzing through Babbage's (yeah I'm laughing too at going in there). Not much going for the games as usual, but I passed by the DC section, and there it was. The European version of Shenmue 2 for DC...with a translation disc right next to it. I musta looked like a deer in headlights, as it was beautiful. I ran off with it, paid for it, and sped home.

There was the start up screen- SHENMUE 2. I was so happy. As I played through, it felt cool hearing Ryo's real voice. It suit him very well. Sure everyone in China speaking Japanese was akward, but who cares? I explored the town and was impressed at how much was on the screen. AM2 really did a good job here. Just as in the first one- stunning visuals. But of course there's slowdown that comes with so much on the screen. It was pretty annoying. But I can't complain too much, the game was going well so far. The loading wasn't bad, but then again, I didn't have a problem with Shenmue 1's loading at all (those that complain about it are stupid).

Wandering through the city and it's districts, I noted the music. Yeah, it's chinese. And yeah, I don't like it. It's too ''old'' (medival days of the Orient) for me. But what's worse- the fight music. Oh my how this was bad. Remember how it was all cool in Shenmue and got you ready to kick around a few thugs? Well, you can forget that, as it's been replaced with what sounds like a small orchastra. I'd rather the old fight music be left in. The last thing for audio/sound here- every other voice was great.

The controls here are a lot different. Each button has a different use. It's a little weird, but some people like it. A cool thing they threw in was a ''Save anytime feature''- something lacking from the first game. It's a good thing too- you'll often want to save before gambling to make sure you don't always lose money. As for the QTEs...you're going to screw up. A lot. There's a new QTE that requires simultaneous buttons pressed (or not...I'm still not sure about them. My girlfriend ended up figuring those damn things out). There's even a trick QTE...but I won't ruin that one.

As for the game itself...it still keeps up it's Shenmue-ness...just not as well. The first two discs drag on, the third one has more action than you can shake a stick at, and the fourth one builds some suspense. You'll probably want to go through it again like you did the first one. There's still quite a few things to do, even if I did pretty much complain in this whole review. You can work at many different Chinese Pinball stands (I don't want to disrespect the name of it by misspelling), collect more Gatcha-Gatcha toys, sell stuff, train in a park with a bad-ass of a teacher, not pay for sleeping in a motel (seriously, don't pay that idiot), and more.

While it has it's downfalls, if you really enjoyed the first Shenmue, go for this one. Just because I didn't care for it much compared to the first, doesn't mean you won't either. I'm just really picky when it comes to sequels. Good luck finding this if you're a DC purist...and if you have an Xbox, go for the sequel. Heck, I'm getting one just for the game and the sweet DVD that comes with it.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 10/27/02, Updated 10/27/02