"Fun, but heavy in Japanese"

I rarely seen a complete review on this game. That's why I am bought the game (I love adventure/RPG games)and write this review.

Graphics: 8/10
Nothing phenomenal compared to Shenmue, some crazy clipping and pop-up (not affecting gameplay). No FMVs. Camera is set on the back of character (like Shenmue, Tomb Raider and Tenchu). The character is not as detailed as Shenmue (way behind Shenmue).

Gameplay: 7/10
Since I don't fully understand Japanese writing, I don't really understand the story. In this game, you can learn several combos (for fighting bad guys), buy several super attack (using energy from battery, our hero is run by Sanyo AA battery), and earn money (area patrol, fighting bad guys, sending love letter, delivering chinese foods, etc). If you're not good at reading Japanese words (kanji), don't try to buy this game unless there is Japanese next to you playing this game! Unlike Shenmue, there are no speech (I learn several new kanji spelling in Shenmue, but almost none in this game!). In fighting mode, you can only execute one combo that you select, four special attacks, and several one hit attacks. By tapping X button rapidly, you can execute the combo that you chose in the menu. The special attacks are executed by holding down the X button. The longer you hold the button, you can attack using higher level special attack. You have to set your 4 levels of special attack in the menu exactly like you chose your combo. Easy to learn fighting system. Control during adventure mode is kind of loose (compared to most adventure game such as Soul Reaver, Tenchu, MGS) since the character movement is controlled with digital pad.

Sound: 6/10
Cheap and repetitive MIDI musics (makes you sleepy/bored). No speeches. The sound (ambient noise) is well recorded.

Overall: 7/10 (not average)
I can only wish that they made the fighting system more complex (like Shenmue). Better wait for American version to further understand the value of this game (story).

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 07/03/00, Updated 07/03/00