WelcometoExtremeGamer

Reviewed by Downtown Jimmy
Dec 16th 2002

Introduction:Extreme Gamer explores this wonderful epic adventure game that combines elements of drama, mystery, suspense and action in a unique gaming experience.

The Game:Reviewing Shenmue 2 is almost an impossible feat. This is one of those games that needs to be experienced. Shenmue 2 transferred from the Japanese Dreamcsat game is almost a direct port. The basics of the story read out like an old kung-fu movie where you have to avenge your father’s death. This takes you into Hong Kong to track down the killer. The storyline is the first bonus; the second bonus is the Shenmue world where everything runs on a real time clock. The reason Shenmue 2 plays like a movie is that you have to live a survive by working odd jobs, or gambling to get your money to afford different things and even pay rent. There is also plenty of drama with all the major characters involved in the main plot.

The combat is awesome in the game, but to far apart for me. When events do happen they have more of an impact because most of the game is speech and walking around the city. You can't just relax in Shenmue 2 because it often throws fast button combos for you to repeat out of nowhere sometimes to advance the plot.

Shenmue 2 isn't for everyone. The pace will be too slow and frustrating to anyone expecting more action. If you want to be in a movie and actually have a feeling that you’re alive in the game, this one can do it for you. Shenmue 2 would be hard to play the same twice and the game city is rather large. If you like adventure RPG's, rent this game and check it out. Give it a few hours and you might just find this game to be a little gem like i did.

"Pick it up!"

Gameplay: 8, Graphics/Sound: 8, Innovation: 8, Mojo: 8 . Final: 8


GOTY AWARD 2002:BEST ADVENTURE GAME

FEATURES:

  • A fully engrossing virtual world. In Shenmue II the world is completely alive. Time passes gradually. Weather patterns change naturally. Hong Kong bustles with activity. People fill the streets moving about their daily business. This is the closest you can come to experiencing Hong Kong first-hand.

  • Complete freedom to explore. Players are free to explore and "live" in Hong Kong. They can work, sleep, fight, gamble, and engage in many other activities. The streets are filled with virtually thousands of characters with whom you can interact.

  • Solid 3-D fighting. Created by the same group that developed "Virtual Fighter," Shenmue II includes an advanced fighting system with more than 50 punches, kicks, holds, and combos; it is one of the most developed fighting systems available for a non-fighting game.

  • Includes Shenmue: The Movie, on DVD! Shenmue: The Movie, on DVD will be bundled with the release of Shenmue II, the game. Gamers will be able to watch Shenmue and pick up where the movie ends to continue the story by playing the Shenmue II game.





Shenmue 2
 
Publisher
Microsoft
 
Developer
Sega
 
Genre
Adventure
RPG
 
Released
Oct. 2002
 
ESRB
Teen

Links