Shenmue 2: Initial Impressions (No Spoilers)

Now I\'m not one to write reviews but for such a magnificent series, why the heck not?

I\'ve only completed the first disc so these are only initial impressions.

Graphics - Like you need a review to tell you these are the most spectacular graphics ever on the DC. I\'ve only completed the first disc and Hong Kong is HUGE. Streets, shops, parks, people, everything is detailed and there is more to explore and visit than the entire game of Shenmue 1. I haven\'t even reached China, yet. I found myself getting lost, constantly. Strands of hair are animated (especially Joy\'s golden red locks, SCHWIIIIINGGG!!!), Ryo\'s leather jacket moves when he runs, smoke from cigarettes are easily noticed, unlike #1, and there are many more people on screen at once. Unfortunately, this causes the game to slow down.

Score: 9.7/10

Sound - Although the HK tunes are not as much to my liking as Japan\'s, they do fit the atomsphere well. Walk down a busy street and hear all sorts of pedestrian chatter & shopkeepers clapping to attract attention. Walk along the pier and hear onlookers cheering an arm wrestling match. Definitely improved over #1.

Score: 9/10

Gameplay - Controls for all aspects are simple. Anyone can pick it up, quickly. Explore the vast city of HK, visit many shops, talk to anyone. Engage in QTE\'s, where fast reflexes are key to victory. Free Battles for some 3-D fighter action. Play Mini-Games.

Score: 10/10

Extras - In addition to the extras in #1, such as the Arcade, Slot House, and Toy Capsules, Sega has added much more. Along with 2 Sega classics, found in #1, Space Harrier & Hang-On, Sega has also included Afterburner and OutRun. The Slot House seems to be bigger but I haven\'t visited it. (Too broke.) Short on cash? Gambling is available all over the city. Play a game of Pachinko or roll some dice to get a higher score than the banker. Get a part-time job at the pier or watch over a Pachinko stand. Arm wrestle, where each progressive victory increases the wager. Sell your toy capsules for money at a Pawn Shop.

The best part, however, is the ability to carry over your save from Shenmue 1. Which means all items, including toy capsules, money, special items, and moves learned and trained, are brought over. For those who can\'t load a Shenmue 1 save or haven\'t played Shenmue 1, you can still start Shenmue 2 with some basic items and a little money, plus there is a 14 minute trailer showing what happened in #1.

Score: 10/10

Nitpicks: Because of financial reasons, this game is only available in Japanese w/ English subtitles. Although most people complained about the horrible voice acting, I actually liked it and found it funny at times. I wish it was dubbed in English but maybe you can learn a Japanese word or two.

This is supposed to be a Chinese population but everyone sure speaks perfect Japanese.

There is tons of loading between areas. However, the trade-off is that when you visit a store or shop in any area, there is little to no loading.

Overall - This game is an absolute must, even if you have to import. Yu Suzuki has kept his promise of making this sequel much larger than the first. It is also the last hurrah for the DC and what a way to go.

Overall Score: 9.8/10

Thanks for reading.

:fro: :fro:

Thnx for the mini review Ashford, even though I own a Dreamcast, I\'m going to wait for the Xbox version when it comes out.

Well, if you insist on waiting for another year, thats your choice.

With this version, though, you can bring over your Shenmue 1 save. Don\'t know about the Xbox version.

:fro: :fro: :fro: