I can't express the greatness of the Shenmue series. (Spoilers inside)

[Tommy Tallarico]

I've never gotten into the series. I always thought it was pretty much shit.

[SonofdonCD]

I saved the game at the very beginning of the fourth disk, and as I was going through it, I realized that this was something I'd want to repeat on more than one occasion, so I never saved it again throughout the rest of the disk. I haven't had the chance to, since I lent my game to a friend, but that last disk was such a shock. No real action, just story. And what a cliffhanger?!?!? I nearly wanted to shake Yu Suzuki's hand, and kick him in the face at the same time!

Seriously, this game has sooooooo much potential. The first one, while being one of my favorites, didn't quite reach the lofty goals set by Suzuki, yet the second gets A LOT closer. You can really tell that gameplay-wise (as well as storyline-wise) the first one was more like training for what's ahead of you.

Whether you mind this fact or not places you in either camp: love it or hate it.

Yeah, the storyline is pretty linear, but with a game with full voices for every single character (and damn near 500-1000 NPCs for Shenmue II) it's pretty impossible to expect it not to be. BUT, just because the story is linear, doesn't mean the GAME is. To advance the plot, yes you have to do this or that, but you have total freedom to do so, and at your leisure too. You don't have to do anything right away. You can take a day off from working and just blow your cash, or perfect you Afterburner skills at the arcade. Or, you know, if you'd like to, PRACTICE YOUR MARTIAL ARTS!! It's all up to you.

And you really feel that you're living in the shoes of another person. All of his life problems are your own, from the moment his father was killed, till you are able to extract revenge (or save the world? I'm not entierly sure where the story is going yet.....). This game is the true meaning of "Role Playing Game". Or F.R.E.E., if you prefer.

I'm with StriderKyo on this one. His post really sums up what makes this series (specifically the second) worth all the money Sega threw at it to make it happen. Here's to many, many more (Or at least to see him get revenge. Come on Sega.....Don't let us down this time! Hey, if they wanna make more money off of this game if/when they get through it in its entirety, they can make a "Prequel" about Ryo's father. Maybe even show how he got that damn mirror in the first place.)

[Thief Silver]

*Sighs to himself* It's still Unused (By me) in this little box to the left of my T.V. Along with my Virtua Fighter 3tb (Since I got VF4) and all my games that lack reply value. Maybe I should pick it up, pop out VO:OT, and throw it in. Eh... I'll do it later.

[Jay]

All this Shenmue II talk makes me want to go out and buy an Xbox post haste...

[BonusKun]

I personally had no love of the Shen Mue series. I think Orochi summed up his hate of the game along the same lines as me only he actually provided some serious solid reasons as to why he didn't like it.

I don't like Shen Mue but I do think it's pretty.

[Ginjuro]

That was fuckin beautiful StriderKyo! Sniff*. Fuckin beautiful. Couldn't have said better myself dude. sniff*

[lithium]

Originally posted by StriderKyo
To really get into the game, you have to let yourself be absorbed in its world. Alot of people don't get into that; they keep thinking "yeah, but when do I fight?", not realizing that the story isn't the entire point of the game - taking your time and experiencing its world is.

But what was there to experience? I was not looking forward to the fighting, I was pretty indifferent to it. The city and its inhabitants were what I was so excited about.

Turns out it was more like exploring a movie set in hollywood (a simple movie set at that) than an actual city. I honestly don't understand what there was to experience or explore. 99% of the buildings were just sitting there, no interaction possible. Items to pick up were limited, NPCs were simple script machines much like a typical rpg. There just wasn't anything there, it felt like the Twilight Zone.

Not that I expected an actual city simulation. That's asking a bit much. But I don't think it's at all unrealistic to expect more than what was offered.

[SonofdonCD]

One day, I chose not to follow the plot, and instead just view the scenery of the game. I went into the park and just soaked it all in, all the while watching as the sun set. It was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen in a game.

It's things like that that really got me to love this game.

When I first got the game, I did nothing but exploring Ryo's house, every nook and cranny, until I was satisfied that I got everything. Sure you can't explore in every single house, but it's for two really big and really good reasons. One, the first game would only be released now if that were the case. And two, this is supposed to be like real life, not a RPG; you're not allowed in people's houses you don't know!

Sometimes I'd just follow one person for most of the day, seeing what their routine is, until they walk home after work.

Or go home and play some Space Harrier.

Or spend a few hundred yen on the Sega toys so liberally sprinkled throughout town.

A lot of the time I tried to train. I got pretty good for a bit.

Some days I tried to talk to nearly every person. I don't think I managed, but there are 500 NPCs in this game (the first one).

Sometimes when I'm at home, I'd call up Nozomi. The phone calls are pretty static, but the option is pretty cool.

When StriderKyo said "Experience" he didn't just mean the story, but the world around you. And as you read my post, there is a lot to try.

[Tain]

...and the game finally ends. Say you're not into the game's pace. Say you're not into the thoroughly asian theme. But don't try and tell me Shenmue II isn't a landmark in game design. Don't try and tell me it doesn't shatter the boundaries of established videogame storytelling styles and expectations. Whenever part III finally comes out, whatever system it's on, I'll be there, day one.

Yes. Exactly.

Unless Yu Suzuki dies in a car accident.

[Jay]

I really enjoy the little things in the game that really make it something special. Something as simple as buying and drinking a soda can entertain me for about 20 mins. in this game.