Game Review: Shenmue II

Game: Shenmue II
Console: Sega Dreamcast/Microsoft Xbox
Developer: Sega AM2
Release Date: October 28th 2002

Before I start this review, I should probably disclose that this is currently my favourite game of all time, and has been for as long as I can remember, since I first played it. That's not to say that it can't be beaten, but it'd definitely take a lot to make a game that appealed to me quite as much as this. As such this review may appear fairly biased (and it is, considering that it's my personal opinion of the game), but the series tends to be one that people either love or hate, and difficult to get into for those who haven't played at all, especially if you start with Shenmue II, having only watched the Shenmue movie disc included with the Xbox version of the game, or worse still with no knowledge of the original.

For those who haven't played Shenmue I'll explain briefly what has happened in the story up to the beginning of Shenmue II. Ryo Hazuki, an 18 year old Japanese High Schooler is seeking revenge on Lan Di, the head of a Chinese cartel who murdered Ryo's father, whilst in search of a mysterious stone mirror. Using the clues left by Lan Di, Ryo slowly tracks him down through the events of Shenmue, before deciding to leave for Hong Kong in an attempt to seek revenge. With just the name of a man who knew Ryo's father, and a temple master who may be of help, the young protagonist boards a boat as the credits of the first game roll.

As with the first game, players are allowed to progress in the game at any pace they wish; if you're the exploring type there's plenty to see and do in Hong Kong, as well as the later areas of the game which Ryo's journey extends to. Many minigames and extra features are present in the game such as arm wrestling, street fights, capsule toys to be collected, Lucky Hit stands and jobs to earn money. While it's possibly to almost completely ignore these in the context of the main storyline, they bring the city alive in a way that gives it personality and a distinct feel.

Whilst following the story, players will have to participate in freeform fights, QTE's and a new style of Quick Time Event, the CQTE. New freeform moves can be learned at various stages in the game and used to great effect as the game draws near to its conclusion and the fights become more frequent. A fair amount of the game is dedicated to gathering information in order to get nearer to meeting Yuanda Zhu, and finally defeating Lan Di.

The controls are much the same as in the first game, though there's a new button display in the bottom left of the screen which reminds players of the functions of each button, and some new uses for them, within context such as asking passers-by about places to earn money nearby, and using various services when available. Every now and then controls can be a little difficult with movement, especially when inside of a building, but its nothing that's too frustrating.

The locations featured in the game are pretty massive in size, especially for the time of release, and the fact Ryo must travel them on foot. Not only is their size impressive, but also the level of detail put into much of the signage, lighting, and general aesthetic of buildings. Roaming at night gives a real sense of the lull in business on the streets and a more dangerous side of the city revealing itself. Both Kowloon and Hong Kong feature interesting buildings and features of 1987.

Shenmue II sees Ryo follow Lan Di to Hong Kong, inadvertently to Kowloon whilst seeing Yuanda Zhu and then finally to Guilin, a far more rural locale which brings a big change of pace in the game. Until the trip to Guilin, the story is a tense and concentrated effort to further Ryo's quest, infiltrating gangs and dangerous places in order to gain information and get closer to the people and revenge he seeks. With the epilogue in Guilin, players are given a chance to relax and learn more about the lore of the mirrors, and what will presumably form the events of Shenmue III.

It's fairly difficult to describe the appeal of Shenmue, the atmosphere and buzz of Hong Kong and Kowloon are captured well, and though it can at times seem slowly paced, it's a refreshingly realistic approach to an action story taking place within everyday life. The characters met in Hong Kong, and the events leading up to the trip to Guilin are reminiscent of a martial arts film in some ways, there's a lot of tension built leading up to the game's final fight.

When Shenmue II is undoubtedly my favourite game, there are still some aspects which could be improved. There are a few events where despite knowing the way to the destination, you're forced to follow a far slower guide with whom the action needs to take place, also there's a couple of fights which Ryo is unable to win, which black out with the assumption that he's been beaten up. While necessary for the story to progress, these should really be cutscenes if they're not able to be won.

With regard to the Xbox version, there are some definite sound glitches, and the English dub is a little off at times, in tone and delivery. The d-pad on the Xbox isn't ideal for QTE sequences, and attempting to load the Hang-On minigame will completely freeze the entire game. The Dreamcast version is the recommended one, as I've played and completed both, though the Xbox version is bearable if you're not able to source a DC copy.

Graphically the game looks great, even today. There's a few moments where things might not look quite right, but on the whole, its very impressive. The depiction of Hong Kong and Kowloon in as much detail as Yokosuka and Dobuita in the original game are part of the reason that this game is so enjoyable. Musically there's a great variety of interesting and stylish accompaniments to gameplay with many authentic instruments and pieces as well as a good mix of tense music of the action scenes.

Overall Shenmue II is a brilliant continuation of Ryo's adventure which improves on the original with such features as the time skip when waiting for an event, and the ability to save anywhere in game and continue. The tone and feel of the game is unparalleled, even today in my view, and the action really builds to the final rooftop fight scene, before the gentle epilogue leading onto the events of the next game. Having replayed this game after a few years away, I eagerly await Shenmue III, and the chance to replay the first two games before I continue Ryo's journey.

Rating: 98/100
Grade: A