Reviewer: SeraphX

E-Mail: SeraphX@msn.com

Comments: I mean, come on, the next generation systems kick major ass. Just when you thought console gaming couldn't get any better, out comes the masterful Sega Dreamcast and PS2. These technological splendors illustrate what the future has in store for us: superb graphics, unbelievable framerate, inspired sound, and countless innovations. However, it is not wise for the hardware giants to overlook the essentials - that is, to say, GAMEPLAY. Enter Yu Suzuki (of Virtua Fighter fame) and his ambition to create the epic story that is Shenmue. This game (or to better describe it, controllable motion picture) was initially aimed to be "Virtua Fighter RPG". What we got was more. Way more.

You assume the role of Ryo Hazuki, son to a murdered father and all-around bad-ass. The game unfolds as you witness daddy getting his ass man-handled by some smooth-looking Chinese dude (you know Jet Li HAD to be an inspiration). He then steals an artifact and flees, leaving you with a severely injured father to take care of. He kicks the bucket and presto! - Shenmue is born! You've got a hefty task in front of you if you want to find the assailant(s).

How can I describe this? Alright, you do a lot of bullshitting in the world of Shenmue. You walk around, talk to people, gather clues, raise a little cat (the only pussy action in the game - sorry Nozomi!!!), drive forklifts, train in the martial arts, and go to bed consistently at 11:30, rain or shine. Sounds pretty mundane, eh? Far from it! Honestly, I was very quick to judge the game in this manner. It picks up very slow and can feel dead from the outset. However, once you immerse yourself in the intricately-woven world, you'll find that your own world will wash away like soap on a sexy woman's body...

I have never been addicted to a game like I have been with Shenmue. The majority of things you can do in the game are very quirky yet fun, with the dramatic cutscenes appearing at certain intervals. It is, in essence, a detective story in which you uncover clues as to how you can find the murderer. Consequently, the who-dunnit approach leads to many different circumstances, ranging from helping an old lady find her way to a dragged-out fist brawl with some drunks at the town bar. The spectrum is certainly tapped.

A fun little innovation Suzuki thought of was the implementation of Quick-Timer Events (QTEs). When you run into these, you have to rapidly input the command shown on the screen to safely guide Ryo out of trouble (ie. a guy is about the bash his brain in with a beer bottle and the screen asks you to press right to avoid it). It leaves the player with a sense of an adrenaline rush and it just looks damn cool. Any kung-fu movie fan can't miss.

The Free Battles also rock. As you progress, Ryo learns moves (from technique scrolls and some instructors) to use in combat. The engine feels a LOT like Virtua Fighter. You can run in any direction. Button inputting is simple and Ryo's moves are absolutely amazing. The fights usually don't last that long (if you're good like me), but when they come be prepared.

I mentioned gameplay in the first segment. Yes, Shenmue has gameplay unseen before. The slow, consistent pace of the game may not be for some, but this writer enjoyed it thoroughly. The graphics make it look like the staff sold all their earthly possessions to create the game and the soundtrack is divine. Add to the fact that this game is chapter one in a 16-part saga, and Sega has got itself a winner.

Gameplay: 10

Graphics: 10

Sound: 10

Music: 10

Replay Value: 10

Final Score: 10