It’s true! I didn’t! Well, I did for a little while, but my brother started just after me and played it more than I had the inclination to, so I watched him play through it. In many ways it was more enjoyable to be honest, as I wasn’t getting on with the controls. It was the first kind of game where it didn’t really matter if you were playing it or not, as so much of it was exploration, or talking to people – for me it was more fun watching the experience than playing the game.
While I was researching this piece, I found several Youtube videos of Shenmue… Man, it brought back some memories. While I don’t think there’s any point in me going over the endless “Do you know where I can find some sailors?” or “I’m looking for Warehouse number 8” jokes*, there were many things in Shenmue that do deserve a mention simply because it was such a magical game. From the beautiful, swirling title screen, to the memorable little ditties that played when you went into shops (the Tomato Convenience Store being my personal favourite), having to wait for a bus to take you to the harbour, and the way day slowly turns to night (which changes the options available to you), to the Forklift racing, it was packed full of lovely little touches.
While I’m honestly not bothered if there is or isn’t another Shenmue game, I can understand that many people do want one, if just to learn the conclusion to the story, to find out if Ryo does eventually avenge his Father’s killing, or if he gets side-tracked by playing arcade machines all day and amassing a huge collection of capsule toys.
*Ok, so I couldn’t resist poking fun – see image and caption to the right.
I can’t believe you never played Shenmue properly! It’s one of the greats! So many fond memories of that as a kid. Just looked up the Shenmue videos on youtube to find out what you were on about (was too young when I played it originally to understand the comedy value of them as I was playing it) and some of the dialogue was ridiculous! Gotta love those sailors! 🙂
Shenmue 2 – Play it or watch your brother play it through, either way. Just do it! Not as good as the first one (IMO) but still a blast. Don’t you want to find out if he goes after some cowboys this time? 🙂
I see.
Never got around to Shenmue II, and it’d be impossible for me to watch my brother play it as we live so far apart now. Maybe I’ll pick it up one day – it’ll work on my 360, surely? I’ll have to check one of those lists of Xbox games that work on the 360.
Cowboys would be excellent, but I think you may be teasing me!
I think it does actually! It’s gotta be like a couple of quid now! You = Shenmue 2 get! 🙂
Yeah, there are no cowboys, sorry to get your hopes up. There are more sailors though so if thats what you like you need this game 😉
I see.
I will need to ask some sailors where I can find videogame outlet number 8.
I see.
Thank you, Ine-san.
Let’s get sweaty.