Shenmue 1 & 2 Reviews
Shenmue is incredible- All open world games should be this good. Players hoping for a little more action and less Forklift Operating should check out the Yakuza series.
Shenmue 1 & 2 are two of the most influential videogames ever. The new generations of post-millennial can now discover the origin of the myth.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Yu Suzuki's magnum opus may still retain many of its core flaws, but this remains a series that is well worth experiencing for yourself.
After years of waiting, Sega finally delivered the Shenmue experience we deserve. Although it's clunky and a little dated, the series holds up incredibly well after nearly 20 years.
Shenmue I & II gives players the opportunity to experience slightly updated versions of two of the all-time greatest games. Even though we would have loved for Shenmue I and II to get real remakes, both games still have a lot to offer to 2018 gamers. Very few titles can claim to be as immersive as Shenmue I and II and it's great to be able to dive into its universe once more. What could have been if the port hadn't been so lazy.
Review in French | Read full review
Shenmue is always Shenmue, a milestone in the video games history that deserves to be rediscovered, despite the original limits and those brought by the ages passage.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Shenmue I & II are two great games that allow players to experience just before the sequel releases late next year. There might not be much for returning fans, besides nostalgia or as a refresher, but they're good enough for that to be more than enough. While I doubt many have played the original Dreamcast releases, the sequel likely piqued the interest of many. Sure, the game is two decades old and it has aged, but if you can get past the shortcomings, you are in for great storytelling and an enjoyable brawling experience. For a remastered release, it's the best one and certainly good enough to warrant a purchase.
For those who have fond memories of Shenmue I & II, these ports will allow you to revisit and experience why you fell in love with them.
As someone who's been waiting so long to play them once again, and knowing Shenmue III is on the horizon, playing the original games on current gen and PC is something you should certainly do because they provided so many firsts for video games.
A weird, beautiful, melancholy martial arts adventure. Flawed, but an unforgettable, singular experience.
Shenmue is game that truly becomes captivating because of the experience and the story that surrounds itself with mystery. For those without the patience, the progression may not be what others are looking for, but I think more story-heavy games should incorporate that kind of steady build-up that balances with timely action sequences that makes it feel a little less linear than it actually is.
Shenmue 1+2 is the best way to either acquaint yourself with or revisit this legendary saga, especially before the looming release of Shenmue 3 in 2019.
If nothing else, the simple reality that Shenmue is again a living franchise is, all by itself, something truly amazing.
When it comes down to it, Shenmue I & II are very much games that helped define the action and adventure genre of 3D games, meaning that for some, the titles, especially the first game, may feel dated, however, for those who can look past that, Shenmue I & II both offer some of the best in storytelling, atmosphere, and charm, that even some other contemporary titles fail to capture.
Shenmue I and II isn't a perfect collection, but it is the best overall way to experience two remarkable games.
Sega have done these classic titles a service by re-releasing them in the original form and resisting the temptation to tamper. Surely as divisive now as they were nearly 20 years ago, Shenmue I & II are not just a great primer for the forthcoming threequel, but also a great opportunity to experience one of gaming's most pioneering series. Welcome back Shenmue, I have missed you dearly.
Shemue I & II look like old games but they’re being sold as exactly what they are – a revisit into one of gaming’s most seminal and ground-breaking experiences.
A strong port and the best way to play these flawed yet brilliant classics
As far as nostalgia goes, plenty of aging gamers will fall for Shenmue's shonky charms all over again, and revisiting Ryo's tale of revenge can be a deeply enjoyable experience. However, newcomers will face an uphill struggle to get past the poor controls, terrible English voice acting and grinding repetition. It's still a great primer for the third game, but only if you've been here before.