Shenmue I & II

 PlayStation 4
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
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  1. Ars Technica
    Aug 20, 2018
    If you're willing to exert energy forgiving Sega's ancient design decisions while wading through Suzuki's ridiculously dense approach to dialogue, task completion, and side hobbies, then this compilation is for you. Otherwise, if you're looking for Shenmue's spirit applied to more modern gaming ideas, finely position your tank-controlled body in the direction of Sega's newer Yakuza series (now available on Windows PC). [Impressions]
  2. GameCrate
    Aug 22, 2018
    At the very least, I’m willing to admit that nostalgia alone is a big part of why the Shenmue series has such a high amount of staying power. However, I will also happily point out that, when they first launched, both of the original Shenmue games helped in redefining what video games are capable of portraying, and it is for that reason most of all that I’m glad they’ll live on as HD remasters.
  3. TheSixthAxis
    Aug 20, 2018
    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.
  5. VG247
    Aug 21, 2018
    A flawed masterpiece is a masterpiece nevertheless, and perhaps the most important reason that modern, quality ports of Shenmue exist is that there truly is nothing else quite like it. It deserves to be experienced.

Awards & Rankings

47
#47 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2018
50
#50 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2018

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 280 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 226 out of 280
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 280
  3. Negative: 37 out of 280
  1. reminisce
    Aug 21, 2018
    10
    Magnum opus of masterpieces. Spiritual pilgrimage of martial arts, culture, and humanity. Epiphanic.
  2. scendi
    Feb 18, 2019
    10
    Experience the most compelling form of interactivity outside the real world now in modern fashion. Shenmue is a passionate and grippingExperience the most compelling form of interactivity outside the real world now in modern fashion. Shenmue is a passionate and gripping adventure utilizing advanced technology that encompasses a real 3D world with stunning characters and real time fighting. This is clearly not a game, but an experience never to be forgotten. This remastered masterpiece is the definitive experience with minimal load times, stable framerate, choice of English & Japanese voices and widescreen gameplay. Witness the greatest form of media ever produced in human history.… Full Review »
  3. alexironaek
    Aug 21, 2018
    10
    Amazing game!! It starts slow and you have to give it time but it rewards you in a stunning way.
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