Shenmue I & II

 PlayStation 4
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
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  1. Velvetvelvet
    Sep 8, 2023
    10
    Это просто ЛЕГЕНДА. Шедевр, недооценённый в полной мере. Возможности этой игры, для своих лет, просто поражают и многим аспектам игры могут позавидовать даже современные поделки игростроя.

    D3T спасибо за детство!
  2. ClayLamm
    Jun 5, 2022
    10
    It's a classic for a reason; though gaming has "evolved" in various ways since its conception, this is a solid session on where gaming was and where it went. I would encourage you to see this as borderline gaming history education. Also a pretty engaging story with a surprising amount of things to do!
  3. Khristian5
    Mar 21, 2022
    9
    Tener estas dos obras de arte en un mismo disco es una delicia. Mi saga favorita de todos los tiempos desde Dreamcast. Pero tengo un pero importante y es el idioma, que hubiera sido bueno incluir subtítulos en castellano, italiano, francés, etc. El juego no luce muy diferente de sus versiones para la última consola de Sega pero que alegría revivir de nuevo las aventuras de Hazuki conTener estas dos obras de arte en un mismo disco es una delicia. Mi saga favorita de todos los tiempos desde Dreamcast. Pero tengo un pero importante y es el idioma, que hubiera sido bueno incluir subtítulos en castellano, italiano, francés, etc. El juego no luce muy diferente de sus versiones para la última consola de Sega pero que alegría revivir de nuevo las aventuras de Hazuki con precio muy reducido.… Expand
  4. FilipeGoncalves
    Nov 20, 2018
    10
    An updated version from a masterpiece of his on time..... a must play for a true gamer.... 10/10............
  5. dyinginbeauty
    Aug 3, 2021
    9
    An excellent game that plays well on PS4, the only downside for this remaster being the poor audio quality on the voice acting. Shenmue was one of my favourite games on the dreamcast, with incredible atmosphere and an amazing attention to detail at the time. This game thrives by making you pay attention and engage with the mundane - you will be passing in-game time by playing mini-gamesAn excellent game that plays well on PS4, the only downside for this remaster being the poor audio quality on the voice acting. Shenmue was one of my favourite games on the dreamcast, with incredible atmosphere and an amazing attention to detail at the time. This game thrives by making you pay attention and engage with the mundane - you will be passing in-game time by playing mini-games and buying collectibles from vending machines. Sound boring? It's not as it feels organic and integrated into the games experience. It may be slow and a little clunky at times, but if one allows oneself to be taken in it results in a game that is hard to put down. An absolute buy if you are feeling nostalgic or want a different type of gaming experience… Expand
  6. segamaster
    Jul 26, 2020
    10
    Thank You SEGA and Yu Suzuki.
    Greatest Game ever made.

    We lost so much without AM2 output through the years.
  7. Benjones1234
    Apr 9, 2020
    10
    One of the best games off all time, totally underrated and a definitely must play by everyone!
  8. crigamon
    Mar 27, 2020
    10
    Bothe Shenmue I & II are inmortal masterpieces than Yu Suzuki mades. I love his gameplays, his plots, their characters, including Ryo, Shenhua, Nozomi, Joy, Ren, etc. Enjoy!
  9. 24Nathan
    Dec 26, 2019
    10
    Definitely recommend these classics. Shenmue I (Dreamcast) and Shenmue II (Dreamcast, Xbox, Xbox 360 backwards compatible), are now available on Steam, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4! These are my personal favorite games of all time. Don't forget to check out Shenmue III on PlayStation 4, Epic Games Store, and Steam (November 19th, 2020)! And then on to #SaveShenmueIV!
  10. Hazuki1986
    Dec 3, 2019
    10
    I prefer the original Dreamcast versions of both games but this is still amazing
  11. DespairZz
    Nov 24, 2019
    9
    Woow! It's realy great games.
    I've 1st time played them only few month ago, but even in 2019 this games looks in a sense fresh and cool. Beutiful atmosphere of east and intriguing story + original gameplay (especially for 1999 and 2001) which don't look so old even today. Live open world truly impresed!
  12. Ghettorapboy7
    Nov 21, 2019
    10
    This game was rather buggy before the patches now it runs good. The game looks amazing in HD. I also love the fact that you can choose between English and Japanese vocies. The faster load times are also nice. I've beaten Shenmue to many times to count and with this title I will increase that number ten fold.
  13. Evenstar1985
    Nov 21, 2019
    10
    After the Dreamcast version, 17 years later i was happy to play this game again and add the platinum trophies on my list.
  14. jumpingtheshark
    Nov 20, 2019
    9
    The first major leap in sandbox gaming finally comes to current gen consoles. Other some graphical effects the games remain mostly unchanged. Heck, even the save menu has a Dreamcast VMU on it. These games were a paradigm shift in gaming and their legacy can still be seen in AAA titles today. Will new comers to the series enjoy the series? It depends on your taste. If there is ever a caseThe first major leap in sandbox gaming finally comes to current gen consoles. Other some graphical effects the games remain mostly unchanged. Heck, even the save menu has a Dreamcast VMU on it. These games were a paradigm shift in gaming and their legacy can still be seen in AAA titles today. Will new comers to the series enjoy the series? It depends on your taste. If there is ever a case for acquired taste in electronic entertainment and it's Shenmue. However, veterans of the series will bathe gleefully in the odd, yet incredibly endearing nostalgia that only Shenmue can conjure.… Expand
  15. Animeche
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    I'm so happy I'm finally able to play again my favorite videogame ever. Thank you for bring it to a new console!!

    For me, Shenmue means everything: good story, amazing soundtrack, huge open world, lot of places, situations, culture, etc.
  16. Hiki
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    Shenmue is a amazing game series, there is no other game like Shenmue, Shenmue is unique and special. Shenmue have unique characters, beautiful soundtrack, amazing story and much more, the details in this games are amazing, it is a amazing experience that i will never forget, Shenmue is my favorite game series, beautiful games.
  17. GoodBinary
    Nov 8, 2019
    10
    This is absolutely the best gift that has been giving to the gaming community.
    anyone who has every played and loved Shenmue on the Dreamcast has to appreciate the love that was given with this release.
    it's just absolutely wonderful, to have the games, with no load times, and not repainted with rose-colored glasses such as remasters/remakes. your memory, will not be clouded and    This is absolutely the best gift that has been giving to the gaming community.
    anyone who has every played and loved Shenmue on the Dreamcast has to appreciate the love that was given with this release.
    it's just absolutely wonderful, to have the games, with no load times, and not repainted with rose-colored glasses such as remasters/remakes.
    your memory, will not be clouded and flowered to you by a remake. this is the real thing.
    you can enjoy Shenmue for everything it was, with the best of the Dreamcast, and slight adjustments that were made.
    I would recommend this game, to anyone who delved into Shenmue 1 on the Dreamcast back in the day, and had very fond memories of the fresh game design of that once unique platform.    … Expand
  18. vanjoelsandwich
    Oct 20, 2019
    10
    By the story alone this game deserves a 10. The amazing soundtrack, super detailed world, the giant cast of characters, the virtua-fighter engine (wich was the best fighting engine at the time) and all its culmitating moments during gameplay, makes this game a must play for everyone who ever picked up a controller in their hands. Yes, it shows it age sometimes but that's because is wasBy the story alone this game deserves a 10. The amazing soundtrack, super detailed world, the giant cast of characters, the virtua-fighter engine (wich was the best fighting engine at the time) and all its culmitating moments during gameplay, makes this game a must play for everyone who ever picked up a controller in their hands. Yes, it shows it age sometimes but that's because is was first released almost 20 years ago! Still holds up really really well, Absolute masterpieces. 10 out of 10 with a badass seal of approval Angry Joe Style.… Expand
  19. Dokodemodoamike
    Oct 14, 2019
    10
    Patched version runs flawless now. A really good port of one of the best Games of all time.
  20. 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 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 withExperience 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.… Expand
  21. Wander22
    Feb 17, 2019
    9
    Gameplay/Mechanics: 8
    Sound/Music: 10
    Graphics/Art: 10
    Story/Atmosphere: 10
    OVERALL: 9.5
  22. ShotGunPill
    Oct 28, 2018
    8
    This its a really good game i enjoyed Shenmue 1 so much but the second one story wise wasn't that good as the first one though it had a bigger world and more content generally though it was still a good game.
  23. Hasuki
    Sep 11, 2018
    10
    Amazing value, two of the greatest games in videogame history for 35 bucks.

    60 fps would have been nice but not a deal breaker.
  24. Yamagashi_San
    Sep 4, 2018
    10
    This is the best game I`ve ever played. I`ve never seen another game so immersive and detailed as Shenmue.
  25. ff7master
    Sep 2, 2018
    10
    Dos de los juegos más influyentes y revolucionarios de la historia. Los videojuegos actuales le deben mucho a estos dos juegazos. Shenmue 1 es una obra maestra, era un pedazo del futuro de los videojuegos en cuatro discos de Dreamcast, es la pirámide de Keops de los videojuegos, pero cuando juegas a Shenmue 2 y te das cuenta de que Shenmue 1 sólo era una demostración de concepto...
  26. Flagship
    Sep 1, 2018
    10
    Simply put it's still a very magical, unique and unforgettable experience. It's craft was unprecedented when it originally released but even today all that still shines through. It's music is some of the finest works ever produced in the medium and the openworld is incredibly detailed and immersive. The gameplay and combat is incredibly indepth especially in S2 (S1 is more aboutSimply put it's still a very magical, unique and unforgettable experience. It's craft was unprecedented when it originally released but even today all that still shines through. It's music is some of the finest works ever produced in the medium and the openworld is incredibly detailed and immersive. The gameplay and combat is incredibly indepth especially in S2 (S1 is more about foreshadowing events)

    It's a polarising game sure but it's absolutely worth trying out and sticking with it as it could be your next favourite. The director involved in the yakuza games was also involved here so should you want to check out his earlier works: I implore you check it out! :)    … Expand
  27. Nygaard
    Aug 30, 2018
    10
    An old classic that had been rejuvenated by Sega taking out all the previously annoying loading times. The game works seemingly now and gives gamers a chance to give this Japanese classic a go. Yes it is quirky and at sometimes slow paced but this feeds into a wonderful narrative and allows you to indulge yourself in the game more. Enjoy
  28. TheTrueLegend
    Aug 28, 2018
    10
    It’s different for newcomers to view this games in the same eyes as someone who played it 20 years ago. You really have to put yourself in the shoes of a gamer from back then to overlook things like graphics and animations. These are all things that were above average at the time so before playing Shenmue, imagine you’ve never played an open world game, because this is where it began!It’s different for newcomers to view this games in the same eyes as someone who played it 20 years ago. You really have to put yourself in the shoes of a gamer from back then to overlook things like graphics and animations. These are all things that were above average at the time so before playing Shenmue, imagine you’ve never played an open world game, because this is where it began!

    In 1999, all I heard was there’s this real life game with realistic people and a world you live in. For example when I finally got to a fight I was like “so you can actually free-fight in this game too, nice!’ Even you yourself, after about an hour or 2 into the game might ask yourself what on Earth you’re meant to do; walking around asking people things and trying to find this man who killed your father and at the same time trying to determine what genre this game is, a beat-em-up or what? Bit by bit you start to realise Shenmue is about enjoying the experience and not labelling it with any genre you just play it.

    The problem is where some people now will play this and mock the graphics, speech, the old school controls, when gamers in 1999 played it the impressions were the opposite, the graphics were incredible, the dialogue was hysterical, the way people spoke was so funny, and it was in the games favour since it was out of the ordinary to do this in a video game. It was all new, knocking on a random door, I didn’t even know about these minor details that are not be relevant to completing the game, but add to the realism.

    Shenmue was a test in a way, you would test just how much you could actually do to the point where you can say ‘ah, bound to happen, it is after all just a game’. Just simple things like knocking on a vacant door 2 or 3 and smiling to not receive the same dialogue straight way, a smile to think ‘clever touch Sega’. Ryo could just robotically reply with the same answer again and again but it’s altered and makes Ryo seem like a real person.

    You go in a shop and it has things you can buy, but to buy a packet of crisps or some fish that you can’t actually do anything with will make you wonder what is the use? But the fish can be fed to kitten, or the milk, and items that have no relevance once bought can win you a raffle that will reward you with a prize which still you can select in the pause menu and rotate in a 3D view just for the sake of it. That’s questionable as whether there is any use in doing this but the answer is simple. If you couldn’t do any of this people would say look there’s a shop but you can’t buy anything so why’s it there? Sega decided to let people purchase things.

    The beauty of it is you don’t even have to do these things. You can leave the old lady at the start of the game in the park forever waiting, because she won’t find the Yamamoto house unless you find it! But the choice you get is what shenmue is about, you can help her, you’ll get a nice little cutscene and makes you think would you do it in real life? A way of life is to help people and the reward is a small gesture or a thank you to remind yourself that being a good person is the only real reward.

    I actually didn’t want to complete Shenmue after getting into the story, I was really more enjoying the adventure and meeting new people, travelling to new places. The detail in this game will make you understand how a smaller environment with more detail is better than a massive world with empty space. You can spend as long searching every room and cupboard or drawer in Ryo’s house than you can driving from one end of GTA V’s map to the other. There’s places in Dobuita I didn’t even realise were there until the second play through. Both games also feature some of the most beautiful music in any game or even film. Such touching and mesmerising music.

    Shenmue 2 now is where things get more interesting. You don’t get an allowance from Ine-san, you haven’t got a place to stay, you’re out there in your own and surrounded by unfriendly people. You start off like that and gradually start to realise life alone is hard. You get robbed, you’re in a new country. And it really gives you a good sense of being on an adventure. There’s more fighting in this one, and it’s just a bigger version of the first game.

    One complaint is that the game requires patience and is dragged out but I’ve managed to steam through Shenmue 1 in 2 days so it’s not as tedious as made out to be. For comparison I recently bought ZOoT on the 3ds and gave up half way through due to boredom and that was one of my greatest gaming experiences but Shenmue hasn’t bored me out yet.

    I give this a 10 and nothing less, it’s not just a game it’s an experience and I recommend it to everyone, I was 15 when I got it and loved it, I’m now 32 and still love this game. There’s some negative reviews, but some people like butter and some don’t. Give it a try, you wont regret it.    … Expand
  29. Allegro1582
    Aug 27, 2018
    10
    Great game that brought me back 20 years ago. Thanks to Sega for letting me touch the classics again. I returned to Shenma and it's amazing - so much attention to detail, so much detail - so far no one has reached such a steep dive. The "outdated" graphics cease to appear as such by the 40th minute of the game, and the combat system, learning processes and other aspects of theGreat game that brought me back 20 years ago. Thanks to Sega for letting me touch the classics again. I returned to Shenma and it's amazing - so much attention to detail, so much detail - so far no one has reached such a steep dive. The "outdated" graphics cease to appear as such by the 40th minute of the game, and the combat system, learning processes and other aspects of the protagonist's life are simply unattainable for today's developers .
    Translation from Russian from Google.    … Expand
  30. Art_Connoisseur
    Aug 26, 2018
    10
    My two cents on these two cult-classic releases...Legendary games. Underrated. Far and few games gives you practical life lessons you can take with you after setting your controller down and turning off your Tv.
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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
  1. IGN Japan
    Dec 11, 2018
    80
    Shenmue I & II is a masterpiece that is not for everyone. That’s a shame, because a more solid port with a few tweaks here and there could have made it a package to recommend to all.
    Read full review
  2. Gaming Age
    Oct 26, 2018
    83
    At this point it’s fair to say the HD port of Shenmue I & II is in better shape than its release and would now be considered acceptable to play. Save data transfer and cutscenes were a big problem, and major bugs seem to be patched out. Both games are here in all their glory and probably the best way to spend your time with Ryo as he follows his journey. Veterans will be happy with the ability to play on modern platforms and newcomers finally have a chance to experience what Shenmue has to offer while Yu Suzuki is hard at work on Shenmue 3.
    Read full review
  3. RPG Fan
    Oct 22, 2018
    75
    Playing Shenmue I & II is a treat for die-hard fans as well as an accessible way for newcomers to experience these renowned titles, though they won't be for everyone. Even though I enjoyed both games, I really struggled to look past the clunky dialogue or even fully invest in Ryu's story, and the controls sometimes made walking around a nightmare. They're seminal products of their time that deserve to be celebrated, and this port does a great job of delivering that authentic Shenmue experience.
    Read full review
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