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. 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.
  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 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
  3. lebanesejets
    Aug 21, 2018
    10
    Patience is key to this game; take your time and get into the atmosphere. The music and atmosphere is amazing; the story is top notch and for a game that is 16 years old, the graphics are great. I especially like Shenmue II as it is bigger but each location has it's benefits. Enjoy!
  4. Sharp
    Aug 21, 2018
    10
    Simply the best two games ever made. My advise: Buy them, book some time and order some food, and enjoy the journey. This remaster is also very well made, just take a look at Digital Foundry for better insight.
  5. OldSilentHill
    Aug 21, 2018
    10
    It´s really hard to believe there was released a game like this almost 20 years ago.
    Shenmue it´s the equivalent to the Egyptian Pyramids, it could have been done by extraterrestrials.
    One of the 7 timeless video-games ever made.
  6. V-S
    Aug 21, 2018
    10
    This game stays so classic, it’s beautiful like it was before the real masterpiece is back again. Thanks to all the fans who made this possible.
  7. RaoughLife
    Aug 21, 2018
    10
    As Yu Suzuki said: "This is my gift to the 21st century gamers".
    The real time open-world videogame started here, folks, enjoy some history!
  8. cdbortolo
    Aug 22, 2018
    10
    This is the definitive form to enjoy Shenmue. Enhanced visuals, practically no loading times and no need of changing discs.
  9. 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.
  10. Obey
    Aug 22, 2018
    10
    I remember playing this game everytime i came back from school, sometimes i just wanted to go to a bar and listen to the juke-box and play darts, and the other time i played arcade games because it was mind blowing that you could do this IN a video game. Talking to every NPC felt so real, sometimes they knew the path to your destination, sometimes they did not. You could ask for a job andI remember playing this game everytime i came back from school, sometimes i just wanted to go to a bar and listen to the juke-box and play darts, and the other time i played arcade games because it was mind blowing that you could do this IN a video game. Talking to every NPC felt so real, sometimes they knew the path to your destination, sometimes they did not. You could ask for a job and make money, etc. Ryo is an attaching character, he's using his strenght when necessary (arm wrestling is necessary when you need money lol) and always looking for the truth. And i wish he will find out more in the third part, with or without help, because that's how Ryo is, he never slows down.… Expand
  11. hughsie39
    Aug 22, 2018
    10
    A real piece of gaming history now available to the huge audience it always deserved. Don't underestimate just how groundbreaking this was when it first came out, there was nothing like it at the time. And, in certain ways, there is still nothing quite like it now. A unique experience, more quirky than you may expect but these two games represent the early chapters of what was conceived asA real piece of gaming history now available to the huge audience it always deserved. Don't underestimate just how groundbreaking this was when it first came out, there was nothing like it at the time. And, in certain ways, there is still nothing quite like it now. A unique experience, more quirky than you may expect but these two games represent the early chapters of what was conceived as a huge, truly epic saga. Give it a go at this bargain price and get up to speed now so that, like the rest of us long term Shenmue fans, you can get truly hyped for the beautiful Shenmue 3 coming in Summer 2019!… Expand
  12. GoodFellaLarry
    Aug 26, 2018
    10
    It simply doesn't get better than this. In spite of their age (originally released 1999-2001), 'Shenmue I & II' are still doing things right that even recent video games are getting wrong. There's no hand-holding (such as map pointers, a side-quest checklist or glowing objects) and the games trust the player to use their initiative and intelligence to explore a virtual world that trulyIt simply doesn't get better than this. In spite of their age (originally released 1999-2001), 'Shenmue I & II' are still doing things right that even recent video games are getting wrong. There's no hand-holding (such as map pointers, a side-quest checklist or glowing objects) and the games trust the player to use their initiative and intelligence to explore a virtual world that truly feels alive, refusing to bombard them with instructions or other distractions, such as repetitive random battles that stop feeling intense and start to feel routine. There's always a build up to the action, making it far more effective.

    Players are given just the right balance between freedom and restriction, so that they cannot cause the protagonist to break character, but are able to decide when and why he chooses to perform the many side activities made available to him outside of the core plot. Activities in 'Shenmue I' include thorough training, playing arcade games, playing darts, collecting capsule toys, collecting and listening to cassette tapes, chatting to the locals (literally every NPC has fully voiced dialogue and a unique backstory, along with their own daily schedule), checking the weather, feeding an orphaned kitten and collecting move scrolls.

    The game has a very particular day and night cycle. Date and time will dictate weather conditions, store opening times, bus times and scripted events. 1 hour in game time is equal to 4 minutes time in the real world, meaning 12 game hours in equal to 48 real life minutes. It's up to the player to decide how they use their free time in this world, meaning each player's game can be very different to another's. The immersion factor is heightened by the fact that players can heavily interact with the environment in a non-destructive way. The environment is there to affect the player, not the other way around.

    'Shenmue II' features many additional mini-games, along with a slightly altered in-game clock.

    The fighting engine in 'Shenmue I & II' is a brilliant enhancement of the 'Virtua Fighter' engine, based on careful timing and stringing together moves to create a combo. Unlike 'Virtua Fighter', the battles in 'Shenmue I & II' see the protagonist take on multiple enemies at once. When learning new moves, players will always be given realistic instructions ("shift your weight forward") rather than being told to press a particular button and having their immersion ruined.

    The soundtrack to both titles is vast and varied in styles, and is an outstanding piece of work in its own right. QTEs are used both appropriately and effectively as a means of adding interactivity where there would otherwise be none, keeping the player on their toes with great sound effects use.

    Events that many video games would restrict to a non-interactive cut-scene are given heavy interactivity in 'Shenmue I & II', helping the player become far more immersed and invested in what's going on. When the protagonist is put through a trial of patience and level headedness, the player endures that trail with him, being affected by the trial in the process. It's a perfect balance between storytelling and interactivity that proves there is, in fact, great artistic potential in video games.

    'Shenmue I & II' are not the standard video games that you breeze through and then allow to collect dust. They are a personal journey for the player and must be savoured over time. They require some dedication, but that dedication pays off big time in the end. It gives you a highly personal experience that will stay with you forever. Don't miss out!

    10/10    … Expand
  13. 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.
  14. gcar4525
    Aug 25, 2018
    10
    Shenmue is an absolutely essential classic, which boldly pushed gaming into the modern era. I cannot enthusiastically recommend these games enough. This collection brings the game to in Full HD with widescreen support. The colors pop like never before.

    Give these games a try, and I think this will be the most rewarding $30 spent in your gaming life.
  15. 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
  16. Dokodemodoamike
    Oct 14, 2019
    10
    Patched version runs flawless now. A really good port of one of the best Games of all time.
  17. StacFace
    Aug 21, 2018
    10
    I can't even describe how amazing these 2 games are. The story gets you hooked, the side characters are all fully fleshed out, you can explore, there's countless things to do and people to speak to. Shenmue is an experience that every gamer needs to have, and I'm so glad it's finally come to modern consoles to give newer gamers who missed out last time a chance to experience it. Sure,I can't even describe how amazing these 2 games are. The story gets you hooked, the side characters are all fully fleshed out, you can explore, there's countless things to do and people to speak to. Shenmue is an experience that every gamer needs to have, and I'm so glad it's finally come to modern consoles to give newer gamers who missed out last time a chance to experience it. Sure, there's the odd glitch but nothing to detract from the games, and that was me playing an early release copy without the day 1 patch. If there is one game you purchase this year, make it this one, you won't regret it.… Expand
  18. reminisce
    Aug 21, 2018
    10
    Magnum opus of masterpieces. Spiritual pilgrimage of martial arts, culture, and humanity. Epiphanic.
  19. Kos1983
    Aug 21, 2018
    10
    The best game ever made is back.If you consider yourself a gamer then go and take it right now.Anything less is just stupid...
  20. mjq1986
    Aug 21, 2018
    10
    Shenmue 2 is the greatest video game of all time. Action packed, dramatic, charming, and full of minute details that will keep your interest for hours. Shenmue 1 is also terrific, but an appetizer for the greatness that is Shenmue 2. In my opinion, everyone who is interested in video games should play these two games.
  21. Tenjin
    Aug 21, 2018
    10
    This game LITERALLY changed my life. Yes that's right. I live in Japan. Japanese wife and son. And it all started with Shenmue. This series was great back then and now it has been ported up to modern systems with all the enhancements to smoothen it out while keeping the integrity of the original experience intact. Warning! If you have ADD, if you have low patience, if you need constantThis game LITERALLY changed my life. Yes that's right. I live in Japan. Japanese wife and son. And it all started with Shenmue. This series was great back then and now it has been ported up to modern systems with all the enhancements to smoothen it out while keeping the integrity of the original experience intact. Warning! If you have ADD, if you have low patience, if you need constant gratification, this game is not for you. However, if you can get past the first hour or 2 and into the meat of the story, chances are it will sink it's teeth into you and never let you go. The story, music, graphics and gameplay were revolutionary back in 1999 and playing it today is still a master class in how a game should be made. It has so much character. You will fall in love if you let it. Buy it, play it, love it, support it.… Expand
  22. Kiryu1120
    Aug 22, 2018
    10
    Cleaned up, smoother, fresher versions of the 2 greatest games ever made. Any reviews judging the graphics or control style are judging unfairly. It's an old game with old mechanics, but old doesn't mean worse. Most games today bore me to death. Go to point A with marker, go to point B with marker, go to point C with marker. Shoot lots of guns, trigger bash and repeat...... Shenmue hasCleaned up, smoother, fresher versions of the 2 greatest games ever made. Any reviews judging the graphics or control style are judging unfairly. It's an old game with old mechanics, but old doesn't mean worse. Most games today bore me to death. Go to point A with marker, go to point B with marker, go to point C with marker. Shoot lots of guns, trigger bash and repeat...... Shenmue has atmosphere, storytelling, unique characters and world, and to this day it's incredibly fun to play. 10/10… Expand
  23. gustavorios2
    Aug 21, 2018
    10
    very well done port. The fans will love this and newcomers will also enjoy. I'm very happy this perfect port exists and now I can hope for a remaster.
    Don`t expect high definition audio or textures (At least on PS4) this is a true original Shenmue experience but in high resolution and superb performance.
  24. RoderikR
    Aug 23, 2018
    10
    To me, Shenmue is by far the greatest video game of all time. It is an exceptional master piece and a true work of art. This remaster is really well done. Everything looks exactly as it should and the option to turn enhancements on and off is a very nice extra. To the people here who have not (yet) found the patience to enjoy this game, there is one thing you need to keep in mind that ITo me, Shenmue is by far the greatest video game of all time. It is an exceptional master piece and a true work of art. This remaster is really well done. Everything looks exactly as it should and the option to turn enhancements on and off is a very nice extra. To the people here who have not (yet) found the patience to enjoy this game, there is one thing you need to keep in mind that I remember from an old Shenmue review: "Shenmue is a game that was made with incredible love and patience and that is also how it should be played."… Expand
  25. kenw77
    Aug 21, 2018
    10
    An amazing, timeless, incredibly immersive game that everyone should play. It has a fantastic, detailed world full of life and atmosphere. The story is intriguing and mysterious. The characters are likeable and charming. It has one of the best soundtracks ever created for a video game. The combat is a lot of fun. Yes the graphics are old, the controls are not what you may be used to todayAn amazing, timeless, incredibly immersive game that everyone should play. It has a fantastic, detailed world full of life and atmosphere. The story is intriguing and mysterious. The characters are likeable and charming. It has one of the best soundtracks ever created for a video game. The combat is a lot of fun. Yes the graphics are old, the controls are not what you may be used to today and the English voice acting isn't the greatest. But those are very minor flaws in an otherwise fantastic game that still holds up incredibly well even after almost 20 years.… Expand
  26. Buzin
    Aug 21, 2018
    10
    This is the most immersive and ambitious game I have ever played. Shenmue is not just a simple game, but an amazing experience/journey. This game is without a doubt a masterpiece.
  27. amirff7
    Aug 21, 2018
    10
    First time player. Game is a one of a kind unique experience, everyone should try
  28. Chiyou
    Aug 26, 2018
    10
    Not just a fundamental classic in any video game fan's library. This game caused a change in the way games were made. You play in a very real world in Yokosuka in the 1980's. searching every part of dubuita for the mystery of who was the man who killed your father. Along the way there are so many activities to do that you'll spend Ryo's allowance far too quickly. You'll need to get a jobNot just a fundamental classic in any video game fan's library. This game caused a change in the way games were made. You play in a very real world in Yokosuka in the 1980's. searching every part of dubuita for the mystery of who was the man who killed your father. Along the way there are so many activities to do that you'll spend Ryo's allowance far too quickly. You'll need to get a job at the harbor to replenish your habits of capsule toys, arcade machines, buying pointless snacks just for a chance to win a raffle, and gambling at the casino. If you want to have a lot of fun play with the english audio.. but if you want to take the story a little more serious try out the japanese audio.

    Now for the other part.. D3T did a decent job at porting the game to PC, XB1, and PS4... However they clearly had far too big of a job for the tiny company that they were. They shipped the game with quite a few bugs, Most of them don't break the game but they are annoyances for a superfan who wants to see everything run smoothly. It does however run smoothly, especially when comparing it to the dreamcast and xbox versions. However occasions do pop up where things that clearly should have been noticed by the developers will catch your eye. This game has 2 trophies on PS4 and some pretty easy trophies/achievements. I wish it was a little more of a challenge to be honest.

    In conclusion: this is a must own.    … Expand
  29. No1Livz4ever
    Aug 21, 2018
    10
    Still the best game ever made. No more, no less .
  30. Sakuragaoka
    Aug 21, 2018
    10
    Don´t hear those who says its mechanics are old, because there was nothing better at that time.
    The pace is slow, and you should be warned IT´S MORE LIKE A GRAPHIC ADVENTURE IN 3D within an OPEN WORLD and AMAZING, REAL TIME DETAILS.

    If you don´t like graphic adventures, then go look somewhere else, but don´t blame the game ;)
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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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