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. 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.
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. 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.
  6. No1Livz4ever
    Aug 21, 2018
    10
    Still the best game ever made. No more, no less .
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. FilipeGoncalves
    Nov 20, 2018
    10
    An updated version from a masterpiece of his on time..... a must play for a true gamer.... 10/10............
  10. 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
  11. 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...
  12. 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
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. 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 ;)
  16. 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.
  17. 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
  18. reminisce
    Aug 21, 2018
    10
    Magnum opus of masterpieces. Spiritual pilgrimage of martial arts, culture, and humanity. Epiphanic.
  19. 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
  20. spud19870
    Aug 25, 2018
    10
    The game was an absolute revelation back in 1999/2000 and it holds up well now.

    Dive into the story of Ryo Hazuki as he looks to avenge his fathers murder. The story will captivate and enthrall as you move through the narrow, bustling community of Yokosuka, Japan, into the busy Hong Kong of 1986/7 and finally into the quiet peace of Gulin. Yes there are some bugs with sounds and    The game was an absolute revelation back in 1999/2000 and it holds up well now.

    Dive into the story of Ryo Hazuki as he looks to avenge his fathers murder. The story will captivate and enthrall as you move through the narrow, bustling community of Yokosuka, Japan, into the busy Hong Kong of 1986/7 and finally into the quiet peace of Gulin.

    Yes there are some bugs with sounds and other minor issues but these will be fixed.

    I recommend this to new and old players alike.    … Expand
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. eXtremesino
    Aug 21, 2018
    10
    good port for an excellent game. Good pack for newers to know why this game is so loved. A must have no doubts
  27. DaNeash
    Aug 21, 2018
    10
    I have been playing video games since the Super Nintendo, and Shenmue 1 & 2 are by far some of the greatest games I have encountered in my gaming life. Both games are notable for defining many conventional features of modern gaming, from establishing the open world genre, popularising the QTE mechanic and presenting a cinematic feel in a video game. The games also rock some of theI have been playing video games since the Super Nintendo, and Shenmue 1 & 2 are by far some of the greatest games I have encountered in my gaming life. Both games are notable for defining many conventional features of modern gaming, from establishing the open world genre, popularising the QTE mechanic and presenting a cinematic feel in a video game. The games also rock some of the best-looking graphics for gaming in 1999. As a warning: both games have a deliberately slow pace. This is a series built for immersion and exploration and not for fast progression replete with action, guns or explosions with a mini-map, glowing trails and a checkpoint system. The games dare to drop you into a vast virtual world to explore at your leisure and refuses to hold your hand, even forcing you to wait for certain shops to open, meet a character at a particular time or complete mundane tasks to complement its virtual life-simulator experience. However, if you can appreciate the refreshingly deliberate slow-pace, the intriguing story and the profoundly immersive environments, these are some fantastic golden oldies to enjoy, right up there with Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Final Fantasy 7.… Expand
  28. 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
  29. 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!
  30. 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!
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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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