Lovely game which builds on the strengths of the first game.
For those who haven't played Shenmue, I'd highly recommend doing so before playing Shenmue 2. It's a game largely based on a story, so playing part two by itself isn't the way to get the most enjoyment out of it. Of course, playing the original isn't easy, so I forgive you if you can't manage to do that. Shenmue 2 is fun to play. It's the type of game I play when I want to just relax and enjoy a game that allows you to control to a large extent, when you pursue to further the story.
I spent a good deal of time, perhaps 5 hours or more, just doing a side quest in the game where you get a female servant at the temple where you are staying in Hong Kong to express her love for you. It isn't easy, but you can develop a relationship with her over the early course of the game and earn a rather difficult to achieve storyline. This type of depth in the game is totally refreshing and give the game a sense of limitless possibility, which is difficult to find in games these days.
This game is inexpensive, perhaps under 10$. For those who played the first game and liked it and wonder whether the second installment is worth it, I tell you that it IS worth it. This is the kind of game I'm sad to finish for the fact that I know it will end. Therefore, I haven't finished it even after a few months of play. It's worth savouring. I can't say that about many games.
And lastly, Sega is the last developer in my opinion to preserve the arcade feel in their games. I love this about Sega.