One of the few games that approaches poetry and is great art whilst fun to play: a revolution.
Why Shenmue is revolutionary: quite simply because it alters the relationship that games have to the banal material of everyday life. Instead of simply ignoring any kind of relationship to the 'lifeworld' of the average gamer (as so many games do) in Shenmue you, for instance, get a job, hang out with your girlfriend, play video games at home or in the arcade, listen to music on your cd player, etc., etc. Few games have created a game-world as immersive as the one offered in Shenmue.
Although it may sound boring, Shenmue is superbly varied in its gameplay and pacing. The story is well-done, the cutscenes are excellent, and the sense of mystery keeps you playing wondering what twist awaits next. It's an extremely cinematic game: although it doesn't have the pyrotechnics of say Metal Gear Solid, it has a maturity in its storyline and presentation which is highly refreshing.
Back in the heady days of Dreamcast, Shenmue was amazing and I wholly expect it to be as brilliant and fresh now.