Gameplay: Most of the game is a basic RPG. But there's even more to do then that. There's a fighting mode where you beat up guys, like you do in Tekken or Virtua Fighter. There are many fighting combos to be mastered through out the game. The other thing Shenmue offers is QTE mode. This is where your reflexes come in handy. When you see a button on the screen, press it as quickly as possible. If you press the wrong button, or didn't press it quickly enough, then you'll fail and you might have to do it again. The Game's storyline involves finding clues and hints with the main character, Ryo Hazuki, and finding out his father's murder. But there are many characters in this game that have an important role in the game. In fact, you'll end up seeing them multiple times throughout the game. Other then all the RPG/Fighting stuff, there's fun stuff to do. You can go the Arcade and play games, including arcade classics like Hang-On and Space Harrier. You can also go to a slot house and gamble. There's many things to do in this game. Graphics: Not ground breaking, but Shenmue features some of the best looking details and textures seen on a Dreamcast game. Shenmue trys really hard to prevent showing blocky textures and polygons, though in a few areas, there is a little bit of blocky textures, but not much. The 3D Models are well detailed and one of the best ever seen on the Dreamcast. The Environments are huge, and there's almost no pop up at all. (except for the people walking around) The Framerate is decent, but it sometimes slows down at crowded narrow areas. Still, for a 2000 game, Shenmue has really good graphics. Sound: The soundwork in Shenmue is revolutionary and amazing. Many of the songs in the game are great. I have over 20 favorite songs that are from Shenmue. The Voice acting is pretty good, but there are some poor voices found. But it isn't as annoying as Shenmue II. Yu Suzuki called out many Sega composers to make the soundwork in Shenmue very well done. Composers like Takenobu Mitsuyoshi and Yuzo Koshiro made many songs for Shenmue. Shenmue probably has one of the best songs ever being featured on the Dreamcast. Conclusion: When I tired this game out for the first time, it was hard to get used. But as i played more, i got more into the game. Now it's one of my favorite Dreamcast games. It's so great, i sometimes want to play it again. The game may not have everything that all gamers want, it still features a good variety of features that would appeal RPG and Fighting fans. If you gamers want a game with a strong sense of story, atmosphere (music,artwork, ect.) and game content, Shenmue should be in your collection now. You will not be disappointed at all. I want to thank Yu Suzuki for making such a masterpiece of a game like this. Pros: -Great graphics -One of the most godly soundtracks ever. -Great level designs -Emotional storyline -Good fighting system -Memorable characters -Fun mini-games, such as QTE's and the arcades Cons: -Only a few mediocre voices
Other Helpful Reviews for Shenmue: Isshou Yokosuka
there's no doubt of that shenmue is a great game and the game itself is a reason to buy the sega dreamcast . the story is very simple you are ryo hazuki ,a japanese young man that saw his life destroyed when his fa... Read Full Review
This game made me buy a DC When i first saw it i was AMAZING by the graphics, and the music and story drug me in This game is a real masterpiece, simple enough The only game you will ever find like this is Shenmue 2 ... Read Full Review
