SEGA Shenmue I & II (PS4)

I was a huge fan of the original versions on the Dreamcast, so I was hopeful that they would be as good as I remembered almost 20 years on. The great news is that they are! Graphics still look good considering the age,controls are fine, gameplay is exactly as I remember! Voice acting is, interesting at some points, but things have come a long way in 20 years, so I’ll forgive that, just makes me laugh at some of the lines! The fact that almost all of the other characters are unique, and not just clones says a lot about what they managed to make at that time! It’s an excellent story, and whilst I obviously knew the key parts, there were little bits I’d forgotten that add so much to the overall narrative. Fans of the original will not be left disappointed, and it was a great story refresher for going into Shenmue 3, as I’d forgotten a lot of the ending of Shenmue 2.

I originally acquired these games by buying a Dreamcast with a huge bundle of games and peripherals from a cash strapped friend back in 2002, when I finally got around to playing these strange looking games I was completely blown away and immersed for a couple of weeks.So on hearing I was going to get the chance to revisit the magical locations featured in the two games along with trophy support on the ps4 I put my pre order in straight away.I put around four hours in last night, Initially I found the control system quite clumsy compared to modern games but have now got used to it.The visuals have held up well whilst the sound quality is not great it does its job.Overall I would score this re release 8/10I cannot wait to get home later and find some sailors in Dobuita shopping street... Maybe I should get another.

I didn't have a Dreamcast so I missed out on this game. With the third installment coming out, I decided to purchase Shenmue 1 and 2 in order to make sure I was ready for its sequel. I have to say, this game did not disappointment. A truly enthralling story with engaging characters. Action packed with many philosophies to learn from.I'm glad I played it recently and not back in 1999 and 2001 respectively because I couldn't imagine the agonising wait the Dreamcast fans had to endure. I can't wait for the sequel.Lan Di, we coming for that ass!

Shenmue I seems more of a classic than the second, reason i typed this is because it's way less time consuming than Shenmue II with less QTEs plus the story i really enjoyed more than the second.Shenmue I - i felt more free to have a bout exactly how i wanted it to end.Shenmue II - Had a way more maps with the freedom to go almost anywhere but the freedom to end a bout how i wanted was never an option. Unless you're in one of those free battles.Shenmue I - Dragged the forklift races and jobs on way longer than i expected.Shenmue II - Put way more QTEs during cut scenes and even when in certain buildings if you're following the story that is. The ending can cost you around 5/6 hours of your life of basically walking around and doing QTEs during run hopscotching around logs, rocks, branches, and even preventing yourself from dropping off certain areas. I honestly felt like there was no end to the end of this story. So the platinum trophy speaks for you when you finally get it because that's exactly what i did "Now I Can Sleep".SIDE NOTE: I happen to be one of the very few that literally hates QTEs simply because i see no place for them in video games. Any one thinking of making a game with QTEs may as well put out options to pick a good or bad choices with the exceptions of alternating the story.

The volume levels are all over the place (safety tip: lower the sound effects to 50% before starting a new game), the music volume raises and lowers dramatically every time you enter a new environment; the voice actors are speaking through cushions, with loud popping noises punctuating most sentences; some background effects continue on and on beyond the scene they're accompanying, only switching off randomly or when you quit the game; didn't come across any visual glitches, but they exist, and apparently nothing is game breaking.However, this is Shenmue, with its great story, atmosphere and imperfect gameplay, brimming over with personality and charm, and no amount of laziness on behalf of those charged with porting this cult classic over to modern consoles can dim the brilliance of the original. An absolute treat, and I can't wait for the third one.