Shenmue 1 & 2

  • August 21, 2018
76%
Game Brain Score Based on 22 reviews
  • optimization
  • story
  • graphics
Shenmue 1 & 2 Game Cover
The Shenmue II & II collection is hands down, the best way to experience these title (warts and all) , for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
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"Shenmue 1 & 2 is a revenge-driven tale set in the 1980s, where Ryo Hazuki seeks his father's killer and the stolen Dragon Mirror. Immerse in a living world with NPCs, action-packed side quests, and realistic environments. This definitive edition offers updated UI, choice of controls, and Japanese audio, promising an unforgettable experience."

  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

76%
Audience ScoreBased on 22 reviews
graphics1 positive mentions
optimization2 negative mentions
  • Shenmue I & II are pioneering titles that offer a unique and immersive open-world experience, showcasing strong world design and engaging side activities.
  • The collection serves as a great way for newcomers to experience these classic games while also providing nostalgia for longtime fans.
  • Visuals have received a noticeable boost, and the games still hold up well despite their age, making them worth revisiting.
  • The games suffer from awkward controls, poor audio quality, and some aspects that have not aged well, which may make them inaccessible to new players.
  • There are recurring bugs and minor glitches that detract from the overall experience, along with a lack of quality of life improvements.
  • While the games are considered important in gaming history, they may not be enjoyable for everyone due to their outdated mechanics and pacing.
  • optimization2 mentions

    The optimization of the collection is criticized for lacking in key areas and being hindered by recurring bugs, yet it still offers an authentic presentation of Shenmue 1 and 2. Despite some outdated elements, the games remain engaging and possess a certain charm that appeals to players willing to overlook these issues.

    • “Despite a lack of optimization in needed areas and some aspects of both games that haven't aged very well, this collection presents a good excuse to jump back into Shenmue 1 and 2, both of which remain inherently engaging games even today.”
    • “The ports are let down by a handful of recurring bugs, but are otherwise presented authentically.”
  • story2 mentions

    The game's story is highly praised for its engaging narrative, which remains beloved by fans, while the free roam mode has been updated to a wider 16:9 aspect ratio. However, some players note that cutscenes are still locked to a 4:3 format, which may detract from the overall experience for those accustomed to modern visuals. Overall, the game prioritizes storytelling, appealing particularly to arcade diehards.

    • “This game puts story above all.”
    • “The same engaging story beloved by fans.”
    • “Free roam mode expanded to 16:9 ratio.”
    • “The cutscenes are locked to '4:3', which feels outdated and limits the visual experience.”
    • “The game prioritizes story above all else, but it often feels convoluted and poorly executed.”
    • “Despite the large install size of 22 gigabytes, the narrative fails to deliver a compelling experience.”
  • graphics1 mentions

    The graphics in Shenmue 1 and 2 have received a noticeable enhancement, showcasing strong and immersive world design that captivates players. The visuals effectively complement the addictive side activities, making it a convenient experience for both newcomers and returning fans.

    • “The core strengths of Shenmue 1 and 2 continue to shine brightly, with strong and immersive world design and addictive side activities. The visuals have received a noticeable boost.”
  • stability1 mentions

    Overall, the stability of the game is marked by minimal changes from the original versions, though players have reported minor glitches prior to launch. Additionally, camera control remains cumbersome and frustrating, impacting the overall gameplay experience.

    • “There were minimal changes from the original games, and I encountered minor glitches even before the launch.”
    • “The camera control is still cumbersome and frustrating, making it hard to enjoy the game.”
    • “The game suffers from stability issues that detract from the overall experience.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

76% average critic score

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