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Chris Carlsson's Shenmue 2 (XBX)

[January 15, 2008 12:24:12 AM]

Gamelog #1: Shenmue 2 Summary

“Shenmue 2” is the sequel to the game “Shenmue” Released on the SEGA Dreamcast. “Shenmue 2” was only released on the Dreamcast in Asia and Europe as Microsoft paid SEGA of America for the rights to the Shenmue franchise. Fortunately, I was able to return to the series after an eight-year hiatus after having found a copy of Shenmue 2 for the original xbox in a bargain bin recently.

Graphics:
Even from the first cinematic it is evident that Microsoft put little effort into updating the graphics in Shenmue 2. Even in the introductory cinematic of the protagonist Ryo sailing on freighter to Hong Kong to avenge his honorable father who was murdered by a Chinese crime lord, the esthetic quality of the game looks like a direct port from the Dreamcast. The blocky extremities of the character models really dulled the excitement and did not meet the expectations that I held for a sequel to one of my favorite games on a once next generation console.

Gameplay:
Beyond the underwhelming graphics, I still look forward to the very in-depth fighting mechanics that the original Shenmue was able to execute so perfectly. Half an hour into the game, however, the only action elements that I have seen are an arm wrestling match that tests my dexterity in pressing the “X” button, and a running sequence that has Ryo trying NOT to harm townspeople. Ironically this makes me want to harm the townspeople, and SEGA and Microsoft aren’t letting me do it. Though the game’s introduction is slow moving, I still have high hopes for being able to beat up street thugs and crooks with a lexicon of fighting moves that I have yet to learn.
Second Hour Review:

Gameplay 2:
The second hour revealed how similar Shenmue 2 and its precursor really are. Much of my time was spent building up relationships with streetwise characters and introducing new henchmen to the Hong Kong scene. Ryo has been subjected to many odd-jobs as his money was stolen and needs money for food and a mat to sleep on. There is still a lack of excitement, however I remember that the original Shenmue was the same way. It seems that once I have made enough money to continue on my quest of finding my father’s murderer I will be taken to multiple environments. I remember watching the trailer for the game and seeing Ryo escaping a prison and meeting two buxom female characters that will probably make the game more exciting.

Overview/Predictions:
It seems as though Shenmue 2 is basing a large part of its appeal on scripted interactions with anyone in town. This feature is supposed to add realism to bring the player into the universe more, but the lack-luster graphics are working to detach the player. Once action has taken the place of the exposition, this game should really take off, and allow me to forgive the graphical failures. Another couple hours and hopefully I’ll be hooked on the series once again.