Shenmue 2 (Sega Dreamcast) Review Follow-up
With Shenmue 3 in the works, how does that change my impression of Shenmue 2?
Covering Shenmue 2 was very much outside my comfort zone. It’s a franchise with a lot of fans; it’s deep and grueling and the entertainment doesn’t come from the gameplay.
In saying that, I dived into Shenmue 2 to see how a total newcomer would cope with this game? Honestly, it was fine. Story was simple enough to pick-up, the game itself is very easy (talk to someone, ask questions, find out where to go), and I stand by my decision not to play the first game, I still don’t feel compelled (and the current prices aren’t helping).
When I first covered the game, I apologised in the review. This wasn’t going to be a big, in-depth review of the game. I’m a newcomer to the series and I thought that was a powerful angle to approach if this game is still worth checking out today.
The review itself touched on the unlikelihood of a third Shenmue game, crazy idea right? Seems like Yu Suzuki called my bluff. A lot of the points in that review, especially regarding story, kind of hinged on the lack of an ending. I didn’t get invested in the story at the time because I assumed it’d never end so… I didn’t finish the game at the time. I had my first few adventures in Kowloon, the walled city, and felt like things were winding down.
I released the review without finishing the game (it’s a damn big game for the Dreamcast) but with Shenmue 3 going into development, I felt like it was time to return to Shenmue 2, finish the game and share my thoughts on how Shenmue 3 changes how I feel about the series in general.
So how did I feel finishing Shenmue 2? I still don’t feel like I need a Shenmue 3. It’s exciting, I’d love to go on that final adventure but the way Shenmue 2 winds down makes me feel at peace. Ryo’s journey will go on regardless if the game ever comes out or not. It’s like a movie with an open ending, where you go on a journey with the characters but you never truly know if they make it to their destination. You were always just along for a chapter in their lives.
That’s not to say I won’t play Shenmue 3, but even if it doesn’t happen (or something goes wrong), Shenmue 2 is still a super impressive entry. I feel like it works as a stand alone title and has a lot of value as a game.
In the video mentioned 2 documentaries called ‘In Ryo’s Footsteps’ produced by a fellow Aussie YouTuber, you can check out the first part of the documentary here covering the locations from the second Shenmue game.
