• Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Nov 7, 2000
Shenmue Image
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critics What's this?

User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 71 Ratings

  • Summary: Indeed, while Shenmue is revolutionary, the game is far from perfect.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Shenmue II literally is 5 times the game Shenmue: Chapter 1 is...an incredible experience for me, from start to finish. The core gameplay formula isn’t much different from the first game, just packed with more action and improvements.
  2. More action-packed than the original was.
  3. The big improvement for me is that everything is a lot less linear then before; it really does feel that your actions directly influence Ryo’s progress through the adventure.
  4. A disappointing sequel; it’s just not as good as the original which was in my opinion one of the greatest games of all time, it really was magical. Graphically it’s superior, but gameplay-wise, it’s just more of the same, albeit at a considerably slower pace.

See all 9 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 30
  2. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. Quite simply the greatest game ever made. Amazing story, amazing characters, great gameplay and graphics. Something truly special. Worth buying a Dreamcast just for this one game. Expand
  2. Tekke
    10
    Shenmue-step into another reality!
  3. 8
    I was reminded of this game while playing Heavy Rain recently and I can see how at the time this game was such a breakthrough in gaming. At it's heart an RPG but different to anything made to that point. A great experience overall. Expand
  4. LaneB.
    5
    Overrated, Slooooooooooow, Clone of Shenmue 1.

See all 30 User Reviews

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