Shenmue II

 Dreamcast
Shenmue II Image
Metascore
88

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

User Score
9.1

Universal acclaim- based on 351 Ratings

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  • Summary: It is the sequel to Shenmue, and was directed by Yu Suzuki of Sega AM2.

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Shenmue Movie 15

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Games Radar
    100
    More action-packed than the original was.
  2. Gaming Age
    100
    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.
  3. Total Video Games
    90
    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. GameSpot
    87
    Shenmue II is so much better than its predecessor, refining nearly every aspect of the original. It's a polished game that serves as a showcase for the DC and the evolution of the RPG genre, and fans should definitely find a way to play it.
  5. GamerWeb Sega
    85
    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.
  6. Core Magazine
    83
    Fans of the original Shenmue will be delighted with the sequel while gamers new to the series should be able to get into the game's deep atmosphere with little difficulty.
  7. Games Domain
    80
    A breathtaking visual experience. X-Box, PS2, and GameCube may have titles that push more polygons, but it's Sega's attention to detail, quality of texture mapping, and the overall scale of the game world that makes Shenmue 2 stand out.

See all 9 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 56 out of 59
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 59
  3. Negative: 1 out of 59
  1. karelpica99
    Dec 21, 2017
    10
    Brilliant from start to finish.I Play many games and this game is my best i ever play is like adream is fantastic.I buy XBOX only for thisBrilliant from start to finish.I Play many games and this game is my best i ever play is like adream is fantastic.I buy XBOX only for this game and i am happy to make that because SHENMUE 2 is brilliant game that i would never forget.10/10… Expand
  2. PeterW.
    Oct 27, 2004
    10
    Awesome,one of the greatest games i have ever played.....a masterpeice.cant wait for the third instalment, if it ever comes.
  4. CitizenCook
    Mar 26, 2011
    10
    Quite simply the greatest game ever made. Amazing story, amazing characters, great gameplay and graphics. Something truly special. WorthQuite 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
  5. hoogafanter
    Aug 3, 2017
    10
    This is the single greatest gaming experience I have ever had. I was enthralled from start to finish, and the ending left me wanting more. TheThis is the single greatest gaming experience I have ever had. I was enthralled from start to finish, and the ending left me wanting more. The atmosphere is glorious, gameplay is solid, and story is phenomenal. Best game to ever grace this console easily...

    It's the software personification of the dreamcast IMO. Just as Dreamcast symbolizes the end of a hardcore gaming era whilst trailblazing the future of the industry(for better or worse), Shenmue is the prime software example of this. A beautifully animated character driven narrative focused open world game, now of which are a dime a dozen, but with arcadish gameplay and a sense of immersion that still has yet to be matched 18 years later.

    Absolutely everything about Shenmue, just like the dreamcast itself, was painfully detailed and no effort was spared. It also pioneered and/or popularized so many common modern gaming tropes its astounding. So much that we take for granted today was absolutely breathtaking with the release of Shenmue...    … Expand
  6. vanjoelsandwich
    Aug 17, 2018
    10
    What a great expirience! Following the first game wich was spectacular for its time, Shenmue ll continues the story with many many greatWhat a great expirience! Following the first game wich was spectacular for its time, Shenmue ll continues the story with many many great climax moments. Outstanding graphics for the time, memorable soundtrack and plenty of minigames and things to do make this game a 10 out of 10 for me.… Expand
  7. outlived
    Apr 5, 2014
    10
    Made by Yu Suzuki, creator of the renowned Virtue Fighter franchise. This game offers similar in depth fighting, but adds open worldMade by Yu Suzuki, creator of the renowned Virtue Fighter franchise. This game offers similar in depth fighting, but adds open world exploration with loads of interactive stuff to collect and mess around with.
    Its depressing SEGA has not released HD remasters for modern platforms.
    Truly this series has grown legendary and if it released would cause a huge mass hysteria amongst the growing fan base.    … Expand
  8. bobscary
    Mar 31, 2014
    4
    im not saying its bad, but when i play a game im looking for gamplay, which is something this game doesn't do well, its literally a whole gameim not saying its bad, but when i play a game im looking for gamplay, which is something this game doesn't do well, its literally a whole game based on quick time events, one of the major sins of video games, not to Mention its high production value is one of the many reasons the dreamcast died. the only thing that's good here is the story… Expand

See all 59 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best Dreamcast Game of 2001
2
#2 Most Discussed Dreamcast Game of 2001
2
#2 Most Shared Dreamcast Game of 2001