Shenmue

Shenmue is a video game par excellence. For a western audience it gives us experiences from lands and cultures little known. It is an original and pioneering concept in entertainment, with ideas copied in large budget productions such as GTA IV and Yakuza Ryu Ga Gotoka and production values seen since Final Fantasy X until today.

When Dreamcast owners first saw this game they were stunned at how beautiful the scenery and central characters were drawn. Second viewing and you are aware of the amazing camera work and variety of cut scenes. Third viewing and you realise how immensely rich the score and background music ever present. Fourth viewing and your quest as Ryo Huzuki becomes a world you gladly submit. Fifth viewing and you realise your concept of martial arts is being deepened and nurtured. And beyond a wealth of side games and distractions make the work and world of Shenmue an endearing and longstanding entertainment landmark.

When I found this game by accident. I purchased a Dreamcast because there were already some great titles around. I was completely taken by Shenmue from the first moments of the dramatic opening scene and how that day would shape the central character's life.

Shenmue rewards patient gamers with an enriching experience quite unlike anything else.

Shenmue II is very much similar to Shenmue I although not at all the same experience. I highly recommend Shenmue II as the Xbox game is fully compatible with the xbox360.

But to enjoy the original and in my view the better of the two games you should seek out a Dreamcast and are unlikely to be disappointed if you begin your Shenmue experience here.