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CRITIK

Shenmue I & II

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Shenmue I & II
Item: Shenmue I & II
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2018

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Crime, Open World, RPG, Single Player

AvailableAug 21, 2018

PlatformPC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

DeveloperSega, d3t Ltd

Overview

"Originally released for the Dreamcast in 2000 and 2001, Shenmue I & II is an open world action adventure combining jujitsu combat, investigative sleuthing, RPG elements, and memorable mini-games. It pioneered many aspects of modern gaming, including open world city exploration, and was the game that coined the Quick Time Event (QTE). It was one of the first games with a persistent open world, where day cycles to night, weather changes, shops open and close and NPCs go about their business all on their own schedules. Its engrossing epic story and living world created a generation of passionate fans, and the game consistently makes the list of “greatest games of all time”."

Elsewhere

8.5

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

75%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Shenmue I & II are generally positive. Many critics praise the engaging and compelling revenge plot, which follows the protagonist Ryo Hazuki as he seeks to avenge his father's death at the hands of Lan Di. The story is described as immersive, ambitious, and original, with RPG Site even calling it Yu Suzuki's magnum opus. Critics like GameWatcher and CGMagazine highlight the well-developed characters and the protagonist's growth throughout the games. COGconnected, Hardcore Gamer, and God is a Geek specifically mention the mix of martial arts action and murder mystery elements in the story, which adds depth and engagement. IGN Italia and PlayStation LifeStyle appreciate the unique and beautiful narrative that unfolds through exploration and dialogue with NPCs. However, there are some criticisms regarding the story of Shenmue I & II. GameCritics mentions that the story is straightforward and unfinished, with a sequel hook in the final moments. Metro GameCentral criticizes the slow-paced and glacially slow progression of the story, as well as weak dialogue and poor characterization. RPG Fan points out that the main story takes a long time to progress and suffers from a slow pace, while the awkward localization hampers the serious nature of Ryo's revenge story. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Shenmue I & II is engaging, immersive, and captivating. It is praised for its revenge plot, well-developed characters, and mix of martial arts action and mystery elements. Critics appreciate the ambition and originality of the story, with some considering it a magnum opus. However, there are criticisms regarding the story's slow pace, unfinished nature, and localization issues. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment is positive, with critics like COGconnected, GameWatcher, and RPG Site highlighting the game's immersive storytelling experience and compelling plot.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics generally praise the engaging revenge plot and well-developed characters in the story of Shenmue I & II, calling it immersive and ambitious. Some critics mention criticisms like slow pace and unfinished elements, but overall, the consensus is positive for its captivating narrative and mix of martial arts action and mystery.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

17%

Mixed (50-79)

79%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Shenmue I & II are varied, but there are some common positive aspects that stand out. Many critics praise the game's open-world exploration and interactive sandbox environments, which allow players to enter numerous buildings and interact with various objects. The inclusion of side activities and mini-games, such as playing arcade games, driving forklifts, and practicing martial arts, adds depth and variety to the gameplay experience. Critics like COGconnected and Digital Chumps appreciate the lack of hand-holding in the game, which adds to its charm and allows players to explore and discover at their own pace. The combat system, while not universally praised, is considered decent by God is a Geek and PlayStation LifeStyle, with the ability to learn and practice different moves adding depth to the fighting sequences. The inclusion of quick-time events (QTEs) in both combat and cutscenes is also mentioned positively by several critics, including FANDOM and Cubed3. However, there are also several negative aspects of the gameplay that critics point out. One common criticism is the slow pace of the game, with some critics like GameCritics and We Got This Covered mentioning that it may not appeal to modern gamers who prefer faster-paced action. The controls and camera are also criticized by JeuxActu and Metro GameCentral for being clunky and problematic, which can lead to frustration and a less smooth gameplay experience. RPG Site and ZTGD mention the clunky controls as a negative aspect, with the former also pointing out obtuse gameplay systems. The combat is another point of contention, with some critics like GameCritics and Metro GameCentral feeling that it is pedestrian and too easy most of the time. The movement of the main character, Ryo, is criticized by ZTGD for being too slow, adding to the frustration. Overall, the critics' consensus on the gameplay of Shenmue I & II is mixed. While there are positive aspects such as the open-world exploration, interactive environments, and the inclusion of side activities and mini-games, there are also negative aspects such as the slow pace, clunky controls, and pedestrian combat. Some critics, like Digital Chumps and Trusted Reviews, appreciate the revolutionary nature of the gameplay for its time and the improvements in the remaster. However, the general sentiment seems to be that the gameplay may not appeal to modern gamers who are accustomed to faster-paced action and more polished controls. Ultimately, the gameplay of Shenmue I & II is a unique and self-paced experience that may be appreciated by fans of the series and those who enjoy exploration and immersion, but it may not be for everyone.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on the gameplay of Shenmue I & II. Positive aspects include open-world exploration, interactive environments, side activities like arcade games and forklift driving, and lack of hand-holding. However, negative points like slow pace, clunky controls, and pedestrian combat are noted. While some appreciate its revolutionary nature, others feel it may not appeal to modern gamers. Overall, Shenmue I & II offer a unique, self-paced experience suited for fans of the series and exploration enthusiasts, but it may not be for everyone.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

34%

Mixed (50-79)

59%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Shenmue I & II are varied. Several critics, such as COGconnected and Hardcore Gamer, praise the graphics and visual design of the game. They mention the increased clarity and detail, the option to play in a widescreen aspect ratio, and the presence of visual filters. IGN Italia also commends the remastering team's excellent work in terms of cleaning, rendering, colors, contrasts, and lighting, stating that the visuals are breathtaking. TheXboxHub highlights the highly detailed open-world environments and the HD presentation with widescreen support. On the other hand, some critics express disappointment with the graphics and visual design of Shenmue I & II. GameCritics and Digital Chumps mention that the textures and modeling look outdated, with flat textures and awkward face movements. JeuxActu criticizes the lack of visual improvements in the remastered version, stating that there is no difference from the original games. IGN Spain states that the visuals and sound design have not aged well and may not meet current standards. Xbox Tavern mentions occasional low-resolution textures. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that while Shenmue I & II may show their age and have some graphical limitations, there are still positive aspects to appreciate. The game is praised for its detailed and immersive world design, attention to detail in the environments and character routines, and the ability to play in different aspect ratios. However, there are criticisms regarding outdated graphics, flat textures, and lack of visual improvements in the remastered version. Despite these negatives, the overall sentiment suggests that the graphics and visual design of Shenmue I & II still hold up to some extent and can be appreciated for their nostalgic charm and art direction.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed opinions on the graphics of Shenmue I & II. Some praise the increased clarity and detail, while others criticize outdated textures and lack of improvements in the remastered version. Despite its flaws, the game's immersive world design and nostalgic charm still resonate with fans.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

15%

Mixed (50-79)

65%

Negative (0-49)

20%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Shenmue I & II are quite varied. Some critics praised the game's music and sound design, while others had more negative feedback. Starting with the positives, several critics highlighted the game's soundtrack as a standout feature. CGMagazine described it as "incredible" and mentioned that it adds charm to the overall experience. The Games Machine also praised the "phenomenal" soundtrack and attention to detail in sound design, stating that it has not aged a day. These positive remarks indicate that the music in Shenmue I & II is a strong aspect of the game. On the other hand, there were several negative comments regarding the voice acting and audio quality. GameCritics, GameGrin, and PlayStation LifeStyle all criticized the English voice acting, with GameCritics even calling it "uniformly terrible." IGN Spain and JeuxActu also mentioned that the voice acting is not up to modern standards. Additionally, GameGrin pointed out that the audio quality is noticeably compressed, while God is a Geek mentioned that the sound appears muffled and the dialogue is not clear. These criticisms suggest that the voice acting and audio quality in the game could have been improved. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a mixed opinion on the Sound Design and Music of Shenmue I & II. While there are positive remarks about the soundtrack and attention to detail in sound design, the negative feedback regarding the voice acting and audio quality cannot be ignored. Critics such as RPG Fan and Push Square mentioned that the addition of a Japanese voice track improves the voice acting quality, indicating that the option to switch between English and Japanese dubs is appreciated. However, the general sentiment seems to be that the audio aspects of the game could have been better executed.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics have mixed opinions on Shenmue I & II's Sound Design and Music. Some praise the standout soundtrack and attention to detail, while others criticize the English voice acting and audio quality. The addition of a Japanese voice track is seen as an improvement, but overall, there's room for enhancement in the audio aspects of the game.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

42%

Negative (0-49)

53%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in Shenmue I & II are quite divided. Some critics, such as GameWatcher and CGMagazine, praise the voice acting, mentioning that it is well done and adds charm to the game. CGMagazine even states that the English voice acting is a return for fans of the original North American release. Additionally, FANDOM mentions that the English voice acting, although hammy, adds charm to the game. These positive opinions highlight that there are some aspects of the voice acting that are enjoyable and can enhance the overall experience for certain players. On the other hand, several critics express negative opinions about the voice acting in Shenmue I & II. GameCritics, for example, states that the voice acting is uniformly terrible. GameGrin criticizes the English voice acting, describing it as stilted and unnatural, with Ryo often asking vague questions and repeating phrases. Hardcore Gamer also criticizes the English voice acting, mentioning its iffy quality and lower sound quality. They suggest switching to the Japanese dialogue with English subtitles for a better experience. Metro GameCentral adds that the voice acting is often awkwardly translated and shows bad voice-acting. These negative opinions highlight issues with the quality, delivery, and translation of the voice acting, which can detract from the overall immersion and enjoyment of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards negative opinions regarding the voice acting in Shenmue I & II. Critics such as JeuxActu, PlayStation Country, PlayStation LifeStyle, Push Square, TheXboxHub, and XGN all express negative opinions about the voice acting, ranging from not up to par to laughably bad. Additionally, God is a Geek and RPG Fan recommend playing with the original Japanese voices, suggesting that the English voice acting is not up to the same standard. While there are a few positive opinions mentioned earlier, the majority of the critics' opinions point towards issues with the voice acting, including poor delivery, awkward translations, and a lack of emotion. These negative aspects seem to overshadow any positive elements, resulting in an overall consensus that the voice acting in Shenmue I & II is subpar.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics are divided on the voice acting in Shenmue I & II. Some praise it for adding charm, while others criticize it as terrible, stilted, and awkwardly translated. The majority lean towards negative opinions, suggesting playing with the original Japanese voices for a better experience. Overall, the consensus is that the voice acting in Shenmue I & II falls short of expectations, with issues in quality, delivery, and immersion.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

18%

Mixed (50-79)

55%

Negative (0-49)

27%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance for each gaming platform, there are both positive and negative aspects to consider. Starting with the positives, the PC version of Shenmue I & II seems to have benefited from reduced loading times between levels, as mentioned by COGconnected. Additionally, GameGrin highlights that the PC port supports supersampling and borderless windowed mode, providing players with some visual options. On the other hand, the PS4 version of the game, as noted by FANDOM, offers a stable experience overall, with a solid 30fps framerate and improved UI. Furthermore, God is a Geek mentions that many bugs from the original release have been removed, making the game more enjoyable to play. Moving on to the negatives, the PC version of Shenmue I & II has some drawbacks. GameGrin mentions that the port has a mixed performance, with cutscenes in a 4:3 aspect ratio and a 30 frames per second cap. GameWatcher adds that the frame rate is locked at 30, which may disappoint some players. As for the PS4 version, there are reports of technical issues. JeuxActu mentions bugs and frame rate drops, while Push Square highlights recurring bugs, including audio bugs that can ruin key scenes. Trusted Reviews goes even further, stating that the game has terrible and frequent technical issues, such as graphical glitches and audio mix problems. The Xbox One version, according to TheXboxHub, also suffers from various bugs, including some game-breaking ones like crashes during cutscenes and fixed camera positions. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the technical performance of Shenmue I & II is mixed across all gaming platforms. While there are some positive aspects, such as improved load times on PC and a stable experience on PS4, there are also significant negatives, including technical issues, bugs, and limitations in terms of frame rate and controls. It is worth noting that some critics, like RPG Fan and The Games Machine, mention minor issues but still consider the game stable. However, the overall sentiment leans towards a need for prompt patching to address the technical flaws, as mentioned by Push Square.

TL;DR

technical performance

Shenmue I & II's technical performance varies across platforms. PC has faster loading times and visual options, but suffers from mixed performance and frame rate issues. PS4 offers stability but faces bugs and frame rate drops. Xbox One also has bugs like crashes. Critics suggest the game needs patches to address technical flaws.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

15%

Mixed (50-79)

77%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the replay value of Shenmue I & II, it is evident that there are several positive aspects highlighted by the critics. GameGrin mentions that the games offer a variety of mini-games and side activities, making them fun and exciting experiences, especially for newcomers. GameWatcher also praises Shenmue for its side activities and detailed world, stating that it is worth replaying. PlayStation LifeStyle and RPG Fan both emphasize the game's opportunities for earning money, collecting items, and playing arcade games, which contribute to its replay value. Push Square commends the optional world-building and exploration, with numerous buildings to enter and people to interact with, creating a lasting impact on players. However, there are also negative aspects mentioned by some critics. PlayStation Country notes that while the game does offer some replay value with its multiple activities and collectibles, the slow pace and lack of variety may deter some players. The Games Machine criticizes the game for being too easy and allowing players to replay crucial events without penalty, making it less challenging. ZTGD highlights the dated feel of the game compared to newer titles, suggesting that it may be worth considering the Yakuza games as a natural advancement of the genre. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Shenmue I & II do offer replay value. The games provide a variety of side activities, mini-games, and collectibles that can enhance the overall experience. The detailed world and optional exploration also contribute to the replayability. Critics such as COGconnected, IGN Spain, and TheXboxHub emphasize the game's lengthy gameplay and the ability to import data from the first game to the second, increasing replay value. Despite some criticisms regarding the slow pace, lack of challenge, and dated feel, the emotional story and genre-defining gameplay of Shenmue I & II are still regarded as worth experiencing by critics such as XGN and Xbox Tavern. Ultimately, while there are some drawbacks, the overall sentiment is positive, with the majority of critics recognizing the replay value and recommending the games to both newcomers and series fanatics.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics generally agree that Shenmue I & II offer solid replay value due to their variety of side activities, mini-games, and detailed world. While some mention drawbacks like slow pace and lack of challenge, the emotional story and genre-defining gameplay still make them worth experiencing. Overall, critics recommend the games to newcomers and series fans alike.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

35%

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment towards Shenmue I & II is predominantly positive, with many critics praising the game for its unique and engrossing experience. COGconnected commends the game for its great visuals and living world, while GameGrin states that the games are still entertaining and worth playing in 2018. GameWatcher describes Shenmue as an incredible game with a detailed world and well-crafted storytelling, setting a high standard for open-world games. Digital Chumps and God is a Geek both highlight the importance of the re-release, allowing newcomers to experience these games that still hold up today. However, there are some negative aspects that critics point out. Gamersky suggests that Shenmue I & II do not hold up as a competent game in 2018, while Metro GameCentral criticizes the slow pacing, weak dialogue, poor characterization, and sloppy controls. JeuxActu criticizes the remaster for its lack of improvements, and IGN Spain mentions that the outdated mechanics and visuals may not appeal to modern gamers. Overall, the critics' consensus leans towards the positive side, with many acknowledging the historical significance and impact of Shenmue I & II. Trusted Reviews considers them stone-cold classics that still hold up well today, and RPG Fan believes they deserve to be celebrated as seminal products of their time. The remaster is generally seen as a worthwhile experience, especially for fans of the series or those interested in gaming history. However, there is a recognition that the games show their age and may not appeal to everyone, with some flaws in controls, visuals, and pacing. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment is that Shenmue I & II offer a unique and compelling experience that is worth playing.

TL;DR

Critics praise Shenmue I & II for their unique experience, great visuals, and living world. The games are still considered entertaining in 2018, setting a high standard for open-world games. While some criticize the outdated mechanics and slow pacing, the consensus leans towards the positive side, acknowledging their historical significance and impact. The remaster is seen as a worthwhile experience for fans and those interested in gaming history, despite some flaws. Ultimately, Shenmue I & II offer a compelling and unique experience that is worth playing.

CRITIK

Reviews

132 reviews found

Xbox Tavern

Xbox One

Aug 23, 2018