7 Reasons To Play: Shenmue
With Shenmue III coming soon to finish the epic story left behind 20 years ago. Let's review the reasons to play the masterpiece of Shenmue.
7 Reasons to Play: Shenmue | Article image from Sega AM2 - Ys Net

1 HOLI EPIC STORY

Released in 1999 for the late Sega Dreamcast, Shenmue became a groundbreaking game that conquered the world by telling a story of the road to revenge.
Enter the world of Ryo Hazuki and his tragic journey to fulfill an ancient destiny.
Well written sequences, relatable characters (forget about the Smeagol copycat) & new-found-way to play open-world games, behold the work of a masterpiece.
2 FIRST SANDBOX FREEDOM

And, if you loved the freedom of a well made open world game such as GTA, Fallout or Skyrim, Shenmue will make you rethink your choices.
Above all, Shenmue is a explore adventure.
In other words, discover your path by visiting the environments around Ryo's journey, open every drawer, talk to every people, visit every room, play every game to find out your next goal.
In short, Shenmue is a fine & gorgeous life simulator that will challenge your traditional idea on gaming.
3 CLASSIC ASIA

Behold a breathtaking virtual window to Asia.
Thus, with Shenmue, the game master Yū Suzuki introduces us to the life & breath of Japan & China.
Set on the 1986's Yokosuka, Japan of vending machines, arcade games, dojos & above all, martial art epicness.
4 LOVE FOR YOUR EARS

What is a game without its sounds?
So, Shenmue couldn't run from it.
Full orchestral and live instruments combined with synth rhythms created this masterfully cinematic experience that will immerse you (even more) to its revengeful story.

Also, the voice acting for the main characters are on point (and some others will surely make for a funny experience).
BTW, Tom The Hot Dog Dancer for the win.
5 GIVE ME WORK, MASTER

So, this is a life simulator…
We get the eat, sleep, drink, practice…
And, Work?
Yeas, there is work.
But, this is fun.
Enter the work for fork simulator.
So, an epic journey means epic money and in Shenmue is no different to get it by honorable means.
Carrying crates, racing with forklifts, tricking people to play some table games (?) are some of the mini-jobs that will help you reach your destiny.
6 PRESS WHAT, SAY THAT

But, the richness of Shenmue comes with its exploring journey, with clever use of the Dreamcast controls, by talking to people, Ryo will discover the story surrounding his quests.
In addition to the famous QuickTime events that became a brand of the series, you will be immersed by the 3D combat (even with its clunky setups).

In short, with Shenmue enjoy a full exploring adventure that ditches out minimaps, compasses or directions (well used by modern games) to find your new path by entering the life of your environment.
7 TO BE CONTINUED

So, this masterpiece couldn't be left out of its deserved conclusion.
After 20 years of waiting, hardcore fans & delighted newcomers will experience once again the remarkable work of Yū Suzuki with the third chapter of the series.
Finally, by leaving the epic journey of Ryo on hold by so many years, prepare to get the answer of what the heck happened next.
Shenmue III is set to debut this November on PS4 and Windows.
Enjoy this new chapter of the game art by Shenmue, a game that became history with its story.
Have you played any Shenmue game? Tell us your favorite moment below
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