Longevity

Spanning 3 discs and an extra passport disc, Shenmue Chapter One has a lot to offer. If you were to play through the game only hitting the main events it would take approximately 15 hours. However, to enjoy the game to its fullest an average game will take 30 to 40 hours. Where many media outlets reviewed the game only after playing a few hours of it, I played through the entire game 3 times enjoying everything the game has to offer. I still have a couple of secrets to find. With all of the varied game modes and extras thrown into this game, players will want to come back and play this game again and again.


Final Word

In the end the first chapter of Shenmue is not quite what Yu Suzuki had envisioned. We can clearly see that he will get closer to his realization with each installment. Suzuki promised Full Reactive Eyes Entertainment (FREE) where we could explore anything in the virtual world. Yes you can venture into many places but I would have liked to seen even more interaction. How about singing Karaoke or riding a bicycle around town. Easily the most ambitious title ever developed for a console, Shenmue succeeds in its attempt to mix elements of action, adventure and mystery. This game will put a smile on even the most skeptical of gamers. Shenmue is a mostly boundless experience and wonderful story that reinvents the genre. This is what Dreamcast was made for and thus, Shenmue screams next generation.

A word of caution to people thinking about importing Shenmue. The game is pure Japanese all the way through. Even with translation guides, you will miss out on the great storyline. Just hold tight a few months more while Sega Of America gets it ready. You will not be disappointed.



Review By: Micheal Weatherup

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