Played Shenmue 1 only.
I missed the Dreamcast first time around, so for me Shenmue existed only as a vague imagined experience, scant details stolen from flicking through magazines in shops, an unknowable Valhalla. A few years ago I borrowed a Dreamcast and a bag of games, played with it for a month or so, and returned it with a note saying simply "Shenmue is rubbish".
Having just finished 1 & 2, I feel like I've been on a huge roundabout journey where I am now able to both stand by this statement AND vehemently argue against it.
I'm not sure any game has ever made me think so much about what games are, what they could be, whether I'm understanding or assuming the creator's intentions, the limitations of the concept of "less is more"...I almost don't want to write any of it down though, as my thoughts (much like the game) are an absolute jumble, and I feel like it's already been dissected to hell and back. I think I want to just read and learn as much about it as possible, because honestly I cannot currently fathom the mind that made so many of the decisions shaping the entirety of what it is I think about when I hear the word "Shenmue".
I keep writing things and deleting them. Shenmue has broken my brain, wide open, and shit is falling out everywhere. I can't possibly score this game. It's been something I have come to consider as an essential experience, but also one I'm not sure I could ever bring myself to repeat, because without the epiphanies about games and myself, what's left is more often than not a frustrating mess. I loved it and I'm done with it.
installs Shenmue 3
Having just finished 1 & 2, I feel like I've been on a huge roundabout journey where I am now able to both stand by this statement AND vehemently argue against it.
I'm not sure any game has ever made me think so much about what games are, what they could be, whether I'm understanding or assuming the creator's intentions, the limitations of the concept of "less is more"...I almost don't want to write any of it down though, as my thoughts (much like the game) are an absolute jumble, and I feel like it's already been dissected to hell and back. I think I want to just read and learn as much about it as possible, because honestly I cannot currently fathom the mind that made so many of the decisions shaping the entirety of what it is I think about when I hear the word "Shenmue".
I keep writing things and deleting them. Shenmue has broken my brain, wide open, and shit is falling out everywhere. I can't possibly score this game. It's been something I have come to consider as an essential experience, but also one I'm not sure I could ever bring myself to repeat, because without the epiphanies about games and myself, what's left is more often than not a frustrating mess. I loved it and I'm done with it.
installs Shenmue 3
I thought shenmue offered an interesting premise to try, but it lacks what it takes to really sell it to you. I couldn't even bear to finish 1
The progression is too slow in the beginning, and with the game pushing multiple waiting limitations without enough activities to fill it, i found myself leaving the game running on numerous occasions just to pass the time. This was a deal breaker for me ultimately.
The combat wasn't even the most interesting game element.
If i ever decide to give it another shot, i'll be skipping to 2 directly.
The progression is too slow in the beginning, and with the game pushing multiple waiting limitations without enough activities to fill it, i found myself leaving the game running on numerous occasions just to pass the time. This was a deal breaker for me ultimately.
The combat wasn't even the most interesting game element.
If i ever decide to give it another shot, i'll be skipping to 2 directly.
Finished the first and left it at the beginning of 2. Good games but either they are showing it's age or were a little too overhyped.
Edit: Shenmue II is a slogfest, I can't bring mysefl to play it, specially after seeing how bad Shenmue III. At this point is really not worth it to keep this series afloat.
Edit: Shenmue II is a slogfest, I can't bring mysefl to play it, specially after seeing how bad Shenmue III. At this point is really not worth it to keep this series afloat.
I'm giving it a shot OKAY!
These games are both 5 star games but this port job leaves something to be desired. Shenmue gets away pretty clean but the sound emulation is done dirty in Shenmue II + the cut-scenes being a different aspect ratio than the gameplay is a disappointment. I understand there wasn't much they could do about it and it's by no means a dealbreaker but I'll individually rate the games 5 stars, not the collection.
Worst games ever. I tried to get into them. I know they are a product of it's time, I remember it. Even in that mentality these games are terrible. I can usually see the bright side of even bad games but these are trash. They are designed to waste your time. They don't have good interactions, the characters are beyond bland, the story is terrible, combat is atrotious and it adds up to nothing in the end.
Platinum #86 and 87
Platinum #86 and 87
These games have not aged gracefully. QTEs are basically all over the place, and the game can become a bit of a chore to play, especially with trying to manage a schedule of events. The dialogue has aged horribly, as has some of the gameplay.
It's Yakuza before Yakuza. I appreciate for what it is, but Yakuza does it better.
I bought this for 7 euros and I don't feel ripped off
In both games there is a bit of padding but it's more noticeable in Shenmue 2
Great music
In both games there is a bit of padding but it's more noticeable in Shenmue 2
Great music
My favourite games of all time. I still love them as much now as I did back on the Dreamcast.