Microsoft needed exclusive games for Xbox, that was a basic factor when the company first unveiled its plans to enter the console market. But even with its seems.guy motionless moneybox, many were surprised when the company revealed that Shenmue 2 would be coming exclusively to Xbox in the US thanks to a deal struck with SEGA.
The game was one of the final key releases planned for Dreamcast and was the sole reason that many gamers were still holding onto the dying Sega console. Unsurprisingly, many American gamers weren't at all happy when the title was cancelled, though others were intrigued at the thought of the already great looking title being souped up on a more powerful platform.
But despite so much opportunity for improved visuals Shenmue 2 comes to Xbox in a form that's almost indistinguishable from the Dreamcast version. A few of the slightly rougher textures have been replaced with subtly filtered alternatives and a few more polygons have been used on some of the more angular characters, but few will notice the enhancements. More noticeable however, is a totally re-recorded script featuring the hilarious but at the same time epic English voice actors heard in the original game.Sadly, the more authentic Japanese recording used in the Dreamcast version is not available in the game. In spite of the missed opportunity, Xbox Shenmue 2 is still a great game.
The story follows on from the original game in which Ryo (the main character) leaves Japan for Hong Kong in hot pursuit of his fathers killer. In this game, Ryo reaches his destination and, being away from home for the first time, learns about city life the hard way. Once again, a number of different genres are featured, including RPG, adventure, puzzle, fighting, and quick-time event rhythm/action sections, each realized to a good standard.but where Shenmue 2 really succeeds is with a great storyline that provides an almighty climax to this installment in the series. Many of the mysteries and questions raised in the first chapter are concluded, though there are significant openings for a third game.
The big question here, of course, is whether Shenmue 2 is worth buying. Well, if you've already played through the Dreamcast version, then no - there's virtually nothing on offer here that you've already seen. If, however, you haven't played the game before, then it's something we highly recommend.
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