I'm 38 now and I played the hell outa this game with my girlfriend both Shenmue 1 on my DC and Shenmue 2 on my xbox. Now with that same girl now my wife, we our both enjoying this awesome special game together that held so many great memories for us. For years we always quoted "would you like to play a game of lucky hit?" and we would both look at each other and just start cracking up. I can't tell you how many hours I spent at the "You arcade" playing Hang on and Darts omg darts for hours and hours....wow it's crazy to think about how many great memories this game holds.
First time playing Shenmue, one thing I can really appreciate about the first game’s story is that the side characters aren’t as enthusiastic about Ryo going on his revenge tale. I notice this because most games with this plot almost every character is encouraging you to continue no matter what. Shenmue goes a different route and has everyone worry about you which honestly is a little more honest reaction from how people perceive the aspect of revenge.
I am so happy that this is out now! Years ago when I finished Shenmue II the game had already been out for a few years. After I completed the game I searched the internet for hours for when the 3rd game would be coming out. Its incredible that today we are getting Shenmue I&II for modern consoles/pc and will soon be getting Shenmue III. Thanks for the review Johnny!
Shenmue fans always said shenmue is the best game ever made and that the people who disliked it simply don't get it. They simply refuse to consider that for these people, these games aren't that good, aged terribly, and are simply not fun to play. Especially after 2 decades of games improving the open world genre as a whole.
My pleasure! Small point of clarification, though I don't blame you for getting this wrong because it's confusing. The game is more than a port, but less than a remaster. There's no real word that exactly defines it. Ports traditionally just take the original content and plop it onto a different platform. This has way more enhancements. But...isn't a remaster largely because the audio is untouched so it doesn't satisfy that either. Weird isn't it?
@@AdamKoralik OMG it's Mr shenmue! Adam you are responsible for making me Interested in it! I remember it being released years ago when I had an N64 and wanting to play it, had forgotten all about it until I clicked on one of your videos a few years ago and seen your passion for it! Now can't wait to pick it up on PS4!
Have it ever crossed your minds that Shenmue was the last game to be released in the 20th century? No joke, it launched on December 29th, 1999 in Japan.
Partly a cultural difference however. In Sweden (where I live), the 21st century began on January 1st 2000. Either way it was the last pre-2000 game to be released, which cannot be misunderstood.
I remember picking the game up months after it’s release. That had to be one of the most amazing summers I’ve ever experienced. I spent that entire summer leisurely playing the game. Going to the arcade, picking up capsule toys, and of course, looking for sailors. Can’t wait to pick this up.
I know this sounds dumb saying this when there's so many shenmue fans around the world. but I really thought I was the only one that loved it for more than just a game.the sounds the things you do like getting a job and looking at your note book for the next thing to do. even the tea cups and the barber shops in shenmue 2 ! . hearing other people talk about it too really is amazing
Nooope not just you lol. This game aside from being insanely ambitious in the tech and sheer scope department also harboured a metric ton of heart and atmosphere. I think what makes the game hold up so well today despite all its technological outdates is the fact the game had a rich and fulfilling cast and world to partake in. It felt lived in and alive and the characters and enviornments you interacted with and traveled through daily slowly start becoming familiar to you and start turning into your own personal experiences, and those type of experiences supersede the tech thats used to deliver it. Lots of depth for such a little GD Rom Disc compilation lol. Anywho, I too could go on and on but Ill spare everyone lol, just glad to finally have you back Shenmue :).
I was 17 when I bought Shenmue 1. The game absolutely blew my mind with it's level of detail and the 3d open world. It changed the way I looked at games forever.
I was 15 when the original came out. It completely blew me away, I can still remember the feeling of when I realized you could actually use the phone within the game.
I can't help but get emotional. There's something very special about this game. I'm in my mid 30s now, and I think a lot of people can relate to Shenmue being a very solitary gaming experience on initial release. No-one in my class back then bought a Dreamcast (Their loss). Many of us played this game as teenagers on a console that was effectively dead by the time this game came out. We were transported alone into this beautifully crafted and emotionally rich universe, and had no-one to share it with until now. Thank you Sega/Yu Suzuki for giving us the chance to experience this game together.
Lets thank the Shenmue 3 backers also. Because Sega only caved to put this project forward because they saw the $$ in their eyes. Shenmue 3 made millions overnight and finally let us fans have our 1 and 2 port project.
Yeah better graphics but not groundbreaking like Shenmue 1 was. Its looking like it will be good but they haven't had the backing they needed to make the game like Yu Suzuki wanted.
I totally agree. The Shenmue community has never given up hope with the HD port and the making of a part 3. It’s unbelievable that we now are now reliving Shenmue again.
Got my copy earlier today. I never got to play it when it originally released because I only had a PS1 at the time. Couldn’t afford to have a PS1, Dreamcast, and a N64. But now I have a chance to play these epic games.
That's the thing about Shenmue that it genuinely does: it forces you to absorb and observe the little things. Take in the atmosphere. Rather than a big open world like a WRPG, it gives you highly detailed smaller areas to take in and observe.
I'm so happy that Shenmue is back on its feet and we're getting releases like this. Being a fan of this series has connected me with so many people. I was lucky enough to interview Corey Marshall on two separate occasions and I was able to have a few beers with Eric Kelso and listen to his awesome stories about working on Shenmue and various other games. It's all because I played a game when I was 14 years old that really meant something to me and it's awesome that it meant just as much to so many other people.
It won't take that long to beat both games. Maybe 3-4 days tops if you're playing constantly (which I'm sure you would be). That said, enjoy the rest of your week off. Lol
I absolutely fell in love with this game when it came out. I had no idea what it was or even heard of it and my parents had got it for Christmas the year it came out and I put it in the dreamcast and from that absolutely amazing introduction cut scene with his father and Lan Di, I was ABSOLUTELY HOOKED. I explored every single inch of the world and bought shenmue 2 on xbox day 1 and fell in love with it all over again. It's awesome to see someone like Johnny as passionate about the game as me, because whenever I bring the game up to friends they have absolutely no idea what I'm talking about lol.
Shenmue blew my mind when I first played it on release all those years ago. The setting, the sound, the atmosphere, the martial arts, the voice acting (all voice acted back then, still was not too common in games), interaction with objects. Just incredible. I was so happy to revisit it on my laptop, bringing back a flood of nostalgia and memories. A game that still stands the test of time and forever an absolute classic.
I really appreciated that you mentioned Sega as a company and Adam korlick for bringing us shenmue for the current console generation it warms my heart that people love and respect shenmue for what the game truly is and how advanced it was for the time
I've played so many great games in my life, owning so many consoles but playing Shenmue at night all those years ago sitting close to my tiny CRT TV is probably one my greatest gaming memories. That feeling of peace and exploration is priceless
I remember beating Shenmue II (PAL version) shortly after it came out. That ending was such a cliffhanger. Then, nothing for over a decade. I can't believe we're finally going to continue on in Ryo's journey as well as getting a modern release of the classics. Let's hope this is the start of a trend for SEGA! I'd definitely be up for a lot of their classic franchises to 'rise from their graves.' 😀
3 years late but I too was completely caught off guard by the cliffhanger in 2. Would have been worse knowing the sequel wouldn't come for another 18 years...
jebber gaming jaws Ah yes, dear Adam. The guy who says Dreamcast is his ALL TIME FAVORITE console, bought it on release with 2 games, then ignored it for many, many mths till Shenmue was released- 'His own words'. Way to support a console Adam. Great consoles fail because of disloyal fanboys like you.
I was 8 when I played shenmue 1 and 2 for the first time on dream cast!! I just came across it on the xbox one store, and installed it immediately!! Been playing it sense 2 days ago, I myself am very happy and thrilled that it DOES still have the original graphics. I put all my other games on hold, for this game.
I've been gaming for around 27 years and I totally missed out on Shenmue back in the day. I only got the chance to play it via this collection and it's already in my top 10 favourite franchises, such a beautifully crafted piece of art
its funny! Yu Suzuki's original vision was like 12-13 games in the series lol!! XD i know that probably wont happen now! like Johnny said this project was very ambitious back in the day and that many games is just.... well quite the story lol
TopShelfGaming it was 13 games as far as i remember, they were chapters, so there was cartain amount chapters per game, i think it was ment to be about four games. The whole story was mapped out into 13 chapters i think
Thank you for this review, I'm currently new to the saga and you've inspired me to get the HD release (at a fairly good price for $27). I've been playing them nonstop and words cannot describe how much I already cherish them; the combat, the music and especially Shenhua. I'm actually saving up to buy the original dreamcast and games to get the full experience on what I missed out on 19 years ago. Thank you again.
Hearing your review of the game has brought on a small tear in my eye. A tear of happiness. I love this game! I'm definitely going to have to pick it up.
I will definitely be buying this. Hope to see Skies of Arcadia and Panzer Dragoon series(probably sans Saga since the source code is lost) get the same treatment in the future.
Pimpzilla I really hope Skies of Arcadia gets a re release with the same updates like Shenmue did. I honestly wish Sega would re release these Dreamcast games again so I wouldnt have to buy an expensive new copy of the game and a Dreamcast and just bring those games to modern consoles. Would help so many people like me that never had a chance to replay those games be able to actually play it again.
I am aware, but it sells for $85-110 unfortunately. I should've got it a few years ago when it was $60 maybe but I do think it has a decent chance of getting remastered so hopefully it won't matter.
Your enthusiasm is contagious. I didn't have a console when this game came out. All I really had was the Myst series and BOY was I into the Myst series. But Shenmue looks amazing, honestly, and I'm definitely planning on getting it. As a big fan of the original Star Trek, I have to say that the campiness only makes me more excited.
I disagree. I love shenmue and wouldnt want to pay a crappy version. Dreamcast was a far superior system and made it a magical experience. Saturn would have done no justice. Just look at virtua fighter on both systems.
difference being shenmue started out as a saturn project with gameplay that doesn't look far off from the dreamcast. the fact yu suzuki and his team made such an ambitious effort on the saturn hardware is very impressive
I'm playing this in 2023, the remastered one, using headphones, and i'm impressed how crappy the audio quality is. They did clean up a bit on the original Dreamcast assets for this remaster and they're still pretty bad. On Dreamcast it was so bad we could hear the compression even without using headphones or high end equipment.
I just finished Shenmue today, and I'm still in awe from what I've experienced. It's really its own genre, and there are many aspects I like that can explain why I love it so much, but can't express it because it involves so many detail. I'm definitely going to play the sequel sometime very soon, and to then experience the third installment that'll be ready in a few months.
I watched this on the train on my way to work today, and picked the game up on my way home. Thanks for the timely reminder that this came out today! My Xbone copy came with a poster. I wish more games came with posters these days!
I think the game still holds up well for us, old gamers, but I wonder if it will be the same for the younger ones... Oh well, can't wait for Shenmue III!
PastoKage I'll find out today. Never played these games but I always heard they were masterpieces and set the stage for games like Yakuza. Excited to play them but yeah, many modern games are pretty ADHD but I'm still glad they're bringing back a lot of these old games.
@@ArkusVI it was supposed to be an action/adventure for Akira in Virtual Fighter, but things changed. It's like Onimusha and Devil May Cry that was to be a sequel to RE but then form it's on ip.
If they use the same type of art and graphic from the previous 2 games, it might not get new comers to the ip. It's too stale and boring if I were to play the 2 games for people born after 2000. I'm excited for the 3rd one to come and hopefully a 4th and 5th games to end the series.
Sega have come up clutch recently. Digressing slightly I would LOVE Sega to develop a new console 😍 Now I’ve been looking forward to this for quite some time. The Japanese special edition also looks so slick. Great video
Sega certainly still has the money to make a new system. They're the 4rth richest game development company after the Big 3, Microsoft, Sony & Nintendo.
Johnny! Thanks for this. I share your love and passion for Shenmue, and it makes me so happy to see it back. Shenmue has without a doubt brought me my BEST and most fond gaming memories. Love the tomato mart song! (and the pizza shop song). Japan is a special place.
I've never played Shenmue before, but i know its legacy and how everyone basically loves this game. So, going to start playing the first two games on PC! pretty excited!! Can't wait for the third one!!
I’m 34 and I’ve never played either shenmue. Never had a Dreamcast so that was my excuse. I remember all the hype for it though in my gamepro magazines. Good for sega though. I’m gonna give this a shot.
I've been working my way through playing this game on my Dreamcast for years, mostly because I get inspired by your nostalgia for it, and over the years I've sort of built some of my own just by playing it. It really is so unique, even considering all the open world games that have come after it, it somehow still remains its own sort of thing. I'm super excited for the PS4 release!
First playing Shenmue all those years ago, I remember just being blown away by the detail in the game, interacting with all the objects and people in the world. I was transfixed. Thanks Johnny, your enthusiastic reception of this re release has got me thinking of picking it up.
I found this channel years ago because of Shenmue. Not many channels were reviewing the game back then. Then I found your Shenmue review, and I had been a subscriber ever since.
I’m so excited, pre ordered a copy for myself and one for my brother. I remember buying him the the PAL version for Christmas way back (they had a couple imported copies at Babbage’s). Sadly neither him nor I saved our stuff from back then, but both loved Shenmue! I have since replaced it all on my Dreamcast and played it multiple times, but this is amazing because it will reach so many new people!
2 месяца назад
i just watch your video in 2024 and i love how much you LOVE this game, i just started right now, and decide to investigate a little more and came here. thanks for your review
This game is destined to be a legend. the long wait and difficulties back then is just a path for shenmue to be remembered for generations. Not only the game, but the community as well. There is some kind of unseen brotherhood bond between us all. We experienced the similar feelings when we first played it. Then we waited for the same miracle to happen. And its just a year to go now.
You describe my feelings and emotions exactly while i was playing the first few minutes of this game! I got the chills when i saw that this game was coming out for xbox one. I remember playing this game and have always thought about this particular game as being my favorite rpg/explorer. I had this picture in my mind of talking to people on the streets/shops and working down at the docks with the cargo containers. I wish there were more games like this!!!!
I have the original on the Dreamcast, I tried to play it but the controls were bad, like tank controls...so I 'm happy for this release, the controls will be much better I think.
DaNes200581 so not that much of a fan wont support the franchise , the fact that this game has been released on current gen needs supporting so sega take this series seriously again , at best you’re a casual
Aww look at this bigboy with his playground insults. Wow so manly. I guess supporting a game/franchise to be successful is considered a brainless fanboy now for some reason according to this edgy dude.
The best part of the review if can we get to see part of the original video from 7 years ago. It is great to see that you still have the same passion for these games :)
I’ve been telling people about Shenmue since before the game even came out on the Dreamcast. I have been ever since. I’m glad it’s now accessible to everyone. I hope people appreciate how special it is
Best review by far. You mentioned things many other reviews didn't mention such as graphical options, improved loading times against the original version/versions for Shenmue 2 and language settings. You actually made me order it now for the Xbox One. I was going to wait a few week's then perhaps pick it up slightly cheaper but you want the collection now.
Been hearing you talk about these games all these years and because of the passion you've shown toward it, it made me want to try it for myself. Can't wait until it gets here.
I just thought it was running on a custom Dreamcast emulator? The team that did the "port" also did a SEGA Genesis emulator for PC and consoles. From what I heard this was originally going to just be on PC but then they decided to release it on consoles as well (I'm guessing since it would have been a lot cheaper to do that especially if they game did not get that much traction)
I definitely pestered Sega for them to do a remaster of Shenmue I & II on more than a few occasions and even backed Shenmue III. The other time I protested was during Operation Rainfall to get Nintendo to port over Xenoblade, The Last Story & Pandoras Tower. I'm happy they eventually released them for the fans.
I'm super excited to play this tomorrow. I have to say that your reviews are great to watch because you don't nit pick or boil it to a number. What we get is your take on a game, your personal experience of how it ran and your feelings of how much you enjoyed it. It's a refreshing change to get reviews like that and I just wanted to comment that it's very much appreciated. Keep it up and thank you.
You are one of the best out there on RUclips. The world can use more happy and contagious people like you. I had no interest in shenmue but to support it, I will.
Thanks for being passionate about this game. I’ve been a member of the Shenmue community since the beginning and your support does wonders. Looking forward to more coverage of the series with Shenmue 3.
I never played Shenmue and with all you enthusiasm so real. I want to see a two-hour reviews. Hope you do it. I will for sure love to see the video. Thanks.
Instant buy. Now Im just waiting for Shenmue III to hopefully be a decent ending! Oh and Sony, please remaster Jet Set Radio Future for the PS4. Please.
Thank you Sega for making A LOT of people's dreams come true with this AMAZING re-release. Please keep doing things like this. The gaming community NEEDS this right now. You have a chance to literally be the saviours of gaming right now.
Karak from ACG channel recommended you. You're entire opening fanboying over Shenmue was verbatim my reaction when I realized it was releasing on modern consoles. I love your enthusiasm over such a classic and how easily I left your review with a cohesive concept of your stance on the subject. You got a new subscriber buddy!
John...I came here for sailors
Isn't that why we are all here??
I..It's that boy again!!...ru...runnnnnn!!!
Lol it really is though
Holy shit He's alive
Why have you not made any video recently alpha
This game got me into Martial Arts and 18 years later I'm teaching in my own Academy 👍
Beautifull
You'll avenge your father someday.
Sick story
lol
SANSHU UK Martial Arts we all started martial arts after playing this game haha. But good on you.
I'm 38 now and I played the hell outa this game with my girlfriend both Shenmue 1 on my DC and Shenmue 2 on my xbox. Now with that same girl now my wife, we our both enjoying this awesome special game together that held so many great memories for us. For years we always quoted "would you like to play a game of lucky hit?" and we would both look at each other and just start cracking up. I can't tell you how many hours I spent at the "You arcade" playing Hang on and Darts omg darts for hours and hours....wow it's crazy to think about how many great memories this game holds.
@@runningbear6391 Me too. Lucky guy.
thats so sweet. i love this
Same for me as well. This is one of my favorite games ever. ❤️ Me and ur wife would get along cause I feel the same way about this game.
Is the remake worth it? Never played
Jason dp to all the OG players it is.
First time playing Shenmue, one thing I can really appreciate about the first game’s story is that the side characters aren’t as enthusiastic about Ryo going on his revenge tale. I notice this because most games with this plot almost every character is encouraging you to continue no matter what. Shenmue goes a different route and has everyone worry about you which honestly is a little more honest reaction from how people perceive the aspect of revenge.
I am so happy that this is out now! Years ago when I finished Shenmue II the game had already been out for a few years. After I completed the game I searched the internet for hours for when the 3rd game would be coming out. Its incredible that today we are getting Shenmue I&II for modern consoles/pc and will soon be getting Shenmue III. Thanks for the review Johnny!
lotsofgames jimmy!
Reggie!
Fu*kin Jimmy Yo what’s up Man, i’m going to be with Reggie Playing Shenmue.. come over !! i’m ordering Pizza
Be right there! :D
lotsofgames you searched for hours for an answer that anyone could give you....interesting 😂
There are two kinds of gamers: Those who get Shenmue and love it - and those who simply don't get it.
Shenmue fans always said shenmue is the best game ever made and that the people who disliked it simply don't get it.
They simply refuse to consider that for these people, these games aren't that good, aged terribly, and are simply not fun to play.
Especially after 2 decades of games improving the open world genre as a whole.
Its an absolutely beautiful game, couldnt even tell you what i love about it but i just do. It relaxes me and takes me somewhere else, a nice place.
My pleasure! Small point of clarification, though I don't blame you for getting this wrong because it's confusing.
The game is more than a port, but less than a remaster. There's no real word that exactly defines it. Ports traditionally just take the original content and plop it onto a different platform. This has way more enhancements.
But...isn't a remaster largely because the audio is untouched so it doesn't satisfy that either.
Weird isn't it?
Adam Koralik
Hi sexy man
There's always that one guy...
barny15 Johnny is a friend dude, he literally credited me in this exact video.
@@AdamKoralik OMG it's Mr shenmue! Adam you are responsible for making me Interested in it! I remember it being released years ago when I had an N64 and wanting to play it, had forgotten all about it until I clicked on one of your videos a few years ago and seen your passion for it! Now can't wait to pick it up on PS4!
Have it ever crossed your minds that Shenmue was the last game to be released in the 20th century? No joke, it launched on December 29th, 1999 in Japan.
GideonGamer Holy hell, that actually never crossed my mind at all
What a way to cap off the 20th century
Thank you for posting this little known fact, I had no idea about this!
Hate to burst your bubble, but the 21st century and the new millennium in general began on January 1st 2001.
Partly a cultural difference however. In Sweden (where I live), the 21st century began on January 1st 2000. Either way it was the last pre-2000 game to be released, which cannot be misunderstood.
"Hey mister! Wanna wrestle!?" -This line would've never been greenlit in 2018.
James Gunn would love that kid!
+samurizzy Wrong, it still would in Japan.
Ryo wouldn't let that shit phase him. That's why in the game he's immediately like "fuck off, kid" in of course the most polite Japanese way possible.
Pretty sure do you know a place where sailors hang out or, Lets get sweaty! Wouldnt either.😂
I remember picking the game up months after it’s release. That had to be one of the most amazing summers I’ve ever experienced. I spent that entire summer leisurely playing the game. Going to the arcade, picking up capsule toys, and of course, looking for sailors. Can’t wait to pick this up.
I know this sounds dumb saying this when there's so many shenmue fans around the world. but I really thought I was the only one that loved it for more than just a game.the sounds the things you do like getting a job and looking at your note book for the next thing to do. even the tea cups and the barber shops in shenmue 2 ! . hearing other people talk about it too really is amazing
Nooope not just you lol.
This game aside from being insanely ambitious in the tech and sheer scope department also harboured a metric ton of heart and atmosphere.
I think what makes the game hold up so well today despite all its technological outdates is the fact the game had a rich and fulfilling cast and world to partake in. It felt lived in and alive and the characters and enviornments you interacted with and traveled through daily slowly start becoming familiar to you and start turning into your own personal experiences, and those type of experiences supersede the tech thats used to deliver it. Lots of depth for such a little GD Rom Disc compilation lol.
Anywho, I too could go on and on but Ill spare everyone lol, just glad to finally have you back Shenmue :).
I was 17 when I bought Shenmue 1. The game absolutely blew my mind with it's level of detail and the 3d open world. It changed the way I looked at games forever.
I was 15 when the original came out. It completely blew me away, I can still remember the feeling of when I realized you could actually use the phone within the game.
It's my favourite game too I just downloaded it for ps4
I can't help but get emotional. There's something very special about this game. I'm in my mid 30s now, and I think a lot of people can relate to Shenmue being a very solitary gaming experience on initial release. No-one in my class back then bought a Dreamcast (Their loss). Many of us played this game as teenagers on a console that was effectively dead by the time this game came out. We were transported alone into this beautifully crafted and emotionally rich universe, and had no-one to share it with until now. Thank you Sega/Yu Suzuki for giving us the chance to experience this game together.
Lets thank the Shenmue 3 backers also. Because Sega only caved to put this project forward because they saw the $$ in their eyes. Shenmue 3 made millions overnight and finally let us fans have our 1 and 2 port project.
Very true
DarkHalmut so when is shenmue 3 coming out ?
August 25, 2019 is the official release date. I actually backed the game
John Roberts let’s hope it’s worth the wait ! Better graphics !
Yeah better graphics but not groundbreaking like Shenmue 1 was. Its looking like it will be good but they haven't had the backing they needed to make the game like Yu Suzuki wanted.
I totally agree. The Shenmue community has never given up hope with the HD port and the making of a part 3. It’s unbelievable that we now are now reliving Shenmue again.
Got my copy earlier today. I never got to play it when it originally released because I only had a PS1 at the time. Couldn’t afford to have a PS1, Dreamcast, and a N64. But now I have a chance to play these epic games.
*awkwardly picks up and rotates an oddly solid packet of crisps in front of his face for a bizarre length of time*
"This game is incredible."
That's the thing about Shenmue that it genuinely does: it forces you to absorb and observe the little things. Take in the atmosphere. Rather than a big open world like a WRPG, it gives you highly detailed smaller areas to take in and observe.
@@jacobsellers4362 what a fanboy
@@erccool damn straight
Im 37 now and played the orignal and loved it sooo much.
Almost crying with this review, Shenmue will forever be a paradigm change in the gaming community.
18 years ago we began looking for sailors. Now we get to do it all over again.
I'm so happy that Shenmue is back on its feet and we're getting releases like this. Being a fan of this series has connected me with so many people. I was lucky enough to interview Corey Marshall on two separate occasions and I was able to have a few beers with Eric Kelso and listen to his awesome stories about working on Shenmue and various other games. It's all because I played a game when I was 14 years old that really meant something to me and it's awesome that it meant just as much to so many other people.
I've booked a week off work for this
@@greg0uk I get paid regardless
Legend lol
Sad
I couldn't and I tried lol but idc I'm taking a week of for shenmue 3
It won't take that long to beat both games. Maybe 3-4 days tops if you're playing constantly (which I'm sure you would be).
That said, enjoy the rest of your week off. Lol
I absolutely fell in love with this game when it came out. I had no idea what it was or even heard of it and my parents had got it for Christmas the year it came out and I put it in the dreamcast and from that absolutely amazing introduction cut scene with his father and Lan Di, I was ABSOLUTELY HOOKED. I explored every single inch of the world and bought shenmue 2 on xbox day 1 and fell in love with it all over again. It's awesome to see someone like Johnny as passionate about the game as me, because whenever I bring the game up to friends they have absolutely no idea what I'm talking about lol.
Shenmue blew my mind when I first played it on release all those years ago. The setting, the sound, the atmosphere, the martial arts, the voice acting (all voice acted back then, still was not too common in games), interaction with objects. Just incredible. I was so happy to revisit it on my laptop, bringing back a flood of nostalgia and memories. A game that still stands the test of time and forever an absolute classic.
Wow that clip of you from the OG review... what a trip!!!
man getting shenmue, then yakuza 2, and THEN! Fist of the north star... what a world... weak in the knees
I really appreciated that you mentioned Sega as a company and Adam korlick for bringing us shenmue for the current console generation it warms my heart that people love and respect shenmue for what the game truly is and how advanced it was for the time
I've played so many great games in my life, owning so many consoles but playing Shenmue at night all those years ago sitting close to my tiny CRT TV is probably one my greatest gaming memories. That feeling of peace and exploration is priceless
I remember beating Shenmue II (PAL version) shortly after it came out. That ending was such a cliffhanger. Then, nothing for over a decade. I can't believe we're finally going to continue on in Ryo's journey as well as getting a modern release of the classics. Let's hope this is the start of a trend for SEGA! I'd definitely be up for a lot of their classic franchises to 'rise from their graves.' 😀
3 years late but I too was completely caught off guard by the cliffhanger in 2. Would have been worse knowing the sequel wouldn't come for another 18 years...
I love that you thanked Adam Koralik! He really has done so much for Shenmue and getting people into it!
Adam is awesome! good channel!
jebber gaming jaws Ah yes, dear Adam. The guy who says Dreamcast is his ALL TIME FAVORITE console, bought it on release with 2 games, then ignored it for many, many mths till Shenmue was released- 'His own words'. Way to support a console Adam. Great consoles fail because of disloyal fanboys like you.
Dick Riley Good lord, you are being serious aren’t you 😂😂, it’s fucking video games bro, get over it!
I was 8 when I played shenmue 1 and 2 for the first time on dream cast!! I just came across it on the xbox one store, and installed it immediately!! Been playing it sense 2 days ago, I myself am very happy and thrilled that it DOES still have the original graphics. I put all my other games on hold, for this game.
I've been gaming for around 27 years and I totally missed out on Shenmue back in the day. I only got the chance to play it via this collection and it's already in my top 10 favourite franchises, such a beautifully crafted piece of art
I think I’m finally excited for shenmue iii now. I just really hope they start to wrap up the story. Maybe a 5th will close it out.
Radical Reggie Reggie... i invited Jesse, are you down to have a kick back at your place and we can eat pizza ( i’ll buy )
its funny! Yu Suzuki's original vision was like 12-13 games in the series lol!! XD i know that probably wont happen now! like Johnny said this project was very ambitious back in the day and that many games is just.... well quite the story lol
This isn't Yu Suzuki's first rodeo. The man is a legend in the industry. He's not trying to rush something that be cares about so much.
TopShelfGaming it was 13 games as far as i remember, they were chapters, so there was cartain amount chapters per game, i think it was ment to be about four games. The whole story was mapped out into 13 chapters i think
It was always meant to be a trilogy.
Thank you for this review, I'm currently new to the saga and you've inspired me to get the HD release (at a fairly good price for $27). I've been playing them nonstop and words cannot describe how much I already cherish them; the combat, the music and especially Shenhua. I'm actually saving up to buy the original dreamcast and games to get the full experience on what I missed out on 19 years ago. Thank you again.
It feels so good to watch someone so joyfully and passionately talking and sharing his experience about one of my all-time favorite game.
I dont even own a PS4 but I am buying this anyway, to show my appreciation for the port as a fan of the original on Dreamcast
You might as well buy a PS4 then
*port, not remake
The graphics are improved and there are other small improvements like to the QTEs and interface
It's not a remake. Even HCG said himself in the video it's a port. I'd agree on remaster.
it's on xbox one and pc anyway!
Hearing your review of the game has brought on a small tear in my eye. A tear of happiness. I love this game! I'm definitely going to have to pick it up.
I will definitely be buying this. Hope to see Skies of Arcadia and Panzer Dragoon series(probably sans Saga since the source code is lost) get the same treatment in the future.
Pimpzilla I really hope Skies of Arcadia gets a re release with the same updates like Shenmue did. I honestly wish Sega would re release these Dreamcast games again so I wouldnt have to buy an expensive new copy of the game and a Dreamcast and just bring those games to modern consoles. Would help so many people like me that never had a chance to replay those games be able to actually play it again.
Oh boy goodness graciousI hope they port them soon
A re-release of Skies of Arcadia would be absolutely amazing!! That game is CRIMINALLY underrated.
I am aware, but it sells for $85-110 unfortunately. I should've got it a few years ago when it was $60 maybe but I do think it has a decent chance of getting remastered so hopefully it won't matter.
Your enthusiasm is contagious. I didn't have a console when this game came out. All I really had was the Myst series and BOY was I into the Myst series. But Shenmue looks amazing, honestly, and I'm definitely planning on getting it. As a big fan of the original Star Trek, I have to say that the campiness only makes me more excited.
The voice acting warms my heart
Never played Shenmue, glad I can now at a great price on a console I own.
I wish I could play the Saturn build of Shenmue, seems more impressive to get a game like this working on lesser hardware compared to the Dreamcast
I disagree. I love shenmue and wouldnt want to pay a crappy version. Dreamcast was a far superior system and made it a magical experience. Saturn would have done no justice. Just look at virtua fighter on both systems.
I wish I could play a Super Nintendo build of Red Dead Redemption. Just seems like it would be more impressive.
difference being shenmue started out as a saturn project with gameplay that doesn't look far off from the dreamcast. the fact yu suzuki and his team made such an ambitious effort on the saturn hardware is very impressive
I'm playing this in 2023, the remastered one, using headphones, and i'm impressed how crappy the audio quality is. They did clean up a bit on the original Dreamcast assets for this remaster and they're still pretty bad.
On Dreamcast it was so bad we could hear the compression even without using headphones or high end equipment.
I just finished Shenmue today, and I'm still in awe from what I've experienced. It's really its own genre, and there are many aspects I like that can explain why I love it so much, but can't express it because it involves so many detail. I'm definitely going to play the sequel sometime very soon, and to then experience the third installment that'll be ready in a few months.
Ugh the third one sucked too bad
@@dougr8646 i just finished the third game, its not bad at all, I found it really entertaining, but what makes people hate this game is the ending.
I watched this on the train on my way to work today, and picked the game up on my way home. Thanks for the timely reminder that this came out today!
My Xbone copy came with a poster. I wish more games came with posters these days!
Video Games And Such I hope you enjoy it!
I think the game still holds up well for us, old gamers, but I wonder if it will be the same for the younger ones...
Oh well, can't wait for Shenmue III!
PastoKage I'll find out today. Never played these games but I always heard they were masterpieces and set the stage for games like Yakuza. Excited to play them but yeah, many modern games are pretty ADHD but I'm still glad they're bringing back a lot of these old games.
PastoKage I was like three when this came out but Ima try it. It reminds me of an early Yakuza game and I just recently got into that series
@@ArkusVI it was supposed to be an action/adventure for Akira in Virtual Fighter, but things changed. It's like Onimusha and Devil May Cry that was to be a sequel to RE but then form it's on ip.
Just mention 3 words to them. RPG. That is enough for them to look it up and decide to pick it up.
If they use the same type of art and graphic from the previous 2 games, it might not get new comers to the ip. It's too stale and boring if I were to play the 2 games for people born after 2000. I'm excited for the 3rd one to come and hopefully a 4th and 5th games to end the series.
Great review. Your enthusiasm really comes throughout more Shenmue videos would be great.
Sega have come up clutch recently. Digressing slightly I would LOVE Sega to develop a new console 😍
Now I’ve been looking forward to this for quite some time. The Japanese special edition also looks so slick. Great video
Make me a sandwich!
TheGebs24 they should just team up microsoft.
Soldano999 That's not going to happen. Microsoft already collaborated with the Dreamcast
Sega certainly still has the money to make a new system. They're the 4rth richest game development company after the Big 3, Microsoft, Sony & Nintendo.
The Xbox One = Dreamcast 4
I seriously got teary eyed seeing this in a best buy ad. I never thought we would get this. Cannot wait to pick up my copies!
I hope Shenmue will get the success it deserves. Played it on the Dreamcast back in the days and I’m so happy, that we get more of it finally.
Johnny! Thanks for this. I share your love and passion for Shenmue, and it makes me so happy to see it back. Shenmue has without a doubt brought me my BEST and most fond gaming memories. Love the tomato mart song! (and the pizza shop song). Japan is a special place.
I've never played Shenmue before, but i know its legacy and how everyone basically loves this game. So, going to start playing the first two games on PC! pretty excited!! Can't wait for the third one!!
It's on sale right now on PS4 store. I'm excited to get it this weekend.
I still have my dreamcast and both shemue's!! Including the Japanese version on part 2 !!! This game was a masterpiece!
You know with this quarantine thing going on that 2 hour review of Shenmue is sounding quite tasty if I do say.
I’m 34 and I’ve never played either shenmue. Never had a Dreamcast so that was my excuse. I remember all the hype for it though in my gamepro magazines. Good for sega though. I’m gonna give this a shot.
Jose did you like it ??
Got the originals on DC. Got the trilogy on ps4. Amazing IP. Timeless classic was way ahead of its time
Got goosebumps during this review because I know exactly how it feels. So happy that Shenmue is back and I hope there is more to come after Shenmue 3.
Playing shenmue now again, never was able to beat it all those years ago when I was young. An absolute gem!
Thanks for doing this, love your reviews!
I've been working my way through playing this game on my Dreamcast for years, mostly because I get inspired by your nostalgia for it, and over the years I've sort of built some of my own just by playing it. It really is so unique, even considering all the open world games that have come after it, it somehow still remains its own sort of thing. I'm super excited for the PS4 release!
Loved your enthusiasm about shenmue, crazy it’s over 20 years old now , seems like yesterday
Never played this but I get paid tomorrow so guess what ima do???
What did you think about it?
@@thai33oz fucking great masterpiece
@@johnallen4127 I know it is, I just want to know what he thinks about it
best game ever
Man back in the day i was the only kid on the block with a dreamcast, and this game blew my friends away. Hope you enjoy it as much as i did.
First playing Shenmue all those years ago, I remember just being blown away by the detail in the game, interacting with all the objects and people in the world. I was transfixed. Thanks Johnny, your enthusiastic reception of this re release has got me thinking of picking it up.
I played it 18 years ago on my Dreamcast and they were the best days!
I found this channel years ago because of Shenmue. Not many channels were reviewing the game back then. Then I found your Shenmue review, and I had been a subscriber ever since.
I’m so excited, pre ordered a copy for myself and one for my brother. I remember buying him the the PAL version for Christmas way back (they had a couple imported copies at Babbage’s). Sadly neither him nor I saved our stuff from back then, but both loved Shenmue! I have since replaced it all on my Dreamcast and played it multiple times, but this is amazing because it will reach so many new people!
i just watch your video in 2024 and i love how much you LOVE this game, i just started right now, and decide to investigate a little more and came here. thanks for your review
Shenmue has a special place in my heart. Played it, enjoyed it and happy that more people can see why games are the way they are now.
This game is destined to be a legend. the long wait and difficulties back then is just a path for shenmue to be remembered for generations. Not only the game, but the community as well. There is some kind of unseen brotherhood bond between us all. We experienced the similar feelings when we first played it. Then we waited for the same miracle to happen. And its just a year to go now.
I'm so glad these came out. I'm excited for Shenmue III!
I'll definitely get that
Jeez do you just sit and wait for these videos to get posted to make your generic comments?
KingOfPrankCalls They probably never work so they can. Lol I was just about to go to bed. Been working all night and saw this by accident.
VA Hemskin Probably wants to steal his viewers. I think she's spam anymore how she has to comment on every single video first.
@@NinjaxShadowXx Oh yeah you're just as unoriginal as her comment pulling the sexism card.
You describe my feelings and emotions exactly while i was playing the first few minutes of this game! I got the chills when i saw that this game was coming out for xbox one. I remember playing this game and have always thought about this particular game as being my favorite rpg/explorer. I had this picture in my mind of talking to people on the streets/shops and working down at the docks with the cargo containers. I wish there were more games like this!!!!
I have the original on the Dreamcast, I tried to play it but the controls were bad, like tank controls...so I 'm happy for this release, the controls will be much better I think.
Preordered last month and just received the game today! Looking forward to playing this evening when I have some down time
sheskimusic is it your first time?
alex_de_tampa yes it is!
This looks like a game for the fans.
DaNes200581 that huge of a fan that you aren’t supporting it riiiiiiiiiight
The third game was funded by fans too
DaNes200581 so not that much of a fan wont support the franchise , the fact that this game has been released on current gen needs supporting so sega take this series seriously again , at best you’re a casual
> a huge fan
> didn't fund the game
LOL talked about contradiction.
Aww look at this bigboy with his playground insults. Wow so manly.
I guess supporting a game/franchise to be successful is considered a brainless fanboy now for some reason according to this edgy dude.
The best part of the review if can we get to see part of the original video from 7 years ago. It is great to see that you still have the same passion for these games :)
I’ve been telling people about Shenmue since before the game even came out on the Dreamcast. I have been ever since. I’m glad it’s now accessible to everyone. I hope people appreciate how special it is
BenRiley83 I've never played them but this would be the best time to pick up the games.
Best review by far. You mentioned things many other reviews didn't mention such as graphical options, improved loading times against the original version/versions for Shenmue 2 and language settings. You actually made me order it now for the Xbox One. I was going to wait a few week's then perhaps pick it up slightly cheaper but you want the collection now.
Loved this game back in the day! I'm definitely picking this up, and I can't wait for Part 3
Your passion makes me buy the game, lol
Greetings from Brasil
Nice! Just finished the pre-load on Steam. It should be unlocked and ready to play in a few hours! I still can't believe it actually happened.
Been hearing you talk about these games all these years and because of the passion you've shown toward it, it made me want to try it for myself. Can't wait until it gets here.
remastered is not a remake, important to know
it really is just an edited port.
I just thought it was running on a custom Dreamcast emulator? The team that did the "port" also did a SEGA Genesis emulator for PC and consoles. From what I heard this was originally going to just be on PC but then they decided to release it on consoles as well (I'm guessing since it would have been a lot cheaper to do that especially if they game did not get that much traction)
🤣
One of my all time favorite games. Nostalgia
I definitely pestered Sega for them to do a remaster of Shenmue I & II on more than a few occasions and even backed Shenmue III. The other time I protested was during Operation Rainfall to get Nintendo to port over Xenoblade, The Last Story & Pandoras Tower. I'm happy they eventually released them for the fans.
Yes I'm sure they were persuaded by you
I'm super excited to play this tomorrow. I have to say that your reviews are great to watch because you don't nit pick or boil it to a number. What we get is your take on a game, your personal experience of how it ran and your feelings of how much you enjoyed it. It's a refreshing change to get reviews like that and I just wanted to comment that it's very much appreciated. Keep it up and thank you.
Who’s here after Shenmue 3 came out?
You are one of the best out there on RUclips. The world can use more happy and contagious people like you. I had no interest in shenmue but to support it, I will.
Getting Shenmue 3 reminds me of getting the finale for the show Farscape. Fans who push get what they want.
Ryo hasn't aged a bit! 1080p really fits him well, great to see you again my long lost friend. SHENMUE LIVES!!!
will buy this in preparation for Shenmue 3🤗
Thanks for being passionate about this game. I’ve been a member of the Shenmue community since the beginning and your support does wonders. Looking forward to more coverage of the series with Shenmue 3.
Good review. I decide to buy Shenmu!
I never played Shenmue and with all you enthusiasm so real. I want to see a two-hour reviews. Hope you do it. I will for sure love to see the video. Thanks.
Instant buy. Now Im just waiting for Shenmue III to hopefully be a decent ending!
Oh and Sony, please remaster Jet Set Radio Future for the PS4. Please.
zuldo Yes!! Good to know people haven't forgotten about JSR.
Great review!
shenmue bring a lot of good memories :D
I’ve been waiting 16 years to ask about sailors again in Japan. I loved this game then I love it even more now!
do you still have to fight 100 dudes at the end?
Is it 50?
Vian Flash 70 Man battle
I just want to wrestle that little kid. teeheee teehee
70, 100 is in Yakuza 5.
Thank you Sega for making A LOT of people's dreams come true with this AMAZING re-release. Please keep doing things like this. The gaming community NEEDS this right now. You have a chance to literally be the saviours of gaming right now.
I.. I would actually love to hear you talk about Shenmue for 2 hours LOL XD
Karak from ACG channel recommended you. You're entire opening fanboying over Shenmue was verbatim my reaction when I realized it was releasing on modern consoles. I love your enthusiasm over such a classic and how easily I left your review with a cohesive concept of your stance on the subject. You got a new subscriber buddy!