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Review by: Nick

When I got done with Shenmue I felt it ended to abruptly with Ryo going to Hong Kong. So I couldn't wait for the sequel to come out on Dreamcast but it Didn't come out, It was postponed on DC. And now finial after 1 year or so, we get the sequel. Shenmue was basically just the prolog to the start off this series And now we see a big change in how this series is going to look.

Ryo standing by Good Taste Grocery,look at all the shops! Game-Play

Game-Play
GamePlay-wise Shenmue 2 is the same as Shenmue, only more advanced and more adventures, if know what I mean. You have the QTE option, although this is different because you can ask several questions that "you" the gamer thinks would be the best question to ask, at that particular time in the game. Also you can ask about where to get a part-time job, were the local gambling house is etc; by pressing the Y button, which is nice when you are short on cash and just wants to try a couple slots in the slot house. You can also buy maps ($10) to help you on your way, so you can maneuver around the city freely. Those of you who like the heart- pounding fights that were in Shenmue, boy are you in for something. As you pass through the game you will have to fight in at least 20 fights if not more. There are also tons of mini games for you to bet your money on like, "Roll it on top", Where you take a dice and roll it and whoever has the bigger number wins double The cash you bet.

Ryo walking to Wan Chai from Queens Street

The first area you will start out in is Aberdeen, which isn't very big. You won't get to much information here; you will get more like trouble. First off this little kid sets you up on a fight with these big guys and then he steals your bag and gives it to them. Aberdeen has some nice places to relax, such as Pigeon Park. And some local restaurant such as Pigeon Cafe and Hot Fu Diner. This is also a place were you can arm wrestle and bet your money. The next place you will go is Wan Chai. This is were Ryo meets Xiuying Hong. And where he will find most of his information. This is the biggest area with the most shops, restaurant, gambling houses, pawn shops, teahouses etc. After Wan Chai Ryo will go to Kowloon which is the poorest area Ryo will go. This area mainly the shops and such are in big buildings. At the end of this area you will fight this big guy protecting Lan Di were you will see Lan Di getting away on a helicopter. Next Ryo will head over to Guilin, which isn't like a city but more like villages. This is where Ryo meets Shenhua Ling, which is named after the shenmue tree's leaves (or) flowers. This is where you will find the ending, which I'm not going to tell you and give it away. Ryo can also sell things from capsule toy machines to pawn shops, which will give him a fair amount.

This is Pigeon Park Close to the enterance of Aberdeen

Some of the Characters not including the 1000's of people on the street are; Shenhua Ling, Which Ryo will meet in Guilin and will find out some information about the phoenix mirror later on as the story progresses, Shenhua grew up in China surrounded by Mother Nature. She has a courage and strength that belies her innocent expression. Ryo will also meet Joy, Joy loves to ride motorcycles, and she is a very spirited woman who speaks her mind. She tends to be misunderstood by everyone because of her bluntness, but the truth is that she is gentle and honest. Xiuying Hong, Ryo will meet in Wan Chai she's not easy to find at first, but she is seen at the Man Mo Temple. Xiuying is fond of Chinese tradition and culture. She is well versed in Taoism, history, and martial arts. She specializes in both the literary and martial arts. She doesn't like that Ryo wants to take revenge for the death of his father she thinks he should be calm about it and not go in the wrong path. But Ryo urges on saying its something he has to do. Finally she gives in and tells Ryo a few moves and sends him on his way to redeem his father. Fangmei Xun, is Xiuying's adopted daughter. She tries to look after Ryo. She is a fourteen years old girl, always cheerful and likes to help everyone. Because of this, everyone seems to like her. Ryo will also meet people of the gang "the heavens" were he will meet Wuying Ren, Ren Hates Ryo at first but will come to liking him as a friend. Part of that is because he wants money for Ryo finding Lan Di and his goons. Wong adores Ren as an older brother, and admires Ren's manliness. He has a strong sense of duty even though he is a young boy, which steals Ryo's bag in the beginning of the story. Sam is another person apart of "The Heavens" group. Even though he loves everything American and calls himself Sam, his real name is "Sunjie Liu." He has a strong sense of camaraderie and often saves his fellows when they are in trouble. Larry is a person of "The Heavens" as well. Is second only to Ren in fighting ability. He tries to keep cool and calm, but the truth is that he is quick to start a fight. Larry used to act as a lone wolf, but he now works for Ren after Ren beat him up in a one-on-one fight. Cool Z is the guy with the boom box. Cool Z loves rap music, and his boom box is never more than an arm's length away. He appears to be intimidating, but he is actually weak in a fight.

music/control
The music couldn't be better. There are some old songs from Shenmue but there are so many tracks now. Every QR in Wan Chai has different music. The only music that annoys me is the one in the Golden QR. Most of it fits with its surroundings though, very nice. The control is the same, with the D-pad. Although, don't start to moan and groan yet. You can switch the control by going to the options, so you can switch it to the thumb stick instead, which I found myself doing.

This is in the front gate of Man Mo Temple, there is a library in back also.

Graphics
The Graphics could improve greatly. I wouldn't of mind waiting longer so we could see some better graphics shine in Shenmue 2. Now I'm not saying they are bad. They are pretty much as of like Dreamcasts Graphics. You can tell Shenmue 2's graphics are better by some extent. The thing I thing is really bad is when I get those flashing white lines in some connected buildings. Which I think should have been looked a pone and corrected. Overall the graphics were okay but could have been better if they would have taken more time on them.

Overall
Overall Shenmue 2 is one of the most innovating looking games out there for Xbox. With Shenmue you just got a taste of what you were going to have in Shenmue 2. Shenmue 2 has 1000's of people on the street. I like the new QTE advancement. Which allows you to ask a certain question at the time that is most necessary. The only thing I thought could have been better is the graphics. They are pretty much the same as the Dreamcasts Graphics. Don't get me wrong they are better, but not by much. When Ryo is walking sometimes you see these white lines flash in-between the connected buildings. But despite that fault, I would have to rate Shenmue a 9.6.

Presentation The game sounds and looks phenomenal in every aspect.	9.9
Graphics The graphics will be the best thing on earth! The Xbox has been know for its graphical games and now Shenmue 2 will be the best of all time graphicwise. To every zit and freckle on old peoples faces, it will be amazing!	8.9
Gameplay The gameplay looks great! Ryo even has a backpack to carry around all his stuff in. Also there is a new navigational system in this game that will help you ask more important questions at the right time.	10
Overall You wont get bored ever in this game. It looks amazing from what we have seen and heard about this title. Save your money for this game!	9.6