Shenmue I & II launches next week For PS4, XB1, & PC
Shenmue I & II launches next week, on August 21st for The PC, XBOX ONE and PlayStation 4. SEGA teamed up with the English voice of Ryo Hazuki (the protagonist), Corey Marshall, to create deep-dive videos ahead of the Shenmue I & II release. Corey walks us through combat systems and the different mini-games players can spend time with in the world.
If you missed our previous episodes, you can catch up on the first one detailing the saga’s story, and the second video looking at the different key characters in Shenmue.
Ryo Hazuki is a Jiu Jitsu master-in-training, spending his spare time busting up the bad guys or sparring with his friends. In Shenmue I & II, you’ll use and unlock real Jiu Jitsu moves that you can level up throughout and transfer between both games – which will come in useful as the enemies become tougher throughout the saga. Beyond stunning Jiu Jitsu moves, you will need great reflexes to progress through Ryo’s quest of retribution. Players will be able to experience first-hand the very first Quick Time Events, which Shenmue introduced to the gaming world.
The game is however not all about street fights and martial arts practice for Ryo – he must unwind as well. Shenmue’s arcades have fully working versions of all-time classic games, so you can try your hand at Space Harrier – and if outside activities are more your thing, enter a forklift (or duck) race.
In my personal opinion I find it to be very similar to another SEGA franchise, The Yakuza Series. There are a lot of similarities between the two, and with Yakuza being very popular I the west at the moment, I think Shenmue will benefit from that.
