Despite Everything, I Love Shenmue
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- Опубліковано 13 тра 2023
- This week, I talk about Yu Suzuki's baby, Shenmue. Even if it's not perfect, I still love this game and enjoyed all the time I've spent with it.
Twitter: / santanaelchan
Patreon: / santanael
OST List: docs.google.com/document/d/1W...
#shenmue - Фільми й анімація
My brother received this game as a birthday present in December 2000. He didn't care at all for the game, but I picked it up. I was only eleven years old at the time, but I fell supremely in love with it. To this day, at thirty four years old, it remains one of my favorite games of all time. I don't care about the awful english dub or the slow pacing; the city of Yokosuka and Dobuita street, as well as the harbor and just everything about the world of Shenmue live on in my heart for now and forever until the day I die. And the sequel forever lives within me as well.
I absolutely love Shenmue as well. This video perfectly summarizes how I feel about Shenmue... and what I tell my friends about Shenmue.
And man, the fact that Shenmue got an anime adaptation is still wild to me. Shenmue is super niche, like you mention in this video, but I'm part of that niche audience. I just wish more people were into it, because while it doesn't have mass appeal, it's insanely charming. And it's even more charming that Yu Suzuki and the Shenmue team treat the series like it's popular, when it really isn't. No idea how Shenmue III made so much money through crowdfunding.
Like you, I played it long after its Dreamcast release. I haven't played a game with a similar feel since. Your Twin Peaks comparison (thanks in large part to its English voice acting) is genius. I couldn't quite put into words why I loved talking to NPCs and exploring Yokosuka. It had to do with just how uncanny everything felt. Shenmue II continues the uncanny vibes with Hong Kong, and eventually mainland China. Needless to say, Shenmue's overall atmosphere is pretty unique. I can't quite get into the Yakuza series, but I lost myself in Shenmue. I believe that's thanks to how the game channels a Twin Peaks feel, while also staying grounded. Nothing crazy happens in Shenmue that would make you question reality, unlike Twin Peaks where that happens a lot. Instead, every interaction feels pretty genuine, if not a little off because of how Ryo emotes and how everyone talks. That, to me, is perfect for the small town atmosphere of Shenmue I.
I tried playing Shenmue back in 2018 when the HD version just dropped, but the game was getting a lot of hate for many reasons. Yeah, Shenmue doesn't have a lot to offer in terms of gameplay, and the English voice acting is hilariously bad at times, and the overall writing is pretty simple. Still, I felt like there was something there. I love Kung Fu movies, and I've heard people compare Shenmue to a playable Kung Fu movie, so I just had to check it out... eventually.
It sat on my shelf for a while. Then, we were one year into the pandemic. I hadn't seen a lot of my friends, and I had one year left in college with no idea on what I'd do with my degree. So, on a particularly cold and quiet night in 2021, I booted up Shenmue on Steam. Getting lost in Yokosuka, Hong Kong, and China was easy considering I couldn't really go anywhere in real life.
Sometimes, you get into a story, and it just feels like it reached you at a perfect time. For me, Shenmue was that story. If you look at all the individual parts Shenmue has to offer, it's nothing special, but as a package, it helped me come to terms with where I was at in life. Like Ryo, I realized my future was a bit uncertain. And while I'm not looking to leave my home to go on a Southeast Asia revenge tour, I am looking to teach overseas... in Asia. Shenmue is partly the reason for that, but don't tell my future students that an old ass video game is the reason I left my country. Playing Shenmue, I took comfort in the fact that Ryo was able to make it on his own, making friends, chasing away enemies, all while still having time to buy an insane amount of gachapon.
That's not to say Shenmue's story is trash. The overall plot is relatively simple, but there's a lot of nice character moments in-between the major plot beats. I'm glad you showed a clip from Mark's story, since I feel that's a perfect example. It adds depth to Ryo as a character, as well as the would-be stock NPCs. It helped convince me that these background characters have more to them than just scripted schedules. Definitely added to the immersion. And the emotional scenes land despite how silly the game can be at times... something I didn't quite expect. I got emotional at the end of Shenmue I, I'll admit it, if only because it felt like I was leaving a place I had grown quite fond of. And with Shenmue II... I got pretty close to the end, and put the controller down for almost an entire year. I just couldn't bring myself to beat the game because, once again, I had grown attached to the setting. That's the highlight of Shenmue, and where I think the story shines the most... when it's focused on the little things happening in the town.
I think if the series alluded a bit to the fact that Ryo is emotionally/socially stunted thanks to the death of his father, then Ryo's adventure would be a bit heartwarming. On his quest for revenge, Ryo makes a lot of friends and meets a lot of people, which isn't what you'd expect a guy who's dead-set on revenge to do. That could bring Ryo's quest for revenge to a pretty interesting conclusion. He defeats Lan Di, but it doesn't bring his Dad back. Instead, he realizes, his travels brought him close to many people. And, he takes comfort in that fact. Maybe I'm reading a bit too into Shenmue as a whole, and Ryo isn't exactly an amazing character by any means, but there's enough depth there to where I think that's the lesson Ryo needs to learn; it's also a lesson that would make him a much more compelling character than just wanting to avenge his Dad, and showing clear signs that he has no idea what sex is. Poor Nozomi.
On top of the story having a bit more depth than people say, I'd like to say that Shenmue DOES have stuff to do instead of just waiting around for the next timed event to start. But, that all depends on the player. Stuff like playable arcade games, practicing Kung Fu in the park, talking to random NPCs and learning a bit about them. You can also return home and call some characters to get more story. It's not much, but there's something truly immersive about running home because it's getting late and calling Nozomi on the phone. There are a lot of timed events in Shenmue that you can miss if you're not explorative... I think that's just awesome. You get bits of story that, while not necessary to beat the game, add to the experience.
To me, Shenmue is a very zen game, and that was important for me. There's a lot of fun to be had in the game if you're able to appreciate the simple joys it has to offer, and that's true to life as well. The best parts of life don't have to be exciting, and when you realize that, something as simple as eating a good meal at a restaurant becomes all the more enjoyable. That's what Shenmue is.
ALSO: If you ever get the chance, check out The friends of Ringo Ishikawa. It was inspired by Shenmue, and it has a similar charm. Basically, it's a beat em up like River City/Kunio-Kun where you're allowed to do whatever you want. I'd consider it a Life-Sim like Shenmue (although a Walking Sim works too) because the fun is ultimately up to you. Do you want to study hard and get good grades? Do you want to get your friends together and beat up other gangs? So yeah, like Shenmue, there's stuff to do, but not a lot. There's a story, and it's a bit more existential compared to Shenmue's plot, but I found that really enjoyable. At the very least, the game's combat feels good, the pixel art is spectacular, and the animations are surprisingly well done. The developer spent a lot of time on fine details like Yu Suzuki did with Shenmue. I think it's a pretty underrated game, much like Shenmue.
This comment is really great, I love a lot of the points you made and I'm thankful you took the time to leave such a detailed response. I do actually have The Friends of Ringo Ishikawa, I haven't beaten it but I need to get back to it
@@Santanael Thanks for the kind words! I loved your video, and there aren't a lot like it on Shenmue... so I just had to add my two cents. Because, despite ALL of the games flaws, and all of the Shenmue jokes across the internet, the game made its way to my heart.
It's also nice seeing this type of content because I'm looking to make my own essay format stuff in the future, since I love the format, and this was super entertaining from start to finish. Surprisingly funny without distracting from your main points, and it was really insightful too. Thank you for this video!
I was going to write the exact same thing.
I wholeheartedly agree with everything you said the only difference with me is I got to play the game when the Dreamcast was in it hay day in the year 2000 when I was 15 and you just cannot imagine how much truer your words would be, experiencing it at the time of its release being compared to other games that did not even come close to what Shenmue does and what Shenmue is!! Or, with everything and the elaborative comment that you posted, I’m thinking that maybe you are the type that can imagine exactly the type of impact Shenmue had back then!?
I still feel the same way to this very day about the game and I have struggled to find another game that adds the same level of simplicity and enjoyment that comes with enjoying the little things in life??
Shenmue is a masterpiece and I still hold it in my heart as one of the Absolute, very best pieces of video game art of all time!
>Starting with riffing on SEPW
Can I subscribe a second time
I grew up watching him so I'm familiar with his cadence LMAO
Yakuza is basically a 3D Streets of Rage game by way of Godfather and a ton of meth.
Shenmue is basically a 3D Point and Click Adventure by way of an 80s Television Martial Arts Drama.
Basically
For those that did not know:
It is easier to run and walk in Shenmue by using the right trigger and then just using the D pad to steer Ryo, then it is to try to move him with the D pad or analog by itself!!
Try it!!
I now use this play style anytime I’m gonna run a game of resident evil remake, it works exceptionally well!
I have the official game guide for Shenmue and they literally have specifies for every character that appears in the game. All the way down to their blood type and interests. And this was a PRIMA guide from 1999! Blew my mind back when!
God dude, given the amount of NPCs in Shenmue, that makes it even more insane. The team put an insane amount of love into this title
Amazing game. It's definitely one of the best SEGA games.
And people say it’s just proto Yakuza and nothing more
Hey Tom
That day...did you see a black car?
A game I can always go back to, during a very rainy lock down I played through 1,2 and 3 in a row it was amazing.
Shenmue 1 and 2 is my all time favourite game . It's a feeling not a game ...
It's a crime that so many people overlook this game.
@@LeadMe2TheBlisstheir loss, lol
It's an experience. I've been gaming since Atari 2600 and Shenmue is still one of my greatest gaming moments ever. I bought the collection of the first 2 games on Steam and earned every achievement. It's the only game I have done that with.
ryo and batman have a lot in common
I also played Shenmue for the first time in 2018, and I also made a long video talking about it, so out of the gate we both have a lot in common haha.
It's a very special game that stands on its own, even though it's technically a open world game, I think of it as its own genre, and I guess if we want to respect Yu Suzuki's wishes, then that genre is called "FREE."
I love shenmue I don't care what anyone says about it I still love the game all 3
I love the game too through my walk-through I'm doing its special Christmas vibes too
Tremendously enjoyable video. Love your passion for Shenmue. Liked and subbed. Despite it all, I still love Shenmue also. Let's get Shenmue 4 already!
Shenmue is one of my all-time favorite video games ever-
Or since I got to play it for the first time at 15 years of age when I had a dream cash back in 2000, I fell in love with the game and it became something that I will never forget!
I always found myself wishing Sony and Sega would have collaborated and did a port for the PlayStation vita!!!! It would’ve been so awesome, I would have had it pre-ordered and bought it day one and because it was on the vita, meant I would’ve played it even more!!!
The mod community needs to make this happen
As someone who plays Genshin Impact, the budget makes sense when you wander the huge and varied world that has tons of 10/10 music tracks, and all those dozens of player characters have elaborate outfits and texturework, and truckloads of voices dialogue (in multiple languages), as well as mostly unique animations (some flourishes and charged attacks are reused) with a plethora of visual effects.
10:31 i died at the silent footage of him picking up a cassette 💀
Shenmue is an amazing game I can’t believe the hate it gets, you can go and play in the arcade Or play slots while your waiting for time to pass. I give shenmue series 10/10 and yakuza 8/10
You have a flashlight in your house.
Loved the video! from an og shenmue fan❤😊
Nice eyepatch wolf impression lmao
I really hope you make a video about Shenmue 2 and 3 maybe, this was a great vid man
Thank you so much, I might make one on Shenmue 2 but I haven't played 3 yet. I didn't feel too good on 2 but I think a replay might help
@@SantanaelI really wonder why you didn't feel too good on 2
Nice video!
I’ve never had the opportunity to play shenmue, but it really is so unique in its own way, that really is captured by only the yakuza series, from the games that I can recall. The game’s main plot definitely makes it sound like an action movie about a guy seeking revenge on the man who killed his father, but then there’s these slice of life elements with getting a job and inspecting seemingly mundane items in your house and at the convenience store. I can get why people would have problems with how long you have to wait and jank combat, but man I can’t stop smiling thinking about how 100 mil was spent developing this game that’s so absurd that I think it makes me like this game
If you think you'd be interested then I implore you to give it a try, there's really nothing quite like it
Really love your content!
Thank you so much!
My first run in with shenmue was a demo disc. Years later I tried the games when the hd releases came out. I felt like a kid again dead ass. I was mentally and spiritually in 2000 again
This video is amazing
Shenmue will forever remain in me heart
Not even yakuza or any persona game can do better then this masterpiece
Great vidéo for your love for shenmue , even now no game are like shenmue exept shenmue 2
I hope you ll do a video for shenmue 2
7:40 Are you joking? " In 1986, batteries didn't exist. " C batteries have existed since the late 1800's.
it's a joke based on subverting your expectations. you'd expect me to say that the Sega Saturn didn't exist but instead I throw a wrench at you and say that batteries didn't exist
Me too I still love the story onwards to 4 😎👍
HEY !!!!
I almost always go to sleep with jeans on!!!
But then again with my life, I’ve always felt like I needed to be studied in the lab also?🧐
Bro really said 'let me do my super eye patch wolf voice rq'
50 Minute essay, im ready!
Hope ya enjoy!
I am literally replaying this game over right now to kill time for Spider-Man 2. Also i always play this game each fall/winter season 😂
Shenmue is one of my favorite game ever! I still have my original Dreamcast copy.
Working my way through this now on a DC emulator!
Its pretty good so far. The dialogue is like AI generated conversations but other than that im enjoying it alot
That was a solid Eyepatch impression, lmao.
The INTRO LMAOOOO
Batteries existed in 86
i got a few comments on this but this was a joke. you'd expect me to say "the Saturn didn't exist in 86" but instead I threw a wrench and said that batteries didn't exist
I was like "wait what?" My brain glitched for a second when I heard that. The Saturn though would have blown people's minds in 1986.
The sega dreamcast was the best gaming consoles ever in the 90s
Never played this game,but a video about Shenmue 3 was very significant to me,in both understanding how it fails,and by getting me invested in Bajiquan and chinese martial arts in general,which ended up being very important to me. So i surprisingly owe it a lot.
13:51 got me worried for a second,Internet Historian ruined me.
28:30 ay,peculiar choice
Play it. It's quite an amazing experience.
Shenmue RULES 🤘😎
This was a good jawn
me too
I buy ps4 version, but i love play it on my dreamcast always
You can fast forward time from the inn, in the remaster at least.
Do you watch Running Shine or am I tweaking (good video dude)
YES he's one of my biggest inspirations
@@Santanael DUDE I friggin knew it haha. I’ve been really inspired by their videos too - I’m writing a video review of Shenmue 2 as a personal project so this was super wild to pick up on here man
I Still love shenmue. It has some problems, mainly the first one about waiting. I was 12 at the time man. This game has influenced me in a lot of ways. I enjoy it to this day. Of course, it is a product of it's time. You have to put it in perspective, there was NOTHING like Shenmue at the time. Not in this size and depth. I aways say that. It was 1999~2000...
Same bro
ITS CALLED A TSUBA YOU -
Tasty Oreo...
Literally one of the games of all time and now I feel like playing it again
Wish they didn't fumble 3 so hard
I still need to play through 3, I got it for $5 LMAO
@@Santanael You'll never get that $5 back
3 was fine
I thought 3 had it's moments, I still haven't finished it though because I sadly gave up on it. I think I'm going to buy it again though and give it another try.
Same
Did you mean the Saturn didn’t exist in 1986? Cuz C Batteries were introduced in the 2’s and batteries in general are centuries old.
nah the joke was a subversion cus you'd expect me to say "the saturn didnt release in 86" but instead i chose to lie
One thing I, got to say is that batteries have been around since the 1800s...
7:03
You cannot get Katana sword by stealing
You must earn it 😂
Bloodsport
Man mo temple
Huh? Didn't the modern day battery come out in the early to mid 1900s?
The accent you were doing sounded like it was from someone who should be able to say sega properly yet you didn't not once , which is always amazing to me when people get it wrong when so many sega games especially on the mega drive/Genesis used to actually say it out loud , Australians get it even more wrong they say seega at least the wrong way Americans say it is in line with how it's spelled
Shenmue art when???
I've drawn some before on my Twitter!
@@Santanael I think I remember a bit, but I mostly see your stuff on Facebook compared to Twitter! Algorithm moment.
@@Santanael
Yo, you're an artist?
In what way is Shenmue similar to Rhythm Heaven Fever?
It was a joke right
The two are very similar
1: they're both video games
Shenmue is not a game...
Shenmue is a feeling that cannot be recreated or copied. No game has put so much effort on detail...
You don’t understand how to play the game. It’s not like yakuza. You’re supposed to look around and interact with minute things and talk to everybody.
It’s a lot like a point and click game
shenmue would be more successful if they focused fully on gambling, and made it in large casino in macau whern ryo keep rejecting girls and taking photos
Lets be honest here. What made Shenmue special was the tecnical marvel it was at the time and that no other game was like it.
It doesnt really hold up today
@Wong_Shen your profile pic doesn't hold up well
No wonder why no one bothered with your comment
@@Leon_S._Kennedy cuz people are coping and living on nostalgia with the memories they have of it.
But objectively speaking, it was a product of its time
I loved Shenmue I and II, but Shenmue III was a huge disappointment.
Shenmue is an amazing game I can’t believe the hate it gets, you can go and play in the arcade Or play slots while your waiting for time to pass. I give shenmue series 10/10 and yakuza 8/10