Players Like...

❤ Freely Explore Vibrant Open Worlds

Players can freely roam the meticulously crafted towns of Yokosuka and Hong Kong, interacting with the diverse cast of NPCs. These characters follow their own schedules, opening and closing shops, and going about their daily routines. Players can enter nearly every building, opening drawers and cabinets to inspect a multitude of interactive objects, heightening the sense of a living, breathing world.

❤ Embrace the Deliberate Pacing

The story progresses at a measured, unhurried pace, often requiring players to wait for specific events or appointments before advancing the narrative. While this slow tempo may frustrate some, it is intentional, aiming to immerse players in an authentic "slice of life" experience. To pass the time, players can engage in a wealth of side activities, such as playing classic arcade games, gambling in casinos, and taking on part-time jobs like forklift driving.

❤ Master Hazuki-Style Jujitsu

Combat in Shenmue centers around Ryo Hazuki's proficiency in Hazuki-style jujitsu. Players must manually target and lock onto enemies, executing a variety of strikes and special moves through precise timing and quick-time events. While the combat system may feel dated, it remains an integral part of the experience, allowing players to engage in thrilling confrontations with various adversaries.

❤ Uncover Mysteries Through Investigation

Alongside open-world exploration and combat, the game features investigative gameplay mechanics. Players must talk to NPCs, examine clues, and solve puzzles to progress the main story and uncover the mysteries surrounding Ryo's father's murder. This encourages a thoughtful, methodical approach to engaging with the environment.