<review>

To start, I'd like to note that I don't think that there was any possible way that a sequel could amount to an original such as Shenmue. Although close, the first experience of being immersed into the world of Shenmue is one that cannot be simply surpassed by any sequel.

Graphics: 9/10

Graphics were definitely improved over its predecessor, with buildings in the far off distance looking fairly realistic (for a Dreamcast game), dingy slum walls that gave you the feeling of being stalked, and other feel-good feelings relating to scenery. Hands look a lot better **cheer**, however at one point in the game I noticed that flowers were a bit... square... although nice looking nonetheless.

Audio: 10/10

Voices are much improved, no longer sounding like someone was 1/2 a centimeter away from the microphone. Don't know about any English dubbing, but the subtitled version of dialogue was perfectly fine for me.

Difficulty: 8/10

Not too difficult of a game, though not a cake walk by no means. Some QTE events are quite... tiresome, wherein if you fail you have to start over from the beginning of the scene (7 intense floors to complete ^.^;;). Fight sequences are fun, but if you rush in you'll be pwned completely (which is good...). Overall, the difficulty wasn't really high by any means, just a couple frustrating sections of the game stick out in memory.

Storyline: 10/10

It's Shenmue... and all I'll say about it is that they really try to develop the storyline in one major point in the game, almost to the point of boredom. You'll know what I'm talking about when you play it ;).

Gameplay: 8.5/10

Entertaining through much of the entire game, which is a feat for a game that can be stretched out for quite a long time... though the parts in which the game is not entertaining... almost made me not want to play it. Some tedious parts of the game are evident, though once you overcome them, you are sure to have some fun until the next part of tedium, which should be a good time away.

I personally had a lot of fun doing fight sequences, which are pretty much the same as the first Shenmue's fighting system, only the enemy regenerates as well. Moves scrolls are also available for sale to learn new moves, some suck, others are very nice (rear foot sweep is an awesome one).

Making money can be as easy and hard as you want to make it. If you don't mind being a bit cheap, you can just save your game then gamble with a huge bet. If you dislike being cheap, then you can play Lucky Hit, or man a Lucky Hit Stand. You won't make nearly as much money as gambling, but it's the only way to make money without making some sort of sacrifice or gamble.

Overall Rating: 9/10

Although an excellent game, it still pales in comparison to the original. With some improvements, it still has a few minor downfalls. However, unlike with many sequels, it still leaves you in a state of heightened suspense, making you want to play Shenmue 3... if it ever comes out.

</review>