Here's another fine and classic masterpiece of a game cranked out by Sega and produced/ directed by video game legend Yu Suzuki... Shenmue. Those who were lucky enough to own the company's final console, the Sega Dreamcast, know exactly what I'm talking about here, as it's one of the first types of open world adventure games that defined getting the system and experience this adventure first hand. Making use of FREE (Full Reactive Eyes Entertainment), the game is set in the latter 1980's and puts you in the shoes of a teenaged martial artist named Ryo Hazuki, who sets out on an epic adventure to avenge his father's murder. Long before Grand Theft Auto started the trend of free roaming, this was the game that gave you the chance to explore your surroundings (albeit with a curfew to follow), as well as interact with cinematics instead of simply watching them by pressing the corresponding button as it flashed on the screen (giving birth to QTE's, or Quick Time Events as a result). Intended to be a spin-off of Virtual Fighter, the game still retained its martial arts element by incorporating the beat'em up formula during battles, as well as a system wherein Ryo could learn new moves as he progresses in the game. Besides the story, the game was so appealing for its time because of the production values placed into making it almost realistic, which was Suzuki's aim in charting a new experience for gamers to appreciate and interact with.
Below is the one track that remained consistent with the game and its sequel, Shenmue II - The Main Menu music. Everytime I hear this piece, it takes my mind back to the game, where I'd literally imagine pivotal and fun moments I experienced while playing and wouldn't mind so doing again. Unfortunately, Sega stopped at Shenmue II and never developed a true sequel until this very day. Still, I remain among many hopefuls that a sequel will inevitably be produced and Suzuki-san will be able to complete his masterpiece someday.
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