Editing Shenmue (video game)

{{short description|1999 action-adventure game}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2022}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Shenmue
| image = ShenmueDCbox.jpg
| caption = North American cover art
| developer = [[Sega AM2|AM2 of CRI]]{{efn|Ported to [[PlayStation 4]], [[Windows]], and [[Xbox One]] by [[D3T]]}}
| publisher = [[Sega]]
| director = {{ubl|[[Yu Suzuki]]|Keiji Okayasu|[[Toshihiro Nagoshi]]<ref name="Nagoshi GamesRadar">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/from-shenmue-to-yakuza-toshihiro-nagoshi-looks-back-on-an-illustrious-career-of-japanese-game-development/|title=From Shenmue to Yakuza, Toshihiro Nagoshi looks back on an illustrious career of Japanese game development|date=December 28, 2018|access-date=January 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107015844/https://www.gamesradar.com/from-shenmue-to-yakuza-toshihiro-nagoshi-looks-back-on-an-illustrious-career-of-japanese-game-development/|archive-date=January 7, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
| producer = {{ubl|Yu Suzuki|Toshihiro Nagoshi<ref name="Nagoshi GamesRadar"/>}}
| designer = Eigo Kasahara
| programmer = Keiji Okayasu
| artist = Masanori Ohe
| writer = {{ubl|Yu Suzuki|Masahiro Yoshimoto|Takao Yotsuji}}
| composer = {{ubl|[[Takenobu Mitsuyoshi]]|[[Yuzo Koshiro]]}}
| series = ''[[Shenmue]]''
| platforms = {{Unbulleted list|[[Dreamcast]]|[[PlayStation 4]]|[[Windows]]|[[Xbox One]]}}
| released = {{Collapsible list|title={{nobold|December 29, 1999}}|'''Dreamcast'''{{Vgrelease|JP|December 29, 1999|NA|November 7, 2000|EU|December 1, 2000}}'''Windows''', '''Xbox One'''{{Vgrelease|WW|August 21, 2018}}'''PlayStation 4'''{{Vgrelease|WW|August 21, 2018|JP|November 22, 2018}}}}
| genre = [[Action-adventure game|Action-adventure]], [[Life simulation game|life simulation]],<ref>[http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2014/12/29/shenmue-reaches-milestone-15th-anniversary/126508/ Shenmue Reaches Milestone 15th Anniversary | Hardcore Gamer<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303191402/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2014/12/29/shenmue-reaches-milestone-15th-anniversary/126508/ |date=March 3, 2016 }}</ref> [[Social simulation game|social simulation]]<ref>[http://spong.com/article/850/New-Shenmue-2-information New Shenmue 2 information (Sega Dreamcast)<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208055643/http://spong.com/article/850/New-Shenmue-2-information |date=December 8, 2015 }}</ref>
| modes = [[Single-player]]
}}
{{nihongo foot|group=lower-alpha|lead=yes|'''''Shenmue'''''|シェンムー 一章 横須賀|Shenmū Isshō: Yokosuka|{{IPA|ja|ɕemmɯː iɕɕoː jokosɯ̥ka|pron|small=no}}, approximately {{IPAc-en|'|sh|E|n|.|m|u:}} {{respell|SHEN|moo}}. Translating to "Shenmue Chapter 1: Yokosuka".}} is a 1999 [[action-adventure game]] developed by [[Sega AM2|AM2 of CRI]] and published by [[Sega]] for the [[Dreamcast]]. It follows the teenage martial artist Ryo Hazuki as he sets out in revenge for the murder of his father in 1980s [[Yokosuka, Kanagawa|Yokosuka]], Japan. The player explores an [[open world]], fighting opponents in [[Beat 'em up|brawler battles]] and encountering [[quick time event]]s. The environmental detail was considered unprecedented, with numerous interactive 3D objects, a [[Persistent world|day-and-night system]], variable weather effects, [[non-player character]]s with daily schedules and various [[minigame]]s.

After developing several successful Sega [[arcade game]]s, including ''[[Hang-On]]'' (1985), ''[[Out Run]]'' (1986) and ''[[Virtua Fighter (series)|Virtua Fighter]]'' (1993), the director, [[Yu Suzuki]], wanted to create a longer experience, and conceived ''Shenmue'' as a multi-part epic. In 1996, [[Sega AM2]] began work on a [[role-playing game]] for the [[Sega Saturn]] set in the ''Virtua Fighter'' world. Development moved to the Dreamcast in 1997 and the ''Virtua Fighter'' connection was dropped. ''Shenmue'' became the [[List of most expensive video games to develop|most expensive video game ever developed]] at the time, with an estimated production and marketing cost of {{US$|47–70 million|long=no}}, though this also covered some of ''[[Shenmue II]]'' (2001).

Despite sales of 1.2 million, ''Shenmue'' did not recoup its development cost and was a [[List of commercial failures in video games|commercial failure]]. It received positive reviews for its graphics, soundtrack and ambition, though its slow pace and emphasis on mundane detail divided players. It attracted a [[cult following]], appeared in several lists of the [[List of video games considered the best|greatest video games of all time]], and is credited for pioneering [[game mechanics]] such as quick time events and open worlds. Later appraisal has been mixed, with criticism for the controls, voice acting and slow pace.

After the release of ''Shenmue II'', further ''[[Shenmue]]'' games entered [[development hell]] and Suzuki left Sega. In 2018, Sega released high-definition [[Porting|ports]] of ''Shenmue'' and ''Shenmue II'' for multiple formats. Following a successful [[crowdfunding]] campaign, Suzuki developed ''[[Shenmue III]]'' independently; it was released for the [[PlayStation 4]] and [[Windows]] in 2019. An [[Shenmue (TV series)|anime adaptation of ''Shenmue'']] premiered in 2022.

== Gameplay ==
The player controls the teenage martial artist Ryo Hazuki as he investigates his father's murder in [[Yokosuka, Kanagawa|Yokosuka]] in 1986. They must explore the [[open world]], searching for clues, examining objects and talking to [[non-player characters]]. Occasionally, Ryo battles opponents in [[Brawler|fighting]] sequences similar to Sega's ''[[Virtua Fighter]]'' series; outside of combat, players can practice moves to increase their power. In [[quick time events]], the player must press the right button within a time limit to succeed.<ref name="Towell-2015">{{cite web|last=Towell|first=Justin|date=June 30, 2015|title=Why is everybody so excited? What's a ''Shenmue''?|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/why-everybody-so-excited-whats-shenmue/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303191430/http://www.gamesradar.com/why-everybody-so-excited-whats-shenmue/|archive-date=March 3, 2016|access-date=January 28, 2017|website=[[GamesRadar]]}}</ref><ref name="Diver-2015">{{cite web|last=Diver|first=Mike|date=May 2, 2015|title=''Shenmue'' – discovering the Sega classic 14 years too late|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/may/02/shenmue-sega-classic-14-years-too-late|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626163813/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/may/02/shenmue-sega-classic-14-years-too-late|archive-date=June 26, 2015|access-date=June 30, 2015|website=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref>

''Shenmue'' features a [[persistent world]] with level of detail considered unprecedented for games at the time.<ref name="Gill-2015">{{cite web|url=http://www.gameskinny.com/1wd3d/90s-making-of-shenmue-documentary-gives-glimpse-into-legendary-game |title='90s Making of Shenmue documentary gives glimpse into legendary game |last=Gill |first=Ashley |date=November 9, 2015 |website=GameSkinny |access-date=January 28, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922234122/http://www.gameskinny.com/1wd3d/90s-making-of-shenmue-documentary-gives-glimpse-into-legendary-game |archive-date=September 22, 2016 }}</ref> Shops open and close, buses run to timetables, and characters have their own routines, each in accordance with the in-game clock.<ref name="Edge-2000">{{cite magazine|date=November 2000|title=Shenmue Review|url=http://www.edge-online.com/review/shenmue-review/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129031402/http://www.edge-online.com/review/shenmue-review/|archive-date=November 29, 2014|access-date=January 28, 2017|magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]}}</ref><ref name="Eurogamer-2014"/> The player can inspect objects including drawers, cabinets and shelves, though not all objects are interactive.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Gaming's Greatest Flops: Shenmue |url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/gamings-greatest-flops-shenmue-retrospective |website=USgamer.net |date=August 8, 2014 |access-date=December 3, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102161135/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/gamings-greatest-flops-shenmue-retrospective |archive-date=January 2, 2016 }}</ref> Ryo receives a daily allowance which can be spent on items including food, raffle tickets, audio [[compact Cassette|cassettes]] and [[Gashapon|capsule toys]]. There are several [[minigames]]; in the local arcade, for example, Ryo can throw darts or play complete versions of the Sega arcade games ''[[Hang-On]]'' and ''[[Space Harrier]]''. Later in the game, Ryo gets a part-time job at the docks and must ferry crates between warehouses and compete in races using a [[forklift]].<ref name="Towell-2015"/><ref name="Diver-2015"/> ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' described ''Shenmue'' as "a game of middle management, often composed of the unglamorous daily grinds—being home for bedtime, wisely spending money earned from a day job, or training combat moves through lonely practice—that other games bypass".<ref name="Edge-2014">{{cite magazine|date=March 5, 2014|title=Retrospective: ''Shenmue''|url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/retrospective-shenmue|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129195144/http://www.edge-online.com/features/retrospective-shenmue/|archive-date=November 29, 2014|access-date=July 1, 2015|magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]}}</ref>

== Plot ==
In [[Yokosuka]], Japan, 1986, the teenage martial arts student Ryo Hazuki returns to his family [[dojo]] to witness a confrontation between his father, Iwao, and a Chinese man, Lan Di. Lan Di easily incapacitates Ryo, and threatens to kill him unless Iwao gives him a mysterious [[Shinju-kyo|stone artifact]], the dragon mirror. Iwao tells him the mirror is buried under the cherry blossom tree outside. As his men recover the mirror, Lan Di mentions a man he claims Iwao killed in China. He delivers a finishing blow and Iwao dies in Ryo's arms.

Ryo swears revenge on Lan Di and asks locals for information. As he is about to run out of leads, a letter addressed to Ryo's father arrives from a Chinese man, Zhu Yuanda, suggesting he seek the aid of Master Chen, who works at Yokosuka Harbor. Through Chen and his son Guizhang, Ryo learns that the mirror taken by Lan Di is one of two. He locates the second, the phoenix mirror, in a hidden basement beneath the family dojo.

Chen reveals that Lan Di has left Japan for Hong Kong. Ryo borrows money to buy a boat ticket from a disreputable travel agency. When he goes to collect the ticket, he is ambushed by Chai, a member of Lan Di's criminal organization, the Chi You Men, who destroys his ticket. Ryo learns that the Chi You Men is connected to the local harbor gang, the Mad Angels, and takes a job at the harbor as a forklift driver to investigate. After he causes trouble, the Mad Angels kidnap his schoolfriend Nozomi. Ryo rescues her and makes a deal with the Mad Angels leader to beat up Guizhang in exchange for a meeting with Lan Di. Ryo realizes the deal is a trap and teams up with Guizhang to defeat the Mad Angels.

Ryo arranges to take a boat to Hong Kong with Guizhang. On the day of departure, they are attacked by Chai. Ryo defeats him, but Guizhang is injured and urges Ryo to go without him, saying he will meet him in China later. Chen advises Ryo to seek the help of a martial artist in Hong Kong named Lishao Tao. Ryo boards the boat and leaves for Hong Kong.

==Development==
[[File:Yu Suzuki - Game Developers Conference 2011 - Day 3 (2).jpg|thumb|''Shenmue'' creator [[Yu Suzuki]]]]
''Shenmue'' was created by [[Yu Suzuki]]. After joining Sega in 1983, Suzuki created several successful [[arcade game]]s including ''[[Hang-On]]'' (1985)'', [[Out Run]]'' (1986) and ''[[Virtua Fighter (series)|Virtua Fighter]]'' (1993).<ref name="Corriea-2014">{{cite web|last=Corriea|first=Alexa Ray|date=March 19, 2014|title=Creator Yu Suzuki shares the story of Shenmue's development|url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/3/19/5527120/yu-suzuki-shenmue-gdc-2014-classic-game-postmortem|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150628071042/http://www.polygon.com/2014/3/19/5527120/yu-suzuki-shenmue-gdc-2014-classic-game-postmortem|archive-date=June 28, 2015|access-date=June 29, 2015|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref> In comparison to arcade games, where the ideal experience is only a few minutes long, Suzuki wanted to make a longer experience and researched [[Role-playing video game|role-playing games]] (RPGs).<ref name="Corriea-2014"/>

To test camera, combat and conversation systems, Suzuki and [[Sega AM2]] built a prototype [[Sega Saturn]] game, ''The Old Man and the Peach Tree,'' about a young man, Taro, seeking a martial arts [[grandmaster (martial arts)|grandmaster]] in 1950s [[Luoyang]], China.<ref name="Eurogamer-2014">{{cite web|date=March 19, 2014|title=''Shenmue'' once featured cats that walk on two legs|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-03-19-shenmue-once-featured-cats-that-walk-on-two-legs|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001191709/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-03-19-shenmue-once-featured-cats-that-walk-on-two-legs|archive-date=October 1, 2015|access-date=June 29, 2015|website=[[Eurogamer]]}}</ref> Taro brings an old man a peach in exchange for information about the grandmaster; at the end of the game, the man skillfully skips stones across water to hunt fish, revealing that he is the grandmaster.<ref name="Corriea-2014"/>

In 1996, AM2 began developing a 3D Saturn RPG with the working title ''Guppy''.<ref name="Eurogamer-2014"/> This became ''Virtua Fighter RPG: Akira's Story'', an RPG starring the ''[[Virtua Fighter]]'' character [[Akira Yuki|Akira]]. AM2 planned a "cinematic" approach, including voice acting and elaborate combat sequences.<ref name="Corriea-2014"/> Suzuki researched locations in China, and constructed four acts with the themes "sadness", "fight",{{Sic|}} "departure" and "starting afresh". In this version of the story, Akira would overcome his grief following his father's death, travel to China, defeat an antagonist, and begin a journey with a new friend. Suzuki recruited a screenwriter, a playwright and film directors to write the multi-part story,<ref name="Corriea-2014"/><ref name="Polygon-2015"/> which ''[[IGN]]'' described as a "revenge epic in the tradition of [[Chinese cinema]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/04/21/ign-presents-the-history-of-sega?page=8 |title=''IGN'' presents the history of Sega|website=[[IGN]] |date=April 21, 2009|access-date=November 18, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106173810/http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/04/21/ign-presents-the-history-of-sega?page=8 |archive-date=November 6, 2015 }}</ref>

In 1997, development moved to Sega's upcoming console, the [[Dreamcast]]. In 1998, the Sega of America vice president, [[Bernie Stolar]], told [[Next Generation (magazine)|''Next Generation'']] that Suzuki's next project would "rock the gaming world".<ref name="TheHistory">{{cite web|date=July 13, 1999|title=''Shenmue'', the History|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/07/14/shenmue-the-history|access-date=June 8, 2020|website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> That year, to better market the game as a Dreamcast "[[Killer application|killer app]]", the ''Virtua Fighter'' connection was dropped and Suzuki announced the working title ''Project Berkley''.<ref name="TheHistory"/> By the time of the Dreamcast's release that November, it had been retitled ''Shenmue''.<ref name="Corriea-2014" /> Sega announced that ''Shenmue'' was so unique it belonged to a new genre it termed "full reactive eyes entertainment" or "FREE".<ref name="TheHistory" />[[File:Shenmue Saturn.png|thumb|A screenshot of an early version of ''Shenmue'', then titled ''Virtua Fighter RPG: Akira's Story,'' for the [[Sega Saturn]]]]AM2 focused on developing the game world, creating a large open environment with minigames and subquests. The setting is modeled on Dobuita in [[Yokosuka]], Japan.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.stripes.com/news/yokosuka-street-hosts-players-of-video-game-1.47957|title=Yokosuka street hosts players of video game|last=BATDORFF|first=ALLISON|date=April 21, 2006|work=Stars and Stripes|access-date=July 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709153725/https://www.stripes.com/news/yokosuka-street-hosts-players-of-video-game-1.47957|archive-date=July 9, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The team worked with interior decorators to design more than 1,200 rooms and locations,<ref name="Corriea-2014"/><ref name="Edge68">''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'', issue 68, January 1999, page 22</ref> and created over 300 characters, each with names, personalities and relationships, some modeled on Sega employees,<ref>[http://shmuplations.com/shenmue/ Shenmue – 2000 Developer Interview] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150817001900/http://shmuplations.com/shenmue/ |date=August 17, 2015 }}, Shmupulations</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Classic 'Shenmue' Interview Unearthed |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/olliebarder/2015/08/16/classic-shenmue-interview-unearthed/ |website=Forbes |access-date=December 12, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102161135/http://www.forbes.com/sites/olliebarder/2015/08/16/classic-shenmue-interview-unearthed/ |archive-date=January 2, 2016 }}</ref> with detailed clay models as animation references.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NUFIBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA212|title=A Brief History Of Video Games: From Atari to Virtual Reality|page=212|author=Richard Stanton|year=2015|publisher=Little, Brown Book |isbn=978-1-47211-880-6|access-date=August 24, 2018}}</ref> [[Meteorological]] records of 1986 Yokosuka were used to create algorithmically generated weather and day-and-night cycles.<ref name="Corriea-2014"/> The cut scenes are rendered in [[Real-time computer graphics|real time]], without [[full-motion video]] (FMV), and [[motion capture]] was used to capture the movements of [[Budō]] ([[Japanese martial arts]]) experts.<ref>''Game Informer'', issue 71 (March 1999), page 51</ref> To fit the material onto a manageable number of discs, AM2 developed a new type of [[data compression]].<ref name="Corriea-2014"/>

In 1999, AM2 focused on fixing bugs, finding hundreds each day. At the time, there were no [[bug tracking system|bug-tracking system]]s, so the team tracked bugs with [[Microsoft Excel|Excel]] spreadsheets; at one point, they had tracked over 10,000 unresolved bugs.<ref name="Corriea-2014"/> On one occasion, several [[non-player character]]s became trapped in the convenience store where they had gone as part of their scripted routines; Suzuki's solution was to widen the store's door.<ref name="Eurogamer-2014"/> The [[product placement]] of the [[Coca-Cola]] and [[Timex Group USA|Timex]] brands also created problems, as the companies had strict specifications for their implementation.<ref name="Corriea-2014"/> Suzuki said the biggest challenge was management, with over 300 staff and no experience of large projects.<ref name="Corriea-2014"/>

According to the localizer [[Jeremy Blaustein]], ''Shenmue''{{'}}s English [[Video game localization|localization]] was fraught with problems exacerbated by the project's scale. At Suzuki's insistence, the English voices were recorded in Japan, which greatly restricted the casting; Blaustein said "we hired basically every single [English-speaking] person that exists [in Japan] and calls themselves a voice actor".<ref name="Szczepaniak">{{Cite web |last=Szczepaniak |first=John |title=The life and games of Jeremy Blaustein |url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/jb/jb2.htm#shenmue |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210021137/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/jb/jb2.htm |archive-date=December 10, 2015 |access-date=December 4, 2015 |website=[[Hardcore Gaming 101]]}}</ref> The scripts were translated by several people, creating consistency problems, and arrived late, leaving no time for rewrites or proper direction.<ref name="Szczepaniak"/>

''Shenmue'' became the [[List of most expensive video games to develop|most expensive game ever developed]] at the time, reported to have cost Sega {{US$|70 million|long=no}}. In 2011, Suzuki said the figure was closer to $47 million including marketing.<ref name="Diver-2015"/> Development also covered some of ''[[Shenmue II]]'' (2001), which was completed for a smaller amount,<ref name="IGN History of Dreamcast">{{cite web|last=Fahs|first=Travis|date=September 9, 2010|title=''IGN'' presents the history of Dreamcast|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/09/10/ign-presents-the-history-of-dreamcast|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140928201508/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/09/10/ign-presents-the-history-of-dreamcast|archive-date=September 28, 2014|access-date=October 31, 2014|website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> and groundwork for future ''Shenmue'' games.<ref name="Ages">{{cite web|title = Shenmue: Through the Ages|website=IGN|url =https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/08/08/shenmue-through-the-ages|date=August 8, 2007|access-date = June 8, 2020}}</ref>

== Promotion and release ==
On November 27, 1998, Sega released the Dreamcast in Japan. The launch game ''[[Virtua Fighter 3]]tb'', also directed by Suzuki, included a preview disc of ''Shenmue'' featuring FMV scenes and an interview with Suzuki, but no gameplay footage. On December 20, 1998, Sega unveiled ''Shenmue'' at a conference at the Yokohama International Assembly Hall and demonstrated its clock, weather and quick time event systems; fans could watch the conference online.<ref name="TheHistory"/> Initial reactions were positive, with ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' saying it "could be one of the most ambitious and important video game endeavours of the decade".<ref>''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'', issue 68, January 1999, page 23</ref> However, the quick time events angered some fans, who had assumed ''Shenmue'' would only use ''Virtua Fighter''-style battles.<ref name="TheHistory"/>

Sega announced a Japanese release date of April 1999,<ref name="April1999">{{Cite web |author=IGN staff |title=News Bytes |url=http://dreamcast.ign.com/news/7072.html|website=[[IGN]] |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000423020857/http://dreamcast.ign.com/news/7072.html |archive-date=April 23, 2000 |access-date=September 19, 2022 |date=February 24, 1999}}<br>'''Shenmue Delayed'''<br>"...originally scheduled for Japanese release this April, the game has...been delayed until sometime this summer."</ref> which was delayed to August 5.<ref name="April1999"/> At the [[Tokyo Game Show]] that March, Sega announced that ''Shenmue'' would span multiple games and allowed the public to play it for the first time. At a Japanese consumer show on May 3, Sega demonstrated the facial animation and announced that non-player characters would have their own daily routines. Later that month, Sega showed ''Shenmue'' in America for the first time at the 1999 [[Game Developers Conference|Game Developer's Conference]]. It was playable the following week at the [[E3]] trade fair in Los Angeles.<ref name="TheHistory"/>

At a Japanese consumer conference on June 1, 1999, Sega announced a ''Shenmue'' promotion to coincide with a Dreamcast price drop. Sega distributed a limited-edition video, ''What's Shenmue'', with Dreamcast consoles and games, and a playable [[Game demo|demo]] from August 1.<ref name="TheHistory"/> The "spoof" demo has Ryo search a small area of Yokosuka for Sega's managing director, Hidekazu Yukawa.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Robinson |first1=Martin & Matthew Reynolds |title=Shenmue 3 backer demo plans revealed |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-08-13-shenmue-3-backer-demo-plans-revealed |website=[[Eurogamer]] |access-date=September 14, 2020 |date=September 25, 2019}}</ref> Sega also announced that ''Shenmue'' had been delayed to October 28.<ref>{{Cite web |author=IGN staff |title=Sega's New Challenge Conference '99 Report |url=http://dreamcast.ign.com/news/8289.html |website=[[IGN]] |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000623150554/http://dreamcast.ign.com/news/8289.html |archive-date=June 23, 2000 |access-date=September 19, 2022 |date=June 1, 1999}}<br>"That's right, folks, the first chapter of Yu Suzuki's vision has been moved from August 5th to October 28th."</ref> On June 22, Sega announced a "''Shenmue'' subway tour", showing playable demos at Japanese train stations that August.<ref name="TheHistory"/> [[NHK]] spent six months with the development team and broadcast a making-of documentary before the game's release.<ref name="Gill-2015"/> 

At the end of September, Sega announced a release date for early 2000,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gantayat |first=Anoop |title=Shenmue's Japanese Release Officially Delayed |url=http://dreamcast.ign.com/news/10914.html |website=[[IGN]] |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000311101621/http://dreamcast.ign.com/news/10914.html |archive-date=March 11, 2000 |access-date=September 19, 2022 |date=September 30, 1999}}</ref> before moving it to the final week of 1999.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gantayat |first=Anoop |title=Shenmue: The Last Great Game of the Millennium |url=http://dreamcast.ign.com/news/12270.html |website=[[IGN]] |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000303003233/http://dreamcast.ign.com/news/12270.html |archive-date=March 3, 2000 |access-date=September 19, 2022 |date=November 17, 1999}}</ref> Sega released ''Shenmue'' on December 29, 1999, in Japan,<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=シェンムー 一章 横須賀 [ドリームキャスト] / ファミ通.com|url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=8571|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211231911/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=8571|archive-date=December 11, 2015|access-date=November 28, 2015|magazine=[[Famitsu]]}}</ref> November 7, 2000, in North America,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sega Announces Limited Edition Shenmue |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sega-announces-limited-edition-shenmue/1100-2642321/ |access-date=2023-05-12 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=I. G. N. Staff |date=2000-11-03 |title=The Games of November: America |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/03/the-games-of-november-america |access-date=2023-05-12 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> and December 1, 2000, in Europe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pushsquare.com/news/2015/07/soapbox_why_i_love_shenmue|title=Soapbox: Why I Love Shenmue|author=Barker, Sammy|date=July 16, 2015|website=Push Square|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208185142/http://www.pushsquare.com/news/2015/07/soapbox_why_i_love_shenmue|archive-date=December 8, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=November 28, 2015}}</ref>

==Reception==
===Critical response===
{{Video game reviews
| GR = 89%<ref name="GR">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/dreamcast/198621-shenmue/index.html |title=Shenmue for Dreamcast |website=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=July 13, 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707172659/https://www.gamerankings.com/dreamcast/198621-shenmue/index.html |archive-date=July 7, 2018 }}</ref>
| 1UP = A+<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/gameOverview?cId=3130415&sec=REVIEW |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120724104431/http://www.1up.com/do/gameOverview?cId=3130415&sec=REVIEW |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 24, 2012 |title=IGN: Shenmue Dreamcast Review |publisher=1up.com |access-date=March 1, 2011 }}</ref>
| 4P = 95/100<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071102165205/http://www.4players.de/4players.php/dispbericht_fazit/Dreamcast/Test/Fazit_Wertung/Dreamcast/537/229/Shenmue.html|archive-date=November 2, 2007|url=http://www.4players.de/4players.php/dispbericht_fazit/Dreamcast/Test/Fazit_Wertung/Dreamcast/537/229/Shenmue.html|title=Shenmue|language=de|work=[[4Players]]|date=December 30, 2000 |access-date=October 27, 2020}}</ref>
| Allgame = {{rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web|last=Sutyak|first=Jonathan|archive-date=November 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114105813/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=23620&tab=review|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=23620&tab=review|title=Shenmue |work=[[AllGame]]|access-date=October 27, 2020}}</ref>
| CVG = {{rating|5|5}}<ref>''[[Computer and Video Games]]'', issue 230, pages 84–87</ref>
| Edge = 8/10<ref>''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'', issue 92, pages 86–87</ref>
| EGM = 26/30<ref name="egm">{{cite magazine |first1=Greg |last1=Sewart |first2=Jonathan |last2=Dudlak |first3=Mark |last3=MacDonald |date=January 2001 |title=Shenmue |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |issue=138 |page=196}}</ref>
| EuroG = 9/10<ref>{{cite web |author=Rob Fahey |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/content/r_shenmue_dc |title=Shenmue Review - Page 1 |publisher=Eurogamer.net |date=January 23, 2001 |access-date=March 1, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030311164522/http://eurogamer.net/content/r_shenmue_dc |archive-date=March 11, 2003 }}</ref>
| Fam = 33/40<ref>''ドリームキャスト - シェンムー~莎木~一章横須賀''. Weekly Famitsu. No.915 Pt.2. Pg.39. June 30, 2006.</ref>
| GI = 6/10<ref name="informer">{{cite magazine|author=Jay|title=''Shenmue''|magazine=Game Informer|volume=10|issue=92|date=December 2000|page=120}}</ref>
| GamePro = {{rating|4.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamepro.com/games/dreamcast/104416/shenmue/ |title=Shenmue Reviews for Dreamcast |publisher=Gamepro.com |access-date=March 1, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091206101439/http://www.gamepro.com/games/dreamcast/104416/shenmue/|archive-date=December 6, 2009}}</ref>
| GSpot = 7.8/10 (US)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/shenmue-review/1900-2540599/ |title=Shenmue Review for Dreamcast |website=GameSpot |date=November 7, 2000 |access-date=March 1, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208054145/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/shenmue-review/1900-2540599/ |archive-date=December 8, 2014 }}</ref><br/>8.1/10 (UK)<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20000412115558/http://video.gamespot.co.uk/stories/dc/reviews/0%2C8326%2C2421741%2C00.html video.gamespot.co.uk: Shenmue<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
| GSpy = 8.5/10<ref name="gamerankings">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/dreamcast/198621-shenmue/index.html |title=Shenmue for Dreamcast |publisher=GameRankings |date=November 7, 2000 |access-date=March 1, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080118192213/http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/198621.asp?q=shenmue |archive-date=January 18, 2008 }}</ref>
| GT = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/game/shenmue/2343 |title=Shenmue Reviews and trailers |publisher=Gametrailers.com |access-date=March 1, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100402143524/http://www.gametrailers.com/game/shenmue/2343 |archive-date=April 2, 2010 }}</ref>
| Hyper = 94/100<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Toose|first=Dan|date=February 2001|title=Shenmue|magazine=[[Hyper (magazine)|Hyper]]|issue=88|pages=40–43}}</ref>
| IGN = 9.7/10<ref name="ign">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/04/shenmue |title=IGN: Shenmue Dreamcast Review |publisher=Dreamcast.ign.com |date=November 3, 2000 |access-date=March 1, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110224040448/http://dreamcast.ign.com/articles/164/164499p1.html |archive-date=February 24, 2011 }}</ref>
| JXV = 18/20<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0000/00001016_test.htm|title=Test : Shenmue |language=fr|website=[[Jeuxvideo.com]]|date=November 23, 2000|access-date=October 27, 2020}}</ref>
| NGen = {{rating|5|5}}<ref name="NG"/>
| rev1 = ''[[DC-UK]]''
| rev1Score = 10/10<ref name="Hazuki Dojo">{{cite web | title=List of 'Shenmue' Ratings | url=http://www.hazukidojo.com/index.php?page=Shenmue%20-%20Press%20Ratings&m=shenmue | work=Hazuki Dojo | access-date=May 19, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060630014756/http://www.hazukidojo.com/index.php?page=Shenmue%20-%20Press%20Ratings&m=shenmue | archive-date=June 30, 2006}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[[NeoGAF|Gaming Age]]''
| rev2Score = A−<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gaming-age.com/cgi-bin/reviews/review.pl?sys=dreamcast&game=shenmue |archive-url=https://archive.today/20010716101610/http://www.gaming-age.com/cgi-bin/reviews/review.pl?sys=dreamcast&game=shenmue |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 16, 2001 |title=Shenmue Review (DC) |publisher=Gaming Age |date=December 4, 2000 |access-date=March 1, 2011 }}</ref>
| rev5 = [[Official Dreamcast Magazine (UK)|''Official Dreamcast Magazine'' (UK)]]
| rev5Score = 10/10<ref name="ODMUK">{{cite magazine |last=Lomas |first=Ed |date= December 2000|title=''Shenmue'' review |magazine=Official Dreamcast Magazine |location= UK|publisher= [[Dennis Publishing]]}}</ref>
| rev6 = [[Official Dreamcast Magazine (US)|''Official Dreamcast Magazine'' (US)]]
| rev6Score = 10/10<ref name="Hazuki Dojo"/>
| award1Pub = [[Japan Media Arts Festival]]
| award1 = [[List of Game of the Year awards|Excellence Prize for Interactive Art]]<ref name="festival_prize"/>
| award2Pub = 5th [[Animation Kobe]]
| award2 = Packaged Work Award
| award3Pub = ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]''
| award3 = Graphical Achievement<ref name="Edge82">{{cite magazine |title=Edge Awards 2000 |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |date=February 22, 2000 |issue=82 (March 2000) |pages=54–63 |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/7/7a/Edge_UK_082.pdf#page=#page=54}}</ref>
| award4Pub = [[4th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards]]
| award4 = Console Innovation<ref name="interactive.org">{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2001&idGame=585 |title=D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details Shenmue |publisher=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] |access-date=24 July 2023}}</ref>
}}

''Shenmue'' held an average aggregate score of 89% on [[GameRankings]].<ref name="GR"/> Critics praised its graphics, realism, soundtrack and ambition. ''[[IGN]]'' called it "a gaming experience that no one, casual to hardcore gamer, can miss",<ref name="ign"/> and ''[[Eurogamer]]'' called it "one of the most compelling and unusual gaming experiences ever created".<ref>{{cite web|last=Fahey|first=Rob|date=January 23, 2001|title=Shenmue|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_shenmue_dc|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704221435/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_shenmue_dc|archive-date=July 4, 2015|access-date=July 3, 2015|website=[[Eurogamer]]}}</ref> ''[[GameSpot]]'' wrote that though ''Shenmue'' is "far from perfect" it was "revolutionary" and "worth experiencing—provided you have the time to invest".<ref name="GameSpot">{{cite web|author=Porvo|first=Frank|date=January 11, 2000|title=GameSpot Review of "Shenmue"|url=http://www.gamespot.com/dreamcast/adventure/shenmue/review.html?page=1&q=&q=|access-date=July 12, 2006|work=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' initially called the Japanese version a "landmark";<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Prescreen Focus: Shenmue |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |date=February 22, 2000 |issue=82 (March 2000) |pages=38–44 |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/7/7a/Edge_UK_082.pdf#page=#page=38}}</ref> they later said the English version was not the "milestone" they had hoped for, but was "involving, and ultimately rewarding".<ref name="Edge-2000"/>

Ed Lomas of the UK ''[[Official Dreamcast Magazine (UK magazine)|Official Dreamcast Magazine]]'' said the production values were "astounding ... [''Shenmue''] is the most beautiful game ever made, no doubt about it." Though he acknowledged problems with controls, dated QTEs, script and voice acting, he felt the experience as a whole was "incredible", particularly its immersion and the freedom to pursue the story at the player's pace.<ref name="ODMUK"/> Jeff Lundrigan of ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' wrote: "Everyone on Earth owes it to themselves to play this. Some will enjoy it more than others, but no one will fail to recognize its magnificent production values and depth of design."<ref name="NG">{{cite magazine|last=Lundrigan|first=Jeff|date=December 2000|title=Finals|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|publisher=[[Future US|Imagine Media]]|volume=3|issue=12|pages=98–99}}</ref> According to the ''[[The Guardian|Guardian]]'' critic Keith Stuart, while many players rejected the "systemic and narrative oddities", fans enjoyed the "wooden voice acting and clipped dialogue" and found humor in it.<ref name=":0" />

Several reviews criticized the [[invisible wall]]s, abundance of cutscenes, English voice acting, and inability to progress without waiting for scheduled events.<ref name="Ages"/><ref name="ign"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Provo |first=Frank |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/shenmue-review/1900-2540599/ |title=''Shenmue'' Review |website=GameSpot |date=November 11, 2000 |access-date=October 2, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208054145/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/shenmue-review/1900-2540599/ |archive-date=December 8, 2014 }} cf. {{cite magazine|author=Jay|title=''Shenmue''|magazine=Game Informer|volume=10|issue=92|date=December 2000|page=120}} cf. {{cite web|url=http://www.edge-online.com/review/shenmue-review/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129031402/http://www.edge-online.com/review/shenmue-review/ |archive-date=November 29, 2014 |title=''Shenmue'' Review |publisher=Edge |date=November 29, 2000 |access-date=March 5, 2015 }}</ref> ''GameSpot'' wrote that by "the time you're driving forklifts and participating in the game's QTE-filled conclusion, hours upon hours of boredom will have taken their toll".<ref name="GameSpot"/> ''[[Game Informer]]'' criticized the lack of action, writing: "Determining your character's next move requires little more than talking to someone, who will then tell you who to see or where to go&nbsp;... All that's left is a guy walking around an amazingly detailed environment. If I wanted to experience that, I could see it in another game with proven endless entertainment value. It's called life."<ref name="informer"/>

=== Sales ===
''Shenmue'' sold 260,000 copies in its first week of release in Japan.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=DataStream |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |date=February 22, 2000 |issue=82 (March 2000) |page=122 |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/7/7a/Edge_UK_082.pdf#page=#page=122}}</ref> It eventually sold 1.2 million copies<ref>{{cite web|title=Microsoft Announces Leading Sega Games for Xbox: SEGA-AM2 and Sonic Team Are Developing Popular New Titles for Xbox|date=October 11, 2001|url=http://news.microsoft.com/2001/10/11/microsoft-announces-leading-sega-games-for-xbox/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150618080756/http://news.microsoft.com/2001/10/11/microsoft-announces-leading-sega-games-for-xbox/|archive-date=June 18, 2015|access-date=June 4, 2015|publisher=Microsoft.com}}</ref> and became one of the Dreamcast's highest-selling games.<ref>[http://www.listal.com/list/bestselling-dreamcast-games Best selling Dreamcast Games list<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703074130/http://www.listal.com/list/bestselling-dreamcast-games|date=July 3, 2015}}</ref> However, its sales did not cover its development cost and analysts consider it a major [[List of commercial failures in video games|commercial failure]].<ref name="USgamer-2014">{{Cite web|date=August 8, 2014|title=Gaming's greatest flops: ''Shenmue''|url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/gamings-greatest-flops-shenmue-retrospective|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102161135/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/gamings-greatest-flops-shenmue-retrospective|archive-date=January 2, 2016|access-date=December 4, 2015|website=[[USgamer]]}}</ref><ref name="GamesRadar">{{cite web|title=The Top 7&nbsp;... Most ambitious flops in gaming|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/top-7-ambitious-failures/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151008233908/http://www.gamesradar.com/top-7-ambitious-failures/|archive-date=October 8, 2015|access-date=June 30, 2015|website=[[GamesRadar]]}}</ref> ''[[USgamer]]'' wrote that though the sales would have been a success for most games, only an "impossible" number of sales would have seen ''Shenmue'' turn a profit.<ref name="USgamer-2014"/> According to ''GamesRadar'', every Dreamcast owner would have needed to buy ''Shenmue'' twice for it to turn a profit, and so "ironically it probably did as much to kill the Dreamcast as it did to cement its reputation".<ref name="GamesRadar"/> It contributed to Sega's exit from the game console market following years of declining profits.<ref name="USgamer-2014" /><ref name="GamesRadar" />

The ''Shenmue'' localizer, [[Jeremy Blaustein]], likened the failure to the epic 1980 film ''[[Heaven's Gate (film)|Heaven's Gate]]'', which went drastically over budget and was a commercial failure: "Suzuki was coming off of huge past successes, and he was the man. And so this was going be ''the'' thing ... And everyone wanted a piece of that $70 million, you know? And of course that's like the worst thing you could do, is to start out a project saying we've got all this money, and then just keep throwing more money at it."<ref name="Szczepaniak"/> [[Peter Moore (businessman)|Peter Moore]], the president of Sega of America at the time, said ''Shenmue'' sold "extremely well" but could not make a profit due to the Dreamcast's limited [[installed base]].<ref>{{cite book|title=The Ultimate History of Video Games: The Story Behind the Craze that Touched our Lives and Changed the World|url=https://archive.org/details/ultimatehistoryv00kent|url-access=limited |last=Kent|first=Steven L.|publisher=Prima Publishing|year=2001|isbn=978-0-7615-3643-7 |author-link=Steven L. Kent |pages=587, 578}}</ref> The Dreamcast engineer and future Sega president Hideki Sato defended ''Shenmue'' as an "investment [which] will someday be recouped" because the lessons learnt during development could be applied to other games.<ref name="IGN History of Dreamcast"/>{{sfn|Kent|2001|page=578}}

=== Awards ===
''Shenmue'' received the Excellence Prize for "Interactive Art" at the 2000 [[Japan Media Arts Festival]].<ref name="festival_prize">{{cite web|title=2000 Japan Media Arts Festival Digital Art (Interactive Art) Excellence Prize Shenmue|url=http://plaza.bunka.go.jp/english/festival/2000/degital/000348/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012082511/http://plaza.bunka.go.jp/english/festival/2000/degital/000348/|archive-date=October 12, 2007|access-date=August 28, 2007}}</ref> ''Edge'' awarded it for "Graphical Achievement", writing that Suzuki's "experiment in creating what is a complete, populated virtual world in which a game occurs proves to be a mighty success, particularly the "breathtaking" level of detail of the character models, and that never had there been "such a convincing representation of real life" in a video game.<ref name="Edge82"/> ''GameSpot'' named ''Shenmue'' the most disappointing console game of 2000, but awarded it the prize for "Best Graphics, Technical" for a console game, and nominated it for "Best Adventure Game", "Best Sound", and "Best Graphics, Artistic".<ref name=bestworst2000>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020213041653/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/bestof_2000/ | url=http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/bestof_2000/ | title=Best and Worst of 2000 | author=''GameSpot'' Staff | date=January 5, 2001 | work=[[GameSpot]] | archive-date=February 13, 2002 | url-status=dead }}</ref> During the [[4th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards]] in March 2001, ''Shenmue'' received the "Console Innovation" award, along with nominations for "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Game of the Year|Game of the Year]]", "Console Game of the Year", "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement in Story|Character or Story Development]]", and "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement in Game Design|Game Design]]".<ref name="interactive.org">{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2001&idGame=585 |title=D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details Shenmue |publisher=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] |access-date=24 July 2023}}</ref>

== Influence and legacy ==
In 2009, the ''IGN'' Xbox editor Hilary Goldstein praised ''Shenmue'' for its "great ideas", but said it was "ultimately uninteresting". ''IGN'' Nintendo's Matt Casamassina felt it was "more of a [[Technology demonstration|technical demo]] than a coherent game".<ref name="Where">{{cite web|title = Where the f@!* is Shenmue!? |date =September 11, 2009|url =https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/09/11/where-the-f-is-shenmue|access-date = July 4, 2015}}</ref> However, ''IGN'' UK's Martin Robinson described it as "a deeply personal game" that "opened my eyes to a whole new world for video games, suggesting that they didn't have to be about shooting aliens in the face, rescuing the princess or slaying orcs for hours on end — they could be about real people in a real place&nbsp;... It's the mundane moments that gave ''Shenmue'' its poetry."<ref name="Where"/> {{Quote box
| width = 20%
| align = right
| quote = If the ''Grand Theft Auto'' games have been vilified as crime simulators in which you can press a button to buy a hooker then run a hooker over with a car, ''Shenmue'' is a game where you can press a button to politely ask directions, then combo into cherishing your elders and always remembering to recycle. Instead of giving us a city to be tested and battered against in all directions, ''Shenmue'' builds you a world and asks you to follow the rules rather than break them.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lost in Yokosuka |date=December 22, 2010 |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/issues/issue_285/8455-Lost-in-Yokosuka.3 |access-date=July 4, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705171630/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/issues/issue_285/8455-Lost-in-Yokosuka.3 |archive-date=July 5, 2015 }}</ref>
| salign = right
| source = Brendan Main, ''The Escapist'', December 21, 2010
}}
In 2011, ''[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]'' wrote that "the digital environment created by ''Shenmue'' was revolutionary at the time&nbsp;... Even by today's standards, its rich and affectionate vision of urban Japan is inspiring."<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=http://www.empireonline.com/100greatestgames/default.asp?p=42 |title=The 100 Greatest Games Of All Time- Shenmue |work=empireonline.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008235346/http://www.empireonline.com/100greatestgames/default.asp?p=42 |archive-date=October 8, 2014 }}</ref> In his 2010 book ''[[1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die]]'', David McCarthy wrote of ''Shenmue's'' "paradigmatic impact on the entire video game industry". According to McCarthy, while it appears "crude and blocky" compared to modern games, ''Shenmue'' "recreated the real world with&nbsp;... attention to detail that has never been rivaled".<ref>{{cite book|title=[[1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die]]|last=Mott|first=Tony|publisher=Universe Publishing|year=2013|isbn=978-0-7893-2090-2|location=New York, New York|page=406}}</ref> In a 2014 retrospective, ''Edge'' wrote that "some were entranced by the game's abounding atmosphere and visual detail. Others left frozen by clumpy interaction with an unthreatening, almost rustic world&nbsp;... where they'd wander the districts of Yokosuka while asking unusual questions to pensioners and hairdressers."<ref name="Edge-2014"/> In the same year, ''The Guardian'' wrote: "[''Shenmue''{{'}}s] pacing might be glacial compared to the rollercoaster tempo of ''[[Uncharted]]'', but slowing things down allows for a greater appreciation of everything that Suzuki and Sega's AM2 department achieved here&nbsp;... How everything is held together remains quite exquisite, under the closest scrutiny, even by 2014 standards."<ref name="Diver-2014">{{cite web |last=Diver |first=Mike |date=May 2, 2014 |title=Shenmue – discovering the Sega classic 14 years too late |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/may/02/shenmue-sega-classic-14-years-too-late |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626163813/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/may/02/shenmue-sega-classic-14-years-too-late |archive-date=June 26, 2015 |access-date=July 1, 2015 |website=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref>

Reviews of the HD ports of ''Shenmue'' in 2018 were less positive. ''[[Destructoid]]''{{'}}s Peter Glagowski wrote that ''Shenmue'' had "interesting concepts that are marred by poor execution", and criticized the combat and slow pacing. He concluded: "This open-world design was truly original and fascinating in 1999, but there really wasn't a need to include half of the features that ''Shenmue'' has."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Glagowski |first1=Peter |title=Review: Shenmue I & II |url=https://www.destructoid.com/review-shenmue-i-ii-520056.phtml |website=Destructoid |access-date=November 2, 2018}}</ref> The [[The Escapist (magazine)|''Escapist'']] critic [[Ben "Yahtzee" Croshaw]] disliked the "relentless" and "frenetic" combat, and felt that the open world lacked content between key story moments.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Croshaw |first1=Ben |title=Zero Punctuation: Shenmue |url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/v2/2018/09/12/shenmue/ |website=Escapist Magazine |date=September 12, 2018 |access-date=November 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103091903/https://www.escapistmagazine.com/v2/2018/09/12/shenmue/ |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> The critic [[James Stephanie Sterling]] wrote that "''Shenmue'' is dreadful [...] Maybe at the turn of the millennium when this game was worth a shit it could get away with being bold, but boldness is no excuse for wasting the player's time, having absolutely no respect for the audience or its patience, and generally expecting people to make their own fun in a game that doesn't really give all that many tools to have fun with."<ref>{{cite web |date=August 24, 2018 |title=Shenmue – Forklift Boy And His Rubbish Game (Jimpressions) |url=https://www.thejimquisition.com/post/shenmue-forklift-boy-and-his-rubbish-game-jimpressions |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103091922/http://www.thejimquisition.com/shenmue-forklift-boy-and-his-rubbish-game-jimpressions/ |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |access-date=November 2, 2018 |website=[[The Jimquisition]]}}</ref>

''Shenmue'' attracted a [[cult following]]. Fans visit Dobuita Street in Yokosuka, where most of the game is set.<ref>{{Cite web|title="It Feels Like Home": The Shenmue Tourists Making the Yokosuka Pilgrimage|url=https://egmnow.com/it-feels-like-home-the-shenmue-tourists-making-the-yokosuka-pilgrimage/|date=December 19, 2019|website=EGM|language=en-US|access-date=May 6, 2020}}</ref> It has been included in several lists of the [[List of video games considered the best|greatest games of all time]]. In 2007, ''Edge'' named it the 50th-greatest game,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/blog/2007/jul/04/edgestop100g |title=Edge's Top 100 games -- almost certainly not yours |last=Schofield |first=Jack |date=July 4, 2007 |newspaper=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077 |access-date=August 31, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090318145252/http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/blog/2007/jul/04/edgestop100g |archive-date=March 18, 2009 }}</ref> and in 2008 it was voted the 25th-greatest in [[Game (retailer)|Game]]'s reader poll of more than 100,000 votes.<ref>{{cite web|title = Greatest Games of all time - GAME.co.uk|url = http://www.game.co.uk/greatestgames/|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081220023338/http://www.game.co.uk/greatestgames/|archive-date = December 20, 2008|date = December 20, 2008|access-date = July 1, 2015}}</ref> In 2006 and 2008, ''IGN'' readers voted ''Shenmue'' the 81st-greatest game.<ref>[http://uk.top100.ign.com/2006/081-090.html Readers' Picks Top 100 Games: 81–90] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103142004/http://uk.top100.ign.com/2006/081-090.html |date=November 3, 2013 }}, [[IGN]], 2006</ref> In April 2011, ''Empire'' ranked it the 42nd-best game.<ref name="ReferenceA" /> In April 2013, ''[[Den of Geek]]'' ranked ''Shenmue'' and ''Shenmue II'' the joint-best Dreamcast games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.denofgeek.com/games/sega-dreamcast/25026/the-top-25-sega-dreamcast-games |title=The top 25 Sega Dreamcast games |work=Den of Geek |date=April 8, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151104022916/http://www.denofgeek.com/games/sega-dreamcast/25026/the-top-25-sega-dreamcast-games |archive-date=November 4, 2015 }}</ref> In September 2013, readers of the German games magazine ''M! Games'' voted ''Shenmue'' the best game of all time.<ref>[http://www.maniac.de/content/news-bundesspielewahl-2013-die-welt-hat-gewaehlt-das-ist-der-sieger-216172 Bundesspielewahl 2013 – das ist der Sieger! - Die Welt hat gewählt! | News | MANIAC.de<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729061104/http://www.maniac.de/content/news-bundesspielewahl-2013-die-welt-hat-gewaehlt-das-ist-der-sieger-216172 |date=July 29, 2014 }}</ref> In October 2013, [[MSN]] UK named it one of the 20 best.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tech.uk.msn.com/features/20-greatest-video-games-of-all-time#image=13 |title=Is GTA V one of the 20 greatest video games of all time? - 20 greatest video games of all time |publisher=MSN Tech |date=October 14, 2013 |access-date=May 2, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319031829/http://tech.uk.msn.com/features/20-greatest-video-games-of-all-time#image=13 |archive-date=March 19, 2014 }}</ref> In 2014, ''Shenmue'' was named the 71st-best by ''[[Slant Magazine]]''<ref>{{cite web |date=April 13, 2020 |title=The 100 Best Video Games of All Time |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/games/the-100-best-video-games-of-all-time/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151025040027/http://www.slantmagazine.com/features/article/100-greatest-video-games-of-all-time/P3 |archive-date=October 25, 2015 |access-date=June 8, 2020 |website=[[Slant Magazine]]}}</ref> and the seventh by ''Empire''.<ref name="empireonline.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/100greatestgames/|title=7. Shenmue - The 100 Greatest Video Games Of All Time |work= Empire Online |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819084526/http://www.empireonline.com/features/100greatestgames/game.asp?title=7 |archive-date=August 19, 2014 }}</ref>

''Shenmue'' is credited for pioneering several game technologies.<ref name="Where"/> In its list of "top five underappreciated innovators", ''[[1UP.com]]'' credited ''Shenmue'' as the original "open-world city game" before games such as ''[[Grand Theft Auto III]]'' (2001). Its large environments, wealth of options and level of detail have been compared to later [[sandbox game]]s including ''[[Grand Theft Auto]],'' ''[[Yakuza (franchise)|Yakuza]]'', ''[[Fallout 3]]'', and ''[[Deadly Premonition]]''.<ref name="Escapist">Brendan Main, [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/issues/issue_285/8455-Lost-in-Yokosuka Lost in Yokosuka] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022094537/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/issues/issue_285/8455-Lost-in-Yokosuka|date=October 22, 2013}}, ''[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]''</ref><ref name="GTM">[http://www.nowgamer.com/features/1148/interview-with-shenmue-creator-yu-suzuki Shenmue: Creator Yu Suzuki Speaks Out] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110102193343/http://www.nowgamer.com/features/1148/interview-with-shenmue-creator-yu-suzuki|date=January 2, 2011}}, ''[[GamesTM]]''</ref><ref name="IGN">[https://www.ign.com/top/game-creators/9.html Yu Suzuki] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113174620/http://uk.games.ign.com/top-100-game-creators/9.html|date=November 13, 2013}}, [[IGN]]</ref><ref name="1UP">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=3&cId=3182648|title=The Disappearance of Yu Suzuki: Part 1|work=1Up.com|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121206045152/http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=3&cId=3182648|archive-date=December 6, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Shenmue'' is also credited for naming and popularizing the [[quick time event]],<ref name="Edge-2014"/><ref name="Diver-2014"/> which later games including ''[[Resident Evil]]'', ''[[God of War (franchise)|God of War]]'' and ''[[Tomb Raider]]'' incorporated.<ref>Adam LaMosca, [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/columns/waypoints/1310-On-Screen-Help-In-Game-Hindrance On-Screen Help, In-Game Hindrance] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201191746/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/columns/waypoints/1310-On-Screen-Help-In-Game-Hindrance|date=February 1, 2014}}, ''[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]''</ref> In a 2025 poll held by the [[British Academy of Film and Television Arts]], the public voted ''Shenmue'' the most influential game of all time.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Stuart |first=Keith |date=2025-04-03 |title=''Shenmue'' voted the most influential video game of all time in Bafta poll |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2025/apr/03/shenmue-voted-the-most-influential-video-game-of-all-time-in-bafta-poll |access-date=2025-04-03 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

==Sequels==
Suzuki plans ''Shenmue'' to cover at least four games.<ref name="Polygon-2015">{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/6/20/8818097/shenmue-3-story-11-chapters-kickstarter-yu-suzuki |title=Shenmue creator: Story has 11 chapters, ideally '4 or 5 games' in the series |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |date=June 20, 2015 |access-date=February 27, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304131248/http://www.polygon.com/2015/6/20/8818097/shenmue-3-story-11-chapters-kickstarter-yu-suzuki |archive-date=March 4, 2016 }} Shenmue creator: Story has 11 chapters, ideally '4 or 5 games' in the series</ref> ''[[Shenmue II]]'', developed simultaneously with ''Shenmue'', was released in 2001 in Japan and Europe and 2002 in North America. It was also a commercial failure, and ''[[Shenmue III]]'' entered a period of [[development hell]] lasting over a decade.<ref>{{cite web|title=E3 2015 round-up |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/jun/26/e3-2015-special |website=the Guardian |access-date=November 12, 2015 |first=Nick |last=Gillett |date=June 26, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117034816/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/jun/26/e3-2015-special |archive-date=November 17, 2015 }}</ref> In 2004, Sega announced a [[massively multiplayer online role-playing game]] for PC set in the ''Shenmue'' world, ''[[Shenmue Online]]'',<ref>{{cite web|last = Smith|first = David|url = http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3133808|title = Shenmue Online Officially Announced|website = 1UP.com|date = August 3, 2004|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://archive.today/20120718064622/http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3133808|archive-date = July 18, 2012|df = mdy-all}}</ref> but it was never released.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/shenmue-online-canceled-who-will-move-all-of-these-online-crates-now--37565.phtml |title=Shenmue Online canceled: Who will move all of these online crates now? |website=Destructoid |date=August 4, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102161135/http://www.destructoid.com/shenmue-online-canceled-who-will-move-all-of-these-online-crates-now--37565.phtml |archive-date=January 2, 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/gamelife/2007/08/rumor-shenmue-g/ |title=Rumor:Shenmue Gone for Good |magazine=Wired |first=Susan |last=Arendt |date=August 7, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104150758/http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2007/08/rumor-shenmue-g/ |archive-date=November 4, 2012 }}</ref> In 2010, Sega announced another spin-off, ''[[Shenmue City]]'', a [[Social-network game|social game]] for the [[Yahoo!|Yahoo]] Mobage mobile service; it was shut down in late 2011.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gantayat |first=Anoop |url=http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2010/10/07/new_shenmue/ |title=Shenmue Goes Social on Yahoo's New PC Service |publisher=Andriasang |date=October 7, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120728010300/http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2010/10/07/new_shenmue/ |archive-date=July 28, 2012 }}</ref>

In September 2011, Suzuki left Sega to focus on his development studio Ys Net.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/yu-suzuki-at-a-time-of-transition |title=Yu Suzuki At A Time Of Transition |access-date=November 24, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104161757/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/6414/yu_suzuki_at_a_time_of_transition.php |archive-date=November 4, 2016 }}</ref> At the [[E3]] conference on June 15, 2015, he announced a [[Kickstarter]] crowdfunding campaign to develop ''Shenmue III'' with Ys Net for [[PlayStation 4]] and [[Windows]] having licensed the rights from Sega. The campaign reached its initial $2 million goal in just under nine hours.<ref>[http://kotaku.com/shenmue-3-just-hit-2-million-setting-a-new-kickstarte-1711615103 Shenmue 3 Just Hit $2 Million, Setting a New Kickstarter Record<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304044551/http://kotaku.com/shenmue-3-just-hit-2-million-setting-a-new-kickstarte-1711615103 |date=March 4, 2016 }}</ref> On July 17, 2015, ''Shenmue III'' became the fastest-funded and highest-funded video game project in Kickstarter history, raising $6.3 million in total.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/07/20/shenmue-3-kickstarter-closes-with-over-63-million |title=Shenmue 3 Kickstarter Closes With Over $6.3 Million |last=Reilly |first=Luke |website=IGN |date=July 20, 2015 |access-date=July 30, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817103837/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/07/20/shenmue-3-kickstarter-closes-with-over-63-million |archive-date=August 17, 2016 }}</ref> It was released on November 19, 2019.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/5/16/17360292/shenmue-3-delayed-2019-ps4-kickstarter|title=Shenmue 3 delayed another year|work=Polygon|access-date=May 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516172333/https://www.polygon.com/2018/5/16/17360292/shenmue-3-delayed-2019-ps4-kickstarter|archive-date=May 16, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Ports ==
Sega created [[Porting|ports]] of ''Shenmue'' for [[PlayStation 2]] and [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]], but these went unreleased. The programmer Makoto Wada said this was due to problems with the product placement contract, which only covered the Dreamcast version.<ref>{{cite magazine | title=25周年『シェンムー』同窓会。"伝説"のゲームはいかにして生み出されたか。「2ヵ月帰らなかっただけですよ」。開発費70億円の超大作に青春を懸けた男たちの挽歌 | magazine=Famitsu | date=December 10, 2024 | url=https://www.famitsu.com/article/202412/29221 | language=ja | access-date=January 11, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McFerran |first=Damien |date=2024-12-29 |title=25 years after it changed gaming forever, Sega staff reveal ''Shenmue'' almost came to PS2 and Xbox |url=https://www.timeextension.com/news/2024/12/25-years-after-it-changed-gaming-forever-sega-staff-reveal-shenmue-almost-came-to-ps2-and-xbox |access-date=2024-12-30 |website=[[Time Extension]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> A [[Video game remake|remake]] of ''Shenmue'' and ''Shenmue II,'' featuring new models, textures and lighting, was canceled in 2017 due to technical problems.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2018-segas-cancelled-shenmue-remake|title=Revealed: Sega's cancelled Shenmue HD remake - with fully updated graphics|work=Eurogamer.net|access-date=October 15, 2018|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181015162414/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2018-segas-cancelled-shenmue-remake|archive-date=October 15, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> 

On August 21, 2018, Sega released high-definition ports of ''Shenmue'' and ''Shenmue II'' for PlayStation 4, Windows and [[Xbox One]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-07-03-shenmues-hd-re-release-gets-a-final-date |title=Shenmue's HD re-release gets a final date |work=Eurogamer.net |access-date=July 5, 2018 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705152907/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-07-03-shenmues-hd-re-release-gets-a-final-date |archive-date=July 5, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> The ports were developed by the British studio [[D3T]],<ref name="Krabbe-2018" /> and include new graphics and control options, improved user interfaces, and Japanese and English voices.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/shenmue-1-and-2-coming-to-ps4-xbox-one-and-pc-this/1100-6458239/|title=Shenmue 1 & 2 Coming To PS4, Xbox One, And PC This Year|last=Knezevic|first=Kevin|date=April 13, 2018|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=April 14, 2018}}</ref> Some details, such as the product placement, were omitted, and cutscenes were presented in their original [[aspect ratio (image)|aspect ratio]] due to technical limitations.<ref name="Linneman">{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2018-shenmue-hd-remasters-tech-analysis|title=Shenmue's HD remasters analysed: enhancements are sparse but the ports are solid gold|last=Linneman|first=John|date=August 21, 2018|work=[[Eurogamer]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821171319/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2018-shenmue-hd-remasters-tech-analysis|archive-date=August 21, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=August 22, 2018}}</ref> 

The ports were released in Japan on November 22, 2018, and debuted at number four on the Japanese charts with 37,529 retail sales on PlayStation 4.<ref>{{cite web|date=November 25, 2018|title=Media Create Sales: 11/19/18 – 11/25/18|website=Gematsu|access-date=March 13, 2019|url=https://gematsu.com/2018/11/media-create-sales-11-19-18-11-25-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405085800/https://gematsu.com/2018/11/media-create-sales-11-19-18-11-25-18|archive-date=April 5, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> They remained among the top 20 bestselling games in Japan until December 2, 2018, having sold almost 45,000 copies.<ref>
{{cite web|date=December 2, 2018|title=Media Create Sales: 11/26/18 – 12/2/18|website=Gematsu|access-date=March 13, 2019|url=https://gematsu.com/2018/12/media-create-sales-11-26-18-12-2-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181205172947/https://gematsu.com/2018/12/media-create-sales-11-26-18-12-2-18|archive-date=December 5, 2018|url-status=live}}
</ref> ''IGN'' reported numerous bugs affecting graphics, cutscenes, controls and saved games.<ref name="Krabbe-2018" /> Eigo Kasahara, the planning director of the original ''Shenmue'', expressed frustration and said he had urged D3T to fix the problems.<ref name="Krabbe-2018">{{cite web |last1=Krabbe |first1=Esra |title=Original Shenmue Developer Complains About Re-Release Bugs - TGS 2018 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/09/26/original-shenmue-developer-complains-about-re-release-bugs-tgs-2018 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927005100/https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/09/26/original-shenmue-developer-complains-about-re-release-bugs-tgs-2018 |archive-date=27 September 2018 |date=26 September 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2021, a [[Fangame|fan project]] to remake ''Shenmue'' based on the 2018 ports using [[Unreal Engine 4]] was announced.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Purslow |first1=Matt |date=1 February 2021 |title=Shenmue 1 & 2 Modders Remaking the Games... Twice |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/shenmue-dragon-phoenix-collection-mod-remake |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205190626/https://www.ign.com/articles/shenmue-dragon-phoenix-collection-mod-remake |archive-date=5 February 2021 |access-date=28 April 2023 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]}}</ref>

==Other media==
Sega released a soundtrack album, ''Shenmue Orchestra Version'', on April 1, 1999, before the game's release.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/shenmue/|title=RPGFan Music - Shenmue Orchestra Version|website=www.rpgfan.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704085543/http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/shenmue/|archive-date=July 4, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=July 3, 2015}}</ref> A two-disc soundtrack album, ''Shenmue OST Chapter 1: Yokosuka,'' was released on March 23, 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/shenmueost1/|title=RPGFan Music - Shenmue OST ~Chapter 1: Yokosuka~|website=www.rpgfan.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704104324/http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/shenmueost1/|archive-date=July 4, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=July 3, 2015}}</ref> A [[compilation film]] of ''Shenmue''{{'}}s [[cutscene]]s, ''Shenmue: The Movie'', was released theatrically in Japan in 2001 and packaged with the [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] version of ''Shenmue II''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/10/29/shenmue-ii-review|title=Shenmue II Review|last=Goldstein|first=Hilary|date=October 29, 2002|website=IGN|access-date=July 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422214623/https://uk.ign.com/articles/2002/10/29/shenmue-ii-review|archive-date=April 22, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/shenmue-the-movie-dvd/1100-2877672/|title=Shenmue: The Movie DVD|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102161135/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/shenmue-the-movie-dvd/1100-2877672/|archive-date=January 2, 2016|url-status=live|access-date=July 3, 2015}}</ref> An [[Shenmue: The Animation|anime adaptation of ''Shenmue'']] premiered on February 6, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Diaz|first=Ana|date=January 19, 2022|title=Shenmue gets new anime on Crunchyroll and Adult Swim|url=https://www.polygon.com/22889939/shenmue-anime-crunchyroll-adult-swim|access-date=February 6, 2022|website=Polygon|language=en-US}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{cite web|url=http://www.shenmue.com/ |title=Official website |access-date=November 3, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140218014641/http://www.shenmue.com/ |archive-date=February 18, 2014 }}
*[https://www.mobygames.com/game/dreamcast/shenmue Shenmue] at [[Mobygames]]
{{Shenmue}}
{{Portal bar|1990s|Video games|Speculative fiction}}
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