Criticism and discussion welcome.
Trying to distinguish between the formidable qualities of Shenmue 1 and 2 is an arduous and straining task in which I can only imagine is rather like a parent trying to separate the importance of one child over another. Indeed, the characteristics and qualities of each can be compared, deciphered and contrasted but even in spite of this, their actual essence and their reason for being just cannot be favoured over another. The accentuation of one only implies the other.
For example, the original games incredible attention to detail and verisimilitude, in which takes place over a small geographical setting (for better or worse?) provides significant and tangible credence to the range and scope of the latter; such adventure in which can only be fully harvested after the detailed exposition and focus of the original game. Shenmue 2 successfully works because of the investment in character and setting within the original Shenmue’s confines and whilst both games can stand on there own as quality games, I feel that they both work in tandem, a harmony that is solidified as the strengths of one support the weaknesses of the other—an ambiguous jigsaw, two pieces in size.
Furthermore, whilst both games have been released as two separate consumerist entities, I personally feel that it is much better to view them as one continuation of narrative, plot and character separated by chapters that merely span disc, not product. In essence, it is due to such inconsistencies in which my difficulty in comparison—regarding one better than the other within the abnormality of a list—is founded upon.
However, after much deliberation, it is within final act of Shenmue 2—the travels of Guilin and the fated meeting with Shen Hua—that offers a valid sense of accomplishment in which the original Shenmue could only hope to attain. These scenes offer a profound sense of wonderment and immersion within an ambience of pure happiness and relaxation. But of course, even from a ludological, game design perspective; when the final scene chooses to delve into a realm of pure fantasy it is further supported by the foundational base of reality that the previous games so passionately strive for. As such, it allows the revelation of pure fantasy at the end of Shenmue 2 to actually seem legitimate within the game world itself. A feat I have yet seen to be bettered in gaming, never mind within the last decade.
It is due to such grandeur and composure of both Shenmue games that casts an even more difficult question towards the actual ideal and existence of a ‘Shenmue 3’ and whether or not it would even benefit the series as a whole. How could a ‘Shenmue 3’ possibly wish to accentuate the ever-dating qualities of the first two? To me it seems a feat too large to be currently tackled and whilst this is perhaps a reflection upon the current lack of creativity and willingness to tread new ground within the modern day gaming industry, I feel it is more a reflection of the purity and accomplishment of the original two games. They cast a very large shadow in which any perpetual third and conclusive game would perhaps only fragment and at the very least, merely conclude the saga.
