Like the original Shenmue, the player controls teenage martial artist Ryo Hazuki in his journey for revenge. Most of the game is spent exploring the game's open world, searching for clues, examining objects and talking to non-player characters for information. The game features a 3D fighting system similar to Sega's Virtua Fighter series; Ryo can fight multiple opponents at once and practice moves to increase their power. In quick time events, the player must press the right combination of buttons at the right moment to succeed.[1]
Shenmue II adds several features. Players can ask for directions from passersby, and fast-forward the game's clock when waiting for a scheduled event to occur, such as a shop opening or character arriving.[1] Unlike the first Shenmue, taking a job is not part of the main story, and the player can choose how to earn money – for example, by gambling, arm wrestling, street fighting or running a pachinko stand.[1][2] Ryo can spend money on items such as capsule toys or 1980s arcade games including Hang-On,[3] After Burner,[1] Space Harrier, and Out Run.[4] The Dreamcast version allows the player to import their save data from the first Shenmue, transferring money, items and martial arts moves.[2]
Plot