Shenmue 1999

Released: December 29, 1999
Genres: Role-playing (RPG) · Simulator · Hack and slash/Beat 'em up · Adventure
Platforms: PlayStation 4 · PC · Xbox One · Dreamcast
Developer: Sega AM2
Publisher: Sega
More info: Wikipedia IGDB

Where to buy

On sale: $5.69 $29.99 -81% in Shenmue™ I & II on Fanatical More deals on Fanatical, and in Action
Digital: Xbox
In a collection: Shenmue I & II

Steam PlayStation Xbox
Physical: Search on Amazon

Affiliate links: GOG, Fanatical, Green Man Gaming, ININ Games and Amazon

Is it still worth playing?

Sega AM2's 1999 action adventure for the Dreamcast, directed by Yu Suzuki, Keiji Okayasu and Toshihiro Nagoshi, with life simulation elements in an open world. In Yokosuka, from 29 November 1986, Ryo Hazuki seeks revenge for the murder of his father Iwao by Lan Di, who is after a mysterious mirror. You investigate clues and talk to characters, while shops, buses and people follow schedules, with a day night cycle and weather. Fights resemble Virtua Fighter and quick time events are used, and minigames include darts and full versions of Hang On and Space Harrier. It was planned as a multi part story, and this first game covers only the first chapter. It is credited with pioneering open worlds and popularizing the quick time event. A Yokosuka where characters have their own models, voices and routines, and shops and buses keep schedules, still invites exploring today.