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Shenmue Super Replay
Update: Now that our playthrough of Shenmue is complete, we're moving it from the Chronicles video section to Super Replay.
With Shenmue 3's Kickstarter officially funded, numerous people in Game Informer's community sent in requests for complete Super Replay playthroughs of the first two games in the Shenmue series. Several Game Informer staffers also expressed interest in either revisiting this series or seeing it for the first time. Since we already have numerous Super Replay projects in the works, yet wanted to get a Shenmue playthrough going now, we decided to record it as a crowd-driven experiment of sorts. If you like what you see, and want more of it, we'll return with more episodes. Just let us know in the comments section below or on YouTube.
In the first episode, I join Kyle Hillard for his first hands-on experience with Shenmue. We play through the first hour of this adventure, purchase several capsule toys along the way, and turn down myriad requests from children to play an assortment of sports. In episode two, we continue or journey to find the men in black suits in the black car, track down the arcade, and purchase even more capsule toys. In episode three, we get our first successful taste of QTEs. In episode four, we punch an arcade machine. In episode five, we wake a sleeping man in a tattoo parlor, and steal from our roommate. In episode six, things get emotional and we spend way too much time dialing a rotary phone. Episode seven serves as a masterclass in how to play Shenmue, showcasing a perfect run without any glaring mistakes or missteps. In episode eight, we jam a sword into a wall and act like it's not a big deal. In episode nine we continue exploring our dad's weird hidden treasure cave and meet Santa Claus. In episode 10 we question whether or not we should be trusted with Fuku-san's life savings. In episode 11, we punch Dead or Alive creator Tomonobu Itagaki. In episode 12, we battle Gollum from Lord of the Rings, and craft a special outro that makes it worth sticking around until the very end of the video. In episode 13, we get a job. In episode 14, we work that job. In episode 15, we continue to work that job. And fight some dudes. In episode 16, we show that maybe we do actually know how to fight, but unfortunately a computer crash caused the last few minutes of video to not be captured – so you will just have to take our word for it. Episode 17 showcases another hard day's work, and finally some luck with the capsule toy machine. In episode 18, our pal Goro gives us some surprising news. Episode 19 is a short one, but a lot happens and there is a musical motorcycle interlude. In episode 20, we complete the game.
Unlike our Replay look at this game, we have one big rule in place: No talking over the cutscenes. We're engaged with the story, and are willing to do as much side content as you want to see. Again, just be vocal, and let us know what you think of the show!
Episode 20
Head here to watch the YouTube version of this episode!
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