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Shenmue II Review - Xbox

1986, in Yokosuka, an unexpected visitor destroyed the tranquillity of the Hazuki home. A man dressed in dark green Chinese clothes arrived with his black suited henchmen... This man, called Lan Di, used his powerful kung fu to kill Ryo\'s father and took away the Dragon Mirror, which was made of Ryo swore that he would avenge his father. Ryo searched for clues to locate Lan Di, but he could not find any.

Later, Ryo was given a letter which was addressed to his late father, Iwao. The letter was sent by a man called Yuanda Zhu. The letter suggested danger and told Ryo of a person he could rely on if something happened. The person\'s name was Master Chen. Ryo contacted the person mentioned in the letter. Master Chen told Ryo that Lan Di was one of the leaders of the Chiyoumen.

He also told Ryo that there was one more mirror, that made up the pair with the mirror that Lan Di had taken.

Ryo found the mirror, which was called the Phoenix Mirror. Master Chen then told Ryo that Lan Di had left for Hong Kong. Ryo decided to leave for Hong Kong to pursue Lan Di, but an unknown attacker decided to make his move on Ryo. After fighting off his attacker, Ryo fought the Mad Angels who were connected with the Chiyoumen... He then defeated the Mad Angels with the help of Master Chen\'s son, Guizhang. Master Chen gave Ryo a letter of introduction to Lishao Tao, who would help departed to Hong Kong.

Who is Yuanda Zhu, the sender of the letter?
What mystery is hidden behind the Phoenix Mirror?
Where is Lan Di, the killer of Ryo\'s father?

Ryo walks into the mayhem of Hong Kong to seek the clues of these mysteries.

Introduction

In the first half an hour of this game, you find it is like the start of a movie. It shows Hong Kong in the distance, with boats touring around in the bright blue ocean, with a plane slowly coming towards you. Then all of a sudden a big ship appears. The camera then follows this ship until it docks, which is where you, Ryo Hazuki, begin your journey throughout the streets of Hong Kong in an immediate search for a part of Hong Kong called Wan Chai. Seeking answers and vengeance, Ryo encounters new friends and foes alike. Ryo realises he has much to learn and must master new martial art skills to prepare himself for his ultimate showdown with Lan Di, the man who killed his father. Each day brings Ryo closer to his goal of avenging his father's death and unlocking the mysteries of the Phoenix Mirror.

GamePlay

After you take your first steps into the vigilant streets of Hong Kong, it's pretty much you doing whatever you want. There is ... (continued next page)