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Placing players in a virtual Japan that obeyed the same rules as the real world, Shenmue - the brainchild of legendary designer Yu Suzuki - was a revelation, and made an indelible mark on adventure gaming. The realistic day and night cycle, variable weather conditions and freedom to interact with the gaming world felt fresh and unique in a time when most role-players were driven by a rigid plot, encouraging players to explore and - more importantly - enjoy the authentic landscape and discover hidden treasures off the beaten path.

Memorable for...
Realism. The digital environment created by Shenmue was revolutionary at the time, and was hailed by critics as the Dreamcast's finest moment. Even by today's standards, its rich and affectionate vision of urban Japan is inspiring.

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