English Dub Review: Shenmue the Animation “Shenmue”

Overview

Ryo finally reaches Lan Di, the man who murdered his father, and, blinded by revenge, Ryo viciously attacks Lan Di, who easily dodges Ryo’s attacks and leaves; Yellow Heads’ Dou Niu realizes his plan has failed and attacks Ryo…

Our Take

Finally, after 12 episodes, it all comes down to this… Ryo Hazuki’s revenge against Lan Di on top of the Yellow Head Building, and Zhu Yuanda giving Lan Di the answer that he most desired back in Bailu Village caused him to straight-up leave via chopper. The fight on top of the Yellow Head Building with Dou Niu vs. Ryo, and the latter makes use of the 4 Wude that he learned to full effect to counter the towering Yellow Head boss.

While I do find it weird at the fact that it took almost 12 mins before it got to the episode’s actual Intro, Ryo is now with another possible clue regarding Lan Di’s whereabouts being Bailu Village in Guilin. So Ryo proceeds onward in his search for answers about his father’s past, and after meeting Shenhua while saving her during a downpour, it manages to tie both of their separate storylines together while revealing more secrets in the process…

Overall, a faithful adaptation that doesn’t cut too many corners of the original games. The fights were well animated and there was some nice closure. To see an anime adaptation of Shenmue after possibly 2 decades, this was a nice treat to follow for 3 months. Assuming that Season 2 becomes a thing, I hope they adapt Shenmue III’s storyline next and a 4th game is made someday.