This game set the standard for RPG/martial art games and it needs to be recognized for it's accomplishments.
This was the first game i came across with QTE = Quick Time Event, when you have to hit a button in order to respond to actions around you, quite common in todays gaming but at the time i though it was genius, some actions i wasn't happy with the outcome i would restart my last save point to try again, the graphics at the time were specular, nightfall, raindrops and other people just leading there normal lives around you, like i say this is all common in todays gaming.
The story of you seeking revenge for your fathers death keeps you involved right to the end, with some "distractions" along the way (his girlfriend) though he doesn't seem to notice her, idiot, going to the gaming shop, training your martial arts, sparing at home and going to work. all of these things gave the game such a long life and replay value.
Probably the best part of the game was the fight before the boss at the end, a 60 man war, you and a parter have to fight them off, make no mistake they come after you more than him, i only got past this 2-3 times, they just swam you in the end, by which time your fighting skills should have improved enough to finish them.
The game ends with the opening to the sequel, trouble is my DC died at this point, and i didn't own and XBOX so i barely played Shenmue 2, however now i have a 360 so i should just be a case of buying the old version and playing it on my new one.
Like i said, revolutionary, underated and if you get a chance to replay/play it, give it 20 mins of your time, you won't be disappointed.