Zero Punctuation Season 12 Episode 36 Shenmue

Zero Punctuation is a popular game review show featuring fast-talking and humorously critical commentary by Ben "Yahtzee" Croshaw. Season 12 episode 36 is titled "Shenmue" and focuses on the remastered version of the classic Sega game originally released in 1999.

The episode begins with Yahtzee giving a brief overview of the game's plot, which follows teenage martial artist Ryo Hazuki as he tries to track down the man who killed his father. Yahtzee notes that the game's story was widely praised upon its initial release, but he considers it "a bit of a mess" due to its slow pacing and lack of direction.

As Yahtzee delves into the gameplay mechanics, he quickly becomes frustrated with its various quirks and limitations. For instance, he notes that the game's currency is earned through menial chores like delivering crates and gambling, which he finds tedious. He also criticizes the game's combat system, which he describes as "clunky" and poorly designed.

Despite his negative assessment of the game's mechanics, Yahtzee acknowledges that Shenmue's atmosphere and attention to detail are impressive. He praises the game's "immersive" world, which features realistic depictions of 1980s Japan. He also notes the game's use of real-time weather and day/night cycles, which add to the game's sense of realism.

However, Yahtzee ultimately concludes that Shenmue doesn't hold up as well in 2021 as it did when it was first released. He suggests that the game's slow pace and limited gameplay would likely feel "archaic" to modern gamers. He also notes that the game's story is still compelling, but it's not enough to make up for its dated mechanics.

Throughout the review, Yahtzee peppers his commentary with his trademark sarcasm and dry humor, making it an entertaining watch even for those who aren't familiar with the game. Fans of the original Shenmue may find themselves chuckling along with Yahtzee's criticisms, while newcomers to the series will likely find his critique helpful in deciding whether or not to give the remastered version a try.

Overall, Zero Punctuation's take on Shenmue is a blend of nostalgic appreciation and realistic critique. While the game certainly has its strengths, Yahtzee's review highlights its flaws and limitations, giving viewers a well-rounded picture of what to expect. Whether you're a diehard Shenmue fan or simply curious about the game, this episode is definitely worth a watch.