So there's a topic like this for Shenmue and since it's specifically for the first game, why not have one for the second? Shenmue II improved in a lot of aspects but is there something that still bugs you? Or something you consider worse?
- Making Tiger Gate Kung Fu absolutely pointless
This always annoyed me. They have this neat looking martial arts school in Kowloon. It is somewhat out of the way and it would be a great reward if you'd get something when you stumble across it. But no. Not only are there no moves to buy or learn, there isn't even remotely anything that the master there has to say. He tells Ryo to go away, when he has no question and he doesn't even know about the street fighters.
This is such a wasted opportunity to have something happen there. I know it greatly enhances the believability of the world when not everything has a meaning or has to be visited but come on, Shenmue is a martial arts story and there are so many useless stores to fulfill this role.
- Emptiness of Beverly Hills Wharf
This area feels really empty compared to the others. There's really not much point here other than finding Ren and fighting the Heavens. This wouldn't be so bad if it was smaller. The size of this area is actually pretty good but everything looks too much alike and there is nothing to do other than the Wild Man street fight.
I know this is a gang territory but there are enough casual NPCs in this area. I wouldn't know anything unique to put there but the place could at least be filled with a lot of gambling stands and maybe more street fights. This would definately make sense if you consider that you have to make money when you are around this area.
- No free training
I guess this doesn't need any further explanation. They should've at least give the option to spar with Jianmin as long as you want and have someone to fill this role in Kowloon, wich brings me to that Kung Fu school again...