Shenmue Dojo

Of the four main areas in Shenmue (not counting the Hazuki Residence, which can sort of be considered an area but is actually more of a base/hub), which one is your favourite and why?

My personal favourite is Dobuita. While I love the serenity, sleepiness, and stillness of Sakuragaoka, the almost village-like community feel of Dobuita really, really appeals to me. Everyone knows and relates with one another; the layout is excellent in terms of design and aesthetic; and there's just a real feel of togetherness and genuineness that makes it all the more realistic and comforting/cozy, especially when it's all snowy and wintry. Man, I fucking love those

So, which one is yours?

I like the harbor. Everyone has their own job, their own daily routine, and it can be pretty relaxing for me to just drive the forklift around delivering crates (assuming the NPC's don't cause collisions). Also, industrial areas are perfect for fight scenes; I'm not sure why.

Amihama. I just loved walking around the habor district at night when it was cold, wet and rainy then popping into the Tomato Convenience for a coffee and a game of darts.

The harbor.

Da Hah-bah!

Dobuita.

I like chatting with Eri, visiting the arcade and Yokosuka bar. Nagai industries is another cool place to visit for some obscure dialogue.

The harbor pushes Dobuita really close, though. I like the conversations Ryo has with that crazy hoe in the Tomato convenience store, the cafeteria lady, Ryo's work colleagues and Goro. The harbor becomes particularly interesting around the time just before Nozomi gets kidnapped and all of Ryo's colleagues are talking about feeling like they're being watched. Creepy, but a nice touch nonetheless. The harbor's home to some great fights too.

Edit: Actually, now that I think of it, I'm starting to realize that the harbor is my favorite.

Chaikilla wrote:The harbor becomes particularly interesting around the time just before Nozomi gets kidnapped and all of Ryo's colleagues are talking about feeling like they're being watched. Creepy, but a nice touch nonetheless.

If you call Nozomi on the days leading up to her kidnapping, she'll say the same thing, and the day of, no one picks up if you call. That's how I knew beforehand that it was going to happen.

Mr357 wrote:

Chaikilla wrote:The harbor becomes particularly interesting around the time just before Nozomi gets kidnapped and all of Ryo's colleagues are talking about feeling like they're being watched. Creepy, but a nice touch nonetheless.

If you call Nozomi on the days leading up to her kidnapping, she'll say the same thing, and the day of, no one picks up if you call. That's how I knew beforehand that it was going to happen.

I managed to get through on the day she got kidnapped (i.e. it rang but no one picked up), but when is she home the other times? I tried calling as late as possible but she was still out, do you have to call her on your lunch break?

Amir wrote:

Mr357 wrote:

Chaikilla wrote:The harbor becomes particularly interesting around the time just before Nozomi gets kidnapped and all of Ryo's colleagues are talking about feeling like they're being watched. Creepy, but a nice touch nonetheless.

If you call Nozomi on the days leading up to her kidnapping, she'll say the same thing, and the day of, no one picks up if you call. That's how I knew beforehand that it was going to happen.

I managed to get through on the day she got kidnapped (i.e. it rang but no one picked up), but when is she home the other times? I tried calling as late as possible but she was still out, do you have to call her on your lunch break?

You have to call her before the actual day she gets kidnapped.

Zoltor wrote:

Amir wrote:

Mr357 wrote:

Chaikilla wrote:The harbor becomes particularly interesting around the time just before Nozomi gets kidnapped and all of Ryo's colleagues are talking about feeling like they're being watched. Creepy, but a nice touch nonetheless.

If you call Nozomi on the days leading up to her kidnapping, she'll say the same thing, and the day of, no one picks up if you call. That's how I knew beforehand that it was going to happen.

I managed to get through on the day she got kidnapped (i.e. it rang but no one picked up), but when is she home the other times? I tried calling as late as possible but she was still out, do you have to call her on your lunch break?

You have to call her before the actual day she gets kidnapped.

That's what he's doing. The problem, I assume, is that her grandmother keeps picking up (that always pissed me off). I don't know exactly when she'll pick up, seeing as I've been unable to recreate those conversations in my recent playthroughs. I swear they're real though.

Dobuita and the Harbor have all the action and everything but I feel most comfortable in Sakuragaoka. It just has the nicest atmosphere of all the areas with the park the emtpy but calm streets, the Abe Store and everything.

I have always been very impressed by the Harbor just watching everybody do their job. I always try talking to everybody it's what I like so much about Shenmue being able to interact with every NPC characters who are voiced.

Sakuragaoka.