Do you find Shenmue comforting?

[ShenGCH]

Sorry if a thread like this already exists (didn't bother searching anyway ), but as someone who finds Shenmue to be a very comforting game, I thought it would be interesting to see if anyone else feels the same and if they have any idea why that might be?

No doubt it's very much to do with the quite magical level and sense of immersion that the game has (moreso than 99.99% of games since then, I would argue), but, for me anyway, it feels like home almost; as if the game has somehow managed to tap into a part of my psyche where I feel at one with it, as if it's a part of me. I could play so many other games I consider to be immersive (Fallout 3, Skyrim, Dust: An Elysian Tail, the Metal Gear Solid games, etc.), but none come even close to what Shenmue provides. Played it for the first time back in 2000 as a nine year-old; the last time I played it was 2007 or so, and I felt exactly the same way. It's weird, but I wouldn't have it any other way .

Go!

[Rakim]

Not inherently. Only the fact that it's something familiar is comforting to me really.

[shengoro86]

For me, yes it is. Shenmue is a big stress reliever for me.

[BlueMue]

Shenmue is really relaxing for me to play. Especially Sakuragaoka is really soothing to me for some reason.
It's about the atmosphere and the music. All so easy on the mind.

[johnvivant]

its like diving into another reality for a while, a familiar and comforting place to gently explore. i definitely always feel better after returning.

[bannabop]

Playing Shenmue for the first time. Played 2 a few times and loved it. Never got a chance to play the original. I am so happy I started playing the first one. The beginning to the game is comforting.

[south carmain]

now? not really but when I was younger shenmue 2 was the ultimate escapism experience for me and I would lose myself in it's world forgetting all my real life problems.

[itsthinking95]

Shenmue actually is fairly comforting. You can play at your own pace; whether the time you spend is in the arcade, practicing your fighting moves, collecting capsule toys, or just taking in the visuals. What you do is up to you. In a way it becomes a home away from home for me. The music is also pretty relaxing.

[Your Boy Leroy]

Having gotten Shenmue with my Dreamcast before even buying a VMU, I played through the beginning moments of the game repeatedly for about three weeks. I think because of that, I’ve always felt really comfortable with the game, particularly the first disc.

I just dusted off my DC last week and hooked it up to my TV via VGA adapter and HD upscaler thing. I immediately started up Shenmue again, and it’s simply an awesome feeling.

[rome]

I've never played a game that was more comforting than Shenmue. Between the music, character's and overall Free roaming aspect of it that throws me right in the game.

No matter how long it's been, or how many times I play, there's always that new game feeling. I could play all day without really progressing much in the game. Love it.

[The_Intruder]

To this day I'm still very impress by the harbor it's unbelievable the amount of detail Yu and his team were able to achieve on the Dreamcast. I always talk to all the NPC character its my favorite area in the game.

[Himuro]

Yes, sometimes I'll have a bad day, and load up a new game of Shenmue. It always makes my mood better.

[manuel tripero]

Yes, a lot. Specially when it's raining.

[Sonoshee]

Shenmue helped me through a very, very tough time in my life. Not only was it far spectacular than anything before or after it, it was also able to help me through a severe few years of depression.

[Locke_cole]

Shenmue 1 is for me..... especially the closer you get to christmas in game.