Shenmue The Animation review and impressions: Will it exceed expectations?

Shenmue Animation: An epic adventure reimagining the world of the game in anime form

"Shenmue The Animation" is a 13-episode web animation series that aired on TOKYO MX from May 3 to July 26, 2022. The work is based on Sega's popular game series "Shenmue" and was created by Suzuki Yu of YS NET. The animation was produced by Telecom Animation Film and directed by Sakurai Chikayoshi. Copyright belongs to Sega and the Shenmue Project.

story

The story begins in Yokosuka in 1986. The protagonist, Hazuki Ryo, was born and raised at the Hazuki Dojo and studied Hazuki-ryu Jujitsu under his strict father. However, one day, his father is suddenly killed by a mysterious man named Lan Di, and the "mirror" his father was guarding is also taken away. Why was his father killed, and who is Lan Di? Ryo investigates a letter addressed to his father and learns that his enemy is a senior member of a Chinese underground organization. He gradually becomes embroiled in a conflict between the underground organizations. The setting then shifts from Yokosuka to Hong Kong, and Ryo's long journey begins.

cast

The voice cast includes Matsukaze Masaya as Hazuki Ryo, Sakurai Takahiro as Lan Di, Terui Haruka as Shenhua, Fushimi Haruka as Harazaki Nozomi, Kijima Ryuichi as Chen Guizhang, M.A.O as Joy, Taira Osamu as Ren, Hayama Shota as Wong, and Sumi Kodai as Dou Niu. These actors express the personalities of the characters well and add excitement to the story.

Main Staff

The series is written by Kento Shimoyama, the original character draft is by Ametaka, the character design is by Kensuke Ishikawa, the art director is Natsue Muramoto, the color design is by Makiko Kojima of Studio Road, the sound director is Yasunori Ebina, the music is by Natsuna Shibue, and the music is produced by Wave Master. These staff members work together to faithfully recreate the world of the original game while bringing out the unique charm of anime.

Theme songs and music

The opening theme is "UNDEAD-NOID" sung by Ito Kashitaro, with lyrics and music by Ito Kashitaro, and arranged by Yoshida Kazuto and Sunamori Takeo. The ending theme is "Sympathy" sung by Naruru Dora, with lyrics and music by Miwa Kazuya, and arranged by Naruru Dora. These songs are important elements that add to the atmosphere of the story.

Evaluation and Impressions

"Shenmue The Animation" is a long-awaited work for fans of the original game, faithfully recreating the worldview of the game while adding new charms that only anime can offer. In particular, the growth and journey of Ryo Hazuki is carefully depicted, drawing viewers in. In addition, the personalities and backgrounds of the characters are also explored in depth, with new discoveries to be made in each episode.

The animation quality is also high, with beautifully drawn backgrounds and character designs. The cityscapes of Yokosuka and Hong Kong are particularly realistically recreated, making for a visually appealing film. The soundtrack and sound effects also add to the atmosphere of the story, making this a highly polished film overall.

However, some fans of the original game say that it is "too faithful to the original." Some viewers feel that there are few new developments or surprises because the story of the game was adapted into an anime as is. However, this is a sign of respect for the original, and is a good point for fans of the original.

Recommended points

"Shenmue The Animation" is recommended not only for fans of the original game, but also for those who like action and adventure. It is especially perfect for those who like works that depict the growth and journey of the protagonist. It is also recommended for those who want to enjoy the atmosphere of Yokosuka and Hong Kong in the 1980s.

Furthermore, the animation quality of this work is high, and it has great visual appeal. It is recommended for those who enjoy beautiful backgrounds and character designs. The background music and sound effects also enhance the atmosphere of the story, making it a work that can be enjoyed from an audio perspective as well.

summary

"Shenmue Animation" faithfully reproduces the worldview of the original game while adding new charms that only animation can offer. The protagonist's growth and journey are carefully depicted, and it has the power to draw viewers in. The animation quality is also high, and it has great visual appeal. This work is recommended not only for fans of the original game, but also for those who like action and adventure.