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Shenmue II (Dreamcast): possible options to play it in the US

© Ryan Newman

or those of you who were bummed out (and rightfully so) about Sega canceling Shenmue II for the Dreamcast in North America then there is some good news for you! Due to the game still coming out in Europe, there is a strong chance that you, yes you, can get your Ryo fix! Thanks to a nifty little 60mhz option in the game, a US telvision can play the title. Well, let me explain more.

In North America (and Japan) televisions use the NTSC format while Europe uses the PAL format. I won't get into the technicalities of each, especially since I don't want to embarrass myself due to my lack of knowledge in the area, but in a nutshell, both formats use different refresh rates to display video. Thankfully, several online importers have been tipped off that the European version of Shenmue II includes a 60mhz option, this is the same frequency that NTSC televisions display their pictures. Due to this being an option, those of you who can import can enjoy the exact same game that was due out here in the States.

Now, this leads to another problem - importing. Due to legal issues I cannot and will not tell you how to modify your system, this is on the request of Sega and Suite101 as they do not want someone damaging their system and blaming them nor me. So, if you don't know how to play imports, don't worry about this section. However, if you do (as it has grown quite popular the last few years) then there is a store out there for you. Cart-Mart and Video Game Depot have merged and can be reached at http://www.cart-mart.com. This reputable retailer is holding a pre-ordering program to get the European version for $60.

Keep in mind that this is not complete fact, but a rumor. Since several titles now have the 50/60mhz option, it is under the assumption that Shenmue II will have the same. If, for some possible reason, there is no option than it is an even greater chance that the game will play via a VGA converter. If you are worried about compatibility than it is advised to wait a while and see how others do. The game is due out in a few short months, with US gamers getting their copies shortly thereafter, so if you have the patience you might just come out on top.

Regardless, this can only be good news as there are now two very possible options for those of us who got the shaft to enjoy the goodness that is Yu Suzuki's magical world of Shenmue. Once the game is released I will be sure to inform all of you if the game does indeed work with or without a converter on US televisions. Until then, head on over to http://www.shenmue.com and proceed to drool at the pictures.

The copyright of the article Shenmue II (Dreamcast): possible options to play it in the US in Dreamcast Video Games is owned by Ryan Newman. Permission to republish Shenmue II (Dreamcast): possible options to play it in the US in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.