Marc
Nov 12, 2003, 09:07
I was cleaning my HD and found this message. I usually save messages that I consider important, just to read them later. Unfortunately I couldn't find the original author.
My feelings about Shenmue are the same and I couldn't say it better:
"Simply, the letter was about my opinion on how wonderful Shenmue was/is. Trotting around the neighborhoods gave me a dreary feeling of happiness. I've long been in love with Japan's culture and unique perspective on life, which fueled my goal to learn the Japanese language. Well, I accomplished that and imported Shenmue when it first released. Perfect timing, I'd say. Anyhoodles, without ever having actually been in Japan, I felt at home while moving about that beautiful city.
For those that have a sense of sorrowed emotion... for whatever reason, can possibly understand when I say that... simply standing in the middle of a road in that residential district, taking in the sunset... really killed me inside. The faint sound of a dog barking, knowing it was from some other human's back yard. The sound of stepping on the stones and on the pavement and the grass... feeling everything around you, as it grew with life. The beautiful sky. All the tops of the houses, like a canopy of modern protection... guarding all those Japanese families as they did whatever they did, each day. The children... how I would just stand there and watch their repeated animations... wondering where they would be after growing up to Ryo's age at the time.
Most of my play time in Shenmue was spent absorbing the personality and splendor of that city, in 1986 Japan. Sure, think of me as strange... think of me as whatever you want. Sharing this feeling is what makes me content at the moment. I really felt to be a part of that place... and all the while... after waking up in the morning and looking around my room, I'd know I was surrounded by an entire country, sharing these same scenes. Love is beautiful and sorrowful. Shenmue is sorrowful and beautiful. '86 Japan.
Well, any... way... I'm moving to Yokohama, Japan in late September. I have the first few years planned out... but who can say what life will bring you and teach you. I'll never forget how Shenmue taught me to be grateful and happy for all that exists in people and small places that we hold close to our hearts. That's all I need... '86 Shenmue."
Shenmue was the first game that made me cry (no, I didn't cared much about Aerith in FF7) for no reason. Walking around the streets gave me that feeling of safety and peace. Playing this masterpiece was a treasure that I shall not regret.
I think that what affected me was that life seemed so simple for people in the game (except Ryo) it made me kinda jealous.
What about you? What are your feelings about Shenmue? Do you know any other game that makes you feel nostalgic as well? Share your comments here!
My feelings about Shenmue are the same and I couldn't say it better:
"Simply, the letter was about my opinion on how wonderful Shenmue was/is. Trotting around the neighborhoods gave me a dreary feeling of happiness. I've long been in love with Japan's culture and unique perspective on life, which fueled my goal to learn the Japanese language. Well, I accomplished that and imported Shenmue when it first released. Perfect timing, I'd say. Anyhoodles, without ever having actually been in Japan, I felt at home while moving about that beautiful city.
For those that have a sense of sorrowed emotion... for whatever reason, can possibly understand when I say that... simply standing in the middle of a road in that residential district, taking in the sunset... really killed me inside. The faint sound of a dog barking, knowing it was from some other human's back yard. The sound of stepping on the stones and on the pavement and the grass... feeling everything around you, as it grew with life. The beautiful sky. All the tops of the houses, like a canopy of modern protection... guarding all those Japanese families as they did whatever they did, each day. The children... how I would just stand there and watch their repeated animations... wondering where they would be after growing up to Ryo's age at the time.
Most of my play time in Shenmue was spent absorbing the personality and splendor of that city, in 1986 Japan. Sure, think of me as strange... think of me as whatever you want. Sharing this feeling is what makes me content at the moment. I really felt to be a part of that place... and all the while... after waking up in the morning and looking around my room, I'd know I was surrounded by an entire country, sharing these same scenes. Love is beautiful and sorrowful. Shenmue is sorrowful and beautiful. '86 Japan.
Well, any... way... I'm moving to Yokohama, Japan in late September. I have the first few years planned out... but who can say what life will bring you and teach you. I'll never forget how Shenmue taught me to be grateful and happy for all that exists in people and small places that we hold close to our hearts. That's all I need... '86 Shenmue."
Shenmue was the first game that made me cry (no, I didn't cared much about Aerith in FF7) for no reason. Walking around the streets gave me that feeling of safety and peace. Playing this masterpiece was a treasure that I shall not regret.
I think that what affected me was that life seemed so simple for people in the game (except Ryo) it made me kinda jealous.
What about you? What are your feelings about Shenmue? Do you know any other game that makes you feel nostalgic as well? Share your comments here!