Shenmue, though not quite as entertaining as most expected, was one of the most unique games of 2000. With the release of new details about the sequel, it appears that the second game in the series will feature those aspects that made the first revolutionary while including extra activities to alleviate some of the boredom in the early part of Shenmue. For example, commerce will play a very active role in passing the time in Shenmue 2, allowing Ryu to get extra money and special items by trading less useful items in to pawn shops.

Those who have the memory card space to keep their games from the first Shenmue game will find themselves amply rewarded, for many of the items from the first game will remain useful for the second. Shenmue's minigames will be returning in force, including such new activities as arm wrestling, dice games, and a game where gems are rolled in order to hit pins. The player will have the opportunity to make extra cash by betting on these games. It still remains to be seen whether or not arcade games will make an appearance in Shenmue 2.