Ryo Hazuki is driven by his promise to avenge his father's murder at the hands of a mysterious man named Lan Di. After searching for Lan Di in Yokosuka, Ryo receives a message from Chen Yao Wen, who advises him to seek out Master Lishao Tao in Hong Kong to uncover the truth behind Lan Di and his father's past.
Shenmue II continues the story of Shenmue , offering a similar structure and gameplay elements. Ryo explores vast 3D environments, interacts with people to gather clues, and engages in fighting sequences. He can train to become stronger in battles, learning new moves as he progresses. The game incorporates elements of adventure, light role-playing, and life simulation.
The game's Hong Kong setting features real-world locations, with a significantly larger game world than its predecessor. While the story progression is more linear, free-form exploration is still available. Earning money plays a crucial role, with many objectives revolving around Ryo taking on part-time jobs or participating in fights to win money. Players can also visit arcades and play classic arcade games.
Character interactions increase in number, with some accompanying Ryo on his journey, aiding him in battles or other perilous situations. Quick-time events (QTEs) are more prominent in the sequel, appearing in key sequences composed of cutscenes with button-mashing sections to execute actions correctly. Major fights often feature extensive QTE segments.
The Xbox version includes a DVD called Shenmue: The Movie , featuring a summary of the first game as a feature-length film.