One of the thugs...

[HazukiSensei88]

... Is the tattoo artist from Shenmue 1 right???

Weird Ryo didn't notice...

Also, I battered the head thug in the first two fights. Bit annoyed that after 2 games of training I get my ass handed to me with no way to stop it!

 

[danielmann861]

I think that's always been the intent of the story. Ryo isn't the badass he thinks he is and he still has a lot to learn. He's always gonna be facing increasingly dangerous opponents that will best him. The series really is about overcoming the odds...it's traditional Kung Fu flick stuff. Find the master, learn a technique, apply it. Rinse. Repeat.

II was very much the same. Learn the Wude. In his arrogance he got bested by Dou Niu. "Remember your training Ryo", bang, counter elbow assault. Good bye Dou Niu.

 

[ShenGCH]

It's not the actual tattoo artist, but a nod to the tattoo artist. It's fan service; a nice little throwback designed to evoke a response from those who recognise him.

 

[indask8]

It's not the actual tattoo artist, but a nod to the tattoo artist. It's fan service; a nice little throwback designed to evoke a response from those who recognise him.

The other thug with him, is very similar to Koji Yabe :
https://shenmue.fandom.com/wiki/Koji_Yabe