It was my first exposure to the Dreamcast at its core (2006); the only other games I had on the console at the time, were ports/prequels/sequels of other titles; 'mue was the first wholly DC property I owned and it really showed to me what the console is capable of.
Was also the last game my sister read the guide to me, when I was stuck (our computer used to be near the consoles). She then got her own laptop and stayed cooped up in her room, soon after. That made me sad because we grew up playing games together
.
Discovered the Dojo soon after and seeing everyone's massive hype and love for the series, I got really into it as well!
Then, I got II, 2 (almost 3) years after and that was it; not only was I immersed to death at this point, but the perfection of the game... it is still the greatest videogame I have ever played and no game that has been released since (or prior), reached the pinnacle of gaming that 'mue II has.
Its lore and backstory as well? Just phenomenal and so... different than any other game, it is truly a unique experience and setting (as we all know).
Lastly, Sega, until I met my wife, was the biggest thing in my life (outside of family) and to this day, is still a driving force behind a lot of what I do; I learned so many valuable life lessons, business decisions (and mistakes), happy experiences (and frustrating
) and so much more, from the Sega world and Shenmue was at the forefront of that.
THAT is why I love Shenmue <3. AND 'mue II is my favourite Sega game ever, 3rd favourite game ever period (2nd console game).
Also, as mentioned 50,000 times, the biggest tattoo on my Sega Leg Tattoo, is Ryo with the Phoenix Mirror behind him and I have the Ruber (from Space Harrier, modeled after the Gashapon version in 'mue) as well, since it is the capsule toy I've gotten the most ever in the first game lol