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Xmas / Winter
Shenhua Poem
Copyright 2001, 2002
Julian McKenzie
The Winter season is upon us and Shenmue too celebrates the season. Chapter One of the saga had Ryo experience December and January in Yokosuka, and although there wasn't a Christmas day with presents in an additional cut-scene as many had hoped for, Christmas did not pass unnoticed.
In Dobuita street, special Christmas music was heard. Special Shenmue versions of "Jingle Bells" and "Silent Night, Holy Night", as it was named, were heard in the streets along with "Sha Hua Christmas", a special version of the main Sha Hua theme that had been Christmassed up with bells and such. These songs gave a festive spirit to Dobuita, as did the decorations.
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You probably noticed a Santa Claus walking through Dobuita around Christmas in Shenmue I. This was Santa Maeno, an ex-marathon runner, now 47 year old sandwich board man. He walks around Dobuita wishing passers by a Merry Christmas and advertises all the local shops. I treat it as the Shenmue creator's dig at the commercialisation of Christmas, because he advertises all the shops. |
There was also a special cut-scene with Nozomi that could only be triggered after Christmas in which Nozomi said she was sorry that Ryo and her didn't spend Christmas Eve together. The Shenmue creators got into full Winter mode, and created a special Shenmue Christmas card, as well as artwork featuring both Shenhua and Nozomi in different costumes in a Winter setting. Shahua with snow, and Nozomi with a present.
