11 Influential Video Games That Have Aged Horribly

While Shenmue's influence might not be the most noticeable on this list, you'll find that elements of it have permeated into all of recent years' most successful titles.

Praised by critics for its environmental detail, open and interactive game world, day/night and weather systems, varied minigames and NPCs' daily routines, Shenmue took realism in video games to new heights, and it's remained well loved ever since.

Shenmue's charm lies in the mingling of each of these little realities, and while those who loved it really loved it, there were still many that failed to see its charm.

While many of the elements that made Shenmue such an immersive experience have since become standards of the industry, playing it back through today it feels like little more than an odd mix of minigames and extensive quick time events.

After changing our expectations of how games should approach realism, Shenmue was sadly hung out to dry, and its most defining features now struggle to stand out among all the titles that it inspired.