Shadowrun Returns

Arcanum 2054, that was my first thought regarding Shadowrun Returns. - This unusual setting combines sci-fi with fantasy, virtual reality with magic, cyborgs with elves, orcs and DRAGONS! But let's not get ahead of ourselves, the game itself plays out more like a detective story, interrupted by short combat sequences. - First off, you need to understand this game was developed with smartphones and tablets in mind, alongside PC's. In this context the dated and simplistic graphics start making more sense. It also explains the lack of voice acting. It's a game made on a smaller budget that still manages to punch above its weight. - The gameplay is similar to Fallout 1 & 2, Wasteland 2, X-com, Arcanum; the world is seen from an isometric perspective, explored in real-time while the encounters are resolved in turn-based combat. - What truly stands out is the CYBERPUNK setting. It lends itself to the characters you interact with as well as the situations you're put in, giving them a unique charm. - Two bumps I've encountered that hindered my overall enjoyment. Picking a team for the very first time left me very confused since I didn't understand their abilities. For your first playthrough I suggest avoiding "riggers" and "deckers". They just slow down the entire pacing of the game. - My second bump was the Matrix. While I appreciate the developers intentions, their execution of this virtual world is kind of WEAK. Luckily, you're only required to enter the Matrix a couple of times during the story. - On a final note, I have to mention the mods. The Shadowrun Trilogy has mods that feature entire singleplayer campaigns, some of them on par with the official campaigns. Check them out over at Nexusmods.com

I was a little uncertain about picking this game, but finally caved in and bought it. What I found is easily one of the most fulfilling games I've played in a long time. A popular complaint with this game is that it doesn't give you branching plot arcs (in its base campaign). In fact, it doesn't even let you customize the gear of your squad mates. Honestly though, I didn't feel like either of these detracted from the experiance, as the story present is well written (barring a few typos). Be advised though; there is literally no voice acting in the base campaign, so if you don't like reading a ton in your games....best move along. The locked gear on hired squad mates also felt pretty logical; these are people who are teaming up with you on a contract basis, not dolls who you can dress up as you please. They have their own favourite weapons and tools. Combat is exceptionally well done. All abilities fit well, and I never felt like any character was useless or rendered obsolete by another class (hi Dragon Age!). The way character progression works also keeps you and your enemies from ever feeling over powered. So, clearly I loved this game. What's wrong? Bugs. This game has some serious bugs, and I don't mean the kind you shoot at. I had armor sets vanish from my stash and character, only to reappear later under no specific conditions. Best people I can recommend this game to: Icewind Dale fans, and I suppose Fallout: Tactics players.

Too bad that the dialogs aren't voiced, but otherwise a relatively good game

This game is really linear. Classes feel really weak and it seems they don't get any more interesting in the expansions. Storyline is really dull and uninteresting. All the classes feel the same and customization is pretty lackluster. I'd skip all of these games unless they are on deep discount and you have nothing else to play. One day we will get a decent Shadowrun game, this isn't it.

I don't know who didn't first and it doesn't really matter, but the tactical combat here is the same as in the modern X-Com, perhaps simpler and easier. So let's get that out of the way. This is a very nice adventure game with turn-based tactical combat and RPG elements. It's not really an RPG, as it is very linear and ultimately the role-playing parts work only in combat. They don't impact the plot, nor do they matter much during the progression of the game itself. Or so it seemed to me during the two playthroughs I did. What makes it special is the Shadowrun setting, of course, that really wows you at first, but you soon realize how little it is actually being utilized both plot-wise and inside of game mechanics. Again, it is best felt in combat. The plot itself is ok, though nothing special. There are very few side-missions and they are not very interesting. The background graphics are very good, but the 3D models are simplistic and a bit jarring in it crudeness, contrasted with the very detailed background art. The music and the sound are ok, but that's about it. The combat is fun, if you're a fan of turn-based tactics, though again, lots of times it is more puzzle-like with only a certain way to get through. Considering it is a first Kickstarter game for the company and the first proper Shadowrun game on PC - it's fine. Just don't expect much and you'll enjoy it for what it is. The sequel "Dragonfall" is a huge improvement, however.