-Shadowrun Returns is a blend of better graphics and gameplay, but only if you have played the ancient console versions. -SR is presented in tile-based 2D backgrounds and objects, with 3D animated PCs and NPCs. The 2D tiles are beautifully and cleanly drawn. The 3D characters are chunky, low-poly models, with distinctions for race and gender. -The core game has few weapons and mods, but success rates with gear are far more dependent on characters stats. Mods are not directly applied to a weapon, rather each mod is a new weapon purchased separately, which I found annoying. Also, there is only one 3D model for each weapon, regardless of modifications. -Character customization is where SR truly shines (unless you're a decker)! SR allows characters to be imported into new games, so playing community scenarios will quickly develop your runner into a powerful agent. -SR Matrix runs are underwhelming compared to the Genesis Shadowrun version. SR never changes perspective when entering the Matrix, but building a powerful deck in SR, however, is far less tedious! -Music and sound-effects are adequate, if only just barely. Weapons sound as they should, and the music is up-tempo and techno. Eventually I just turned the music off, finding it more distraction than mood-setter. -SR falters on game saves. Checkpoints don't kill the game, but not being able to save when I leave the game is a sin!
