Don't go into this expecting to properly roleplay. It's a mostly linear story, broken up by combat.
I knocked one star off because the installer is bundled with Galaxy, which I don't use (and doesn't add anything).
Seeing that the game is often sold dirt cheap in sales, I decided to grab it. It's a good primer for introducing you the the world of Shadowrun, but the game feels very bare-bones. Fortunately the later games really flesh it out. It's also quite short so worth maybe looking into if you're curious.
It has the atmosphere of Shadowrun and an ok skill tree. But it is the most linear rpg video game I have played in my life. Early NES games are less linear than this game. It is a time waster, but ultimately unless you try to get every skill at the same time this game is a cake walk. I can not recommend this game unless it is heavily discounted. If you want something more enjoyable and less linear but with the same feel go watch "Bright".
While it missing a few things alot fo would like, such as save anywhere option(which to me not in tune with the SR mindset, i'll expline later) a reworking of magic, i think for a first go they did a good job over all getting shadowrun up and going. now Berlin DLC said to allow a save anywhere, more open area and some wide options.
how for anyone that played aPnP game know the GM let you roam abit, but in the end you will be going to his end goal somehow, either sneaky or the GM will hammer you till you do lol. so the lineir issue while not fun now whole uncommon for a pnp gone pc. as for teh save anywhere, while it be great for poeple taht have to go suddenly, kids,work call in, heart attacks, or what have you. in the old PnP you could not "save" ebfore a fight and if you got geeked be like, "wait can we do that again, i screwed up in turn 5..." so maybe a save outside of combat optin be a happy medium.
thanks for reading ^^
3.75/5 Stars.
Pros: First of All, DRM Free is incredible! Secondly, the graphics are great for an isometric role playing game like this. The world is interesting. (I only had a little exposure to Shadowrun tabletop games in high school so it's new to me.) Third, I like the turn based combat and the karma system. Lastly, there are quite a few really good mods and the game editor is pretty interesting.
Cons: The game is fairly linear almost to the point that it is a point-and-click adventure vs. a role playing game where my choices matter. Admittedly, this could be from my being new to the Shadowrun Universe but as a "re-boot", if you will, of Shadowrun, I would expect there to be quite a bit more lore up front than is available. (I hear Dragonfall is more diverse so I will definitely try it out.)
I guess if I were to want more from the game, it would be background, lore, and/or history to setup the world. From what I remember of the table top game, Shadowrun was pretty deep in lore and has the potential for a Skyrim style, Cyberpunk presentation. (It would probably look like, Deus Ex: HR, with Rainbow Six type tactical, from a first person perspective.)
PS: GOG is amazing. They take all the feedback we give and use it. I asked them if they did price matches and they put both Shadowrun and Dragonfall on their Winter 2014 Flash Sale for the matched price! I will support these guys all day long!