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
