Shadowrun Returns Review

Shadowrun Returns marks the release of one of the most profitable and highly publicized Kickstarter success stories. And like so many Kickstarter games, Shadowrun Returns purports to revive a long since thought dead franchise with the original creators at the reigns. While mostly successful the games suffers from an over-reliance on the player bases long-term interest with a short campaign that is more a tutorial for the included level editor. Shadowrun Returns is a turn-based strategy game with adventure elements. Heavily story focused Shadowrun is set in a neon-lit future akin to Blade Runner with a pretentious need to have its own nonsensical lingo wherein characters talk about drek, the SINless and Halfers. The game is more than visually inspired by Blade Runner, as the story has your created character chasing down leads and fighting gangers in what resembles a classic detective story set amidst the seedy underbelly of this half-cyber half-magical future cityscape. You'll butt heads against deckers (cybernetically enhanced people) and trolls alike in this unique throwback with old school strategy and story-telling elements.

The game doesn't have graphics per say, instead relegating the background to meticulously detailed matte paintings. While pretty to look at the flat environments can become a hindrance once a fight breaks out. Things that appear to be cover are not viable, and line of sight is constantly obscured by some unknown element in the environment. The games save system is notably atrocious, forgoing any options and simply saving upon entering a new area. This can result in huge setbacks if a combat encounter is failed or you simply need to leave the house. The combat can be challenging, with patience and forward thinking rewarded above all else. Leveling your character presents tons of opportunity to spec in your desired play style: reliance on magic, hacking, melee combat or ranged its an in depth system that can be daunting but provides plenty of choice. The story unfolds in a fairly predictable manner and a cliche ridden script mean your investment in the proceedings may vary. While admirable Shadowrun Returns is too dependent on the players nostalgia for games of this era, and the latter half of the games campaign over reliance on obtuse puzzles slow the pace to a crawl. While an important Kickstarter success story, this game strives so hard to please those who backed the project that it may well alienate everyone else.

(3 out of 5)