Shadowrun

"Mostly okay"

Being a huge fan of the pen and paper Shadowrun games, I had to try this one despite grave doubts. It came out as okay, not good or bad, just okay.

As everyone who ever spent any time in the forums already knows, the game borrows only superficial ideas from the original concept and twists them out of recognition. It's Shadowrun in name only. Who knows, maybe a true SR game might come along some day but not yet.

Graphics: 5/10
Outdated. That's the best way to put it, definitively not Xbox360 grade. It wouldn't look too out of place on PS2. Maybe Gears of War, GRAW and Oblivion spoiled me... The magic effects are nice and the summons are good but nothing outstanding or even, current.

Gameplay: 8/10
Now it gets better. The magic powers truly add a new dimension to the combat. With levels designed to make good us of the new movement powers like Teleport and the gliders, it changes an otherwise bland FPS into a new experience where the 3 dimensions are used to the fullest. If only there was a wider arsenal or at least, some truly interesting weapons... Nothing nicer than teleport right next to an opponent on the other side of a wall with a shotgun already leveled at his head and then being gone before he hits the floor.

Story: 4/10
Is there one? Is one needed? A short solo game would have been appreciated, if only to hone our skills before going online...

Replay value: 8/10
That's a score based on the early Live games. Let's see if we end up with a dominating build that will ruin all the fun. Hopefully, the game will stay balanced. It will never be a blockbuster game with hundred of players online at any time like GoW, but it should have some staying power.

Overall: 6/10
A run-of-the-mill FPS that has some potential and interesting twists to it, but dragged down by dated graphics that would have been good 3-4 years ago. Rent it and play it a few hours before you decide.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 06/04/07