Shadowrun Review

[H.Bogard]

Gamespot has a review up for the 360 and PC multiplayer shooter Shadowrun :
The Good: Unique ability system sets the game apart from other shooters; lets Vista and 360 users play on the same servers; good-looking effects.

The Bad: Bad and missing animation makes the game look unfinished; not enough maps to stay interesting for long; does absolutely nothing with the shadowrun license.

Full review (http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/shadowrun/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary;review)

[Jack B]

Gamespot has a review up for the 360 and PC multiplayer shooter Shadowrun :


Full review (http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/shadowrun/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary;review)

Their are 713 Gamespot users reviews and they give it a consensus 8.7. Jeff gives it a 6.9. I'm imagining a lot of reviewers will ding it for things like lack of single player, price, lack of game modes, not using the license the way they wanted. Their opinions are valid, but I'm wondering how word of mouth will play out. With the 360 Live community, word of mouth seems to be worth more these days for a multiplayer game (especially multiplayer) than reviews.

I think like Chromehounds last summer it will have to sell based upon word of mouth. I'm guessing the reviewers on the whole will checklist their review scores downwards.

Note: What's up with your sig?

[Rambilin]

I got it yesterday and have only done 4 tutorials but love what I am seeing so far. I do agree though that this should have been $30-$40 and probably would not have got it without $25 in coupons I had that expire soon.

[Gerbs]

This game is loads of fun with the right group. Playing with the people from this site is awesome. Playing public matches was not nearly as enjoyable.

[BleedTheFreak]

Their are 713 Gamespot users reviews and they give it a consensus 8.7. Jeff gives it a 6.9. I'm imagining a lot of reviewers will ding it for things like lack of single player, price, lack of game modes, not using the license the way they wanted. Their opinions are valid, but I'm wondering how word of mouth will play out. With the 360 Live community, word of mouth seems to be worth more these days for a multiplayer game (especially multiplayer) than reviews.

I think like Chromehounds last summer it will have to sell based upon word of mouth. I'm guessing the reviewers on the whole will checklist their review scores downwards.

Note: What's up with your sig?

This might be a fun 360 game, but I noted the PC version getting much less love from the user review average score. I may rent this on the 360 and if I like what I see, pick it up for my 8800gtx/Vista box. We'll see.

[lockwoodx]

does absolutely nothing with the shadowrun license.


That's why I said no thanks.

[bapenguin]

That's why I said no thanks.

Yeah...I mean because...who cares if the game is fun, right?

I will say having played both versions I actually like the PC version a tad better. The graphics are a bit crisper (there's motion blur on the 360 version), and the smooth mouse is great. The only downside of the PC version is the voice chat is a bitch to use, I just picked up the wireless receiver so I'm gonna try using the wireless headset and see how that works.

[Inglorion]

Their are 713 Gamespot users reviews and they give it a consensus 8.7.
I've always had the impression that a lot of kids give high scores because they won't even admit to themselves that they've payed for crap. That may just apply here. :)

Also, Jeff tends to overrate games.

Fine -- I'll admit it: I want this game to fail commercially! :D

[Wedge]

Fine -- I'll admit it: I want this game to fail commercially! :D

Why? Because you hate the Shadowrun license and never want to see any more games from that universe?

I'm having tons of fun with this one. It could have been a decent hit if they had priced it slightly lower than standard 360 games. It feels like a mod, a damned good one though, but still a mod. Off to play some more.

[Devilturnip]

I've always had the impression that a lot of kids give high scores because they won't even admit to themselves that they've payed for crap. That may just apply here. :)

Also, Jeff tends to overrate games.

Fine -- I'll admit it: I want this game to fail commercially! :D
I don't think it does apply. You can criticize a lot about the game, I'll admit. But it is balls out fun. I don't think there's been a shooter that emphasized teamwork this much since Tribes 2.

Will it have legs? I sure hope so. A few more maps would be nice, but the gameplay is spot on. All they need now is more... I'm not sure it could get better.

[Gerbs]

(there's motion blur on the 360 version)
You can disable that in the video options. I Haven't tried it but I know the option in there. Motion blur can be set from 0 - 4 IIRC. Default is 2.

[menage]

I've always had the impression that a lot of kids give high scores because they won't even admit to themselves that they've payed for crap. That may just apply here

Yeah, my thoughts exactly. Wanting it to be a good game is different from it actually being one. This game screams ripoff at 60 bucks, you don't even get a sp mission.

Also I doubt any PC users are going to actually be playing this. Buy the game, hook up live, play against 360 all sounds like fun. Nut why would they pay extra at all, they're certainly not going to start with this game. The whole thing is just a gimmick in my book. Now if the coupled it to Halo3, that would be different. But seeing as they just released 2.

360 users are dying for new original content (I'm one of them) and this fils a gap I suppose. And the game does look like it may be a lot of fun. But if this was released next to the Darkness or Bioshock I wouldn't even think twice. I saw it lying today and bought Disgaea 2. Ive got to much really good games to play insead of hype.

[Inglorion]

Why? Because you hate the Shadowrun license and never want to see any more games from that universe?
For a long time I've been wanting to see another Shadowrun video game, but was very disappointed to learn of the way they treated the license in game. It looked bad from the announcement. I don't want them to get away with that -- least of all commercially, where it matters to those who takes that kind of decisions.

[Beelzebub]

For a long time I've been wanting to see another Shadowrun video game, but was very disappointed to learn of the way they treated the license in game. It looked bad from the announcement. I don't want them to get away with that -- least of all commercially, where it matters to those who takes that kind of decisions.

I agree. Anybody that played the original Shadowrun on the Genesis and even the SNES version is appalled at this crappy game. It's not Shadowrun. It's a piece of dung.

[Krispy]

I'm sorry I have fun with the game you hate. I'll punish myself by playing it some more.

[Inglorion]

I agree. Anybody that played the original Shadowrun on the Genesis and even the SNES version is appalled at this crappy game. It's not Shadowrun. It's a piece of dung.
My only experience with Shadowrun is the SNES game, back in the 90s. It wasn't a roleplaying game, really, but it was very exciting and immensely atmospheric. I had hoped for something like that again, but from everything I've read and heard about this new Shadowrun game, it's anything but that.

[Inglorion]

I'm sorry I have fun with the gmae you hate. I'll punish myself by playing it some more.
Aw, geez. You don't have to go to that much trouble just for me! Or would you, please? :D

[Watership]

I think the huge negative fog that Shadowrun has been unfairly in, will disappear once the demo is released next week. Playing the game is fun. It's a shame so much hatred and bile as been misdirected here.

[Krispy]

My only experience with Shadowrun is the SNES game, back in the 90s. It wasn't a roleplaying game, really, but it was very exciting and immensely atmospheric. I had hoped for something like that again, but from everything I've read and heard about this new Shadowrun game, it's anything but that.

You act like an IP can't have spinoff games attached to it. Regardless, you would have to be in denial to not realize the game is very fun to play. The reviewer complaints are never "the game sucks," they are that it costs too much for a multiplayer only title and doesnt include enough game modes. Stop the senseless hate.

Edit: Might I also add that you are lucky in that this spinoff title doesn't mess with continuity like almost every RE spinoff title. I dread what UC will do to canon.

[Watership]

I should bring my friend Jon into this forum and let him tell everyone that the games they remember playing called "Shadowrun" were an abomination of the pen and paper RPG of the same name from 1989.

Its all relative.

[vash]

what will keep me from buying this game is
1. price for a pure multiplayer game
2. dumbing down pc experience to accomodate inferior console controls
3. vice versa playing a shooter with a gamepad (this thread was lacking this argument ^^)
4. im not sure here, but i belive i read that this comes with pc LIVE which i will not support on principle (especially when i refrained from shoving ms money down its throat on my (roommates ^^) xbox360 for providing a basic service (read: free multiplayer))

[H.Bogard]

Note: What's up with your sig?

I haven't anything against user reviews, but I'm pretty sure they're not as accurate as you make them out to be. Oh, but then again, I just don't care for reviews or other opinions that much, personally... I like a lot of games that most people consider mediocre.

About my sig : Link (http://www.evilavatar.com/forums/showpost.php?p=813691&postcount=39)

PS : Apologized to mod for letting it be in the first post. >.<

[Sloth]

The game sounds fun, but I think if you're gonna make a Shadow Run game you should make the franchise the content not a marketing ploy.

I'd probably get this game if it was cheaper.

[Onea]

If you want a good cyberpunk PC game, try out Dystopia (http://www.dystopia-game.com) the HL2 mod.

[Vandenh]

I got it today for 45 euro... so it is a "budget" release over here. Played a bit and I must say I like it a lot, it is pretty awesome but I guess what GS is trying to say is that it is for the online FPS crowd only. Sadly for GS that crowd is pretty big on 360 :) so their review is a bit harsh IMHO.

The EG review is much better. They say it is an awesome game but for online FPS fans only and that the price is a bit too high (in the UK). ANyway... this will be my main online FPS game until Halo 3 and/or Halflife hits the 360 in 4 months.

[menage]

I got it today for 45 euro... so it is a "budget" release over here.

45 Euro's not budget. It's just slightly less expensive. 20 euros is budget in my book.

[Inglorion]

You act like an IP can't have spinoff games attached to it.
It can, but this isn't anything I'd want.

Regardless, you would have to be in denial to not realize the game is very fun to play.
Maybe it is -- I have no idea if it is or not, but that's not the point. The point is that I wish they did something with the Shadowrun name, when they could instead have made this same game by just coming up with something on their own.

The reviewer complaints are never "the game sucks," they are that it costs too much for a multiplayer only title and doesnt include enough game modes.
You're right, but I don't understand why you brought that up.

Stop the senseless hate.
I'm not hating anything or anyone here. I'm just very disappointed by how things turned out.

[Krispy]

You're right, but I don't understand why you brought that up.

People were commenting that the game is bad, fasely in my book.

[abso]

I wonder if they will provide additional maps and game modes for free... 9 maps hardly seems like enough content to make a lasting game, especially when all three game modes sound so similar. I'm getting extremely wary of console games that appear half finished, only to find out that I have to pay even more to get the content that should have been in the original price tag. And with games approaching 60 bucks a pop, it is making me buy fewer games anywhere close to their release.

[Inglorion]

People were commenting that the game is bad, fasely in my book.
Ok. I thought it was a comment on something I wrote. Whether the game is good or not is not the issue for me. The thing that stings, for me, is that they basically took a dump on the Shadowrun name, and that there is slim chance we'll see a game that does it justice within the next ten years or so. Over and out.

[Your Good Twin]

If Geometry Wars cost $100, would you pay it? Hyperbole expresses principle. There is a message here that I personally feel we need to be sending developers (or actually I guess publishers) that we will not be paying $60 for what is essentially a mod. A potentially unsupported mod, if you've been keeping up with the news on this particular developer.

You can talk all you want about how it's a blast and you're enjoying yourself, but I think when you buy this game, you are saying to Microsoft "Yes, I will overpay for underdeveloped games. Please keep them coming."

[Chimpbot]

I agree. Anybody that played the original Shadowrun on the Genesis and even the SNES version is appalled at this crappy game. It's not Shadowrun. It's a piece of dung.

The Genesis and SNES games weren't really Shadowrun, either. They sucked when compared to the game they were based off of, the Shadowrun pen-and-paper RPG. They quite simply lacked the depth, width and bredth of the original game...at the same time, they lost the interactivity you'd get with the three or five other people participating in the game at the same time.
I've played the SNES version and will admit it was quite fun...but Shadowrun it wasn't. They could have easily called it something else, not referred to the main character as a Street Samurai and not pissed off all of the rather sensitive Shadowrun fans.

I'm willing to give this game a shot...not because of the Shadowrun name, but because it's been likened to Tribes on more than one occasion(and once by Tycho!); that alone will sell the game to me, not some liscensed name.

[Sl1pstream]

Ok. I thought it was a comment on something I wrote. Whether the game is good or not is not the issue for me. The thing that stings, for me, is that they basically took a dump on the Shadowrun name, and that there is slim chance we'll see a game that does it justice within the next ten years or so. Over and out.

Right, as if Shadowrun FPS changed anything about that. They saw an unused ip, they wanted to do something with it. If it wasn't for this game, the Shadowrun name would've been dead and burried. If anything, this only increased the chances of a Shadowrun RPG.

[Guy Mariano]

This game will die quick. Luckily for MS 360 owners buy every game even if it mediocre and overpriced to boot.

[GreenIce]

I don't think it does apply. You can criticize a lot about the game, I'll admit. But it is balls out fun. I don't think there's been a shooter that emphasized teamwork this much since Tribes 2.

Commercially released maybe, but dystopia and NS required about as much team play as anything.

[Sl1pstream]

This game will die quick. Luckily for MS 360 owners buy every game even if it mediocre and overpriced to boot.

Unlike PC owners, who have to mod every piece of shit software to make it look like something they could like or even run on their hardware.

[Pluvious]

wow.. after watching that review, it's a pass. I might rent it but I don't see myself buying it even at $25. I'm not that desperate for a new game.

[BigJonno]

It has occurred to me that if they did what everyone suggested and brought out a multiplayer FPS with cybernetics and magic and elves and dwarves and trolls and megacorporations that didn't have the Shadowrun license attached, everyone would be calling it a Shadowrun rip-off.

[jeffbax]

This needed to release at $29.99. Its a shame cause I hear great things about the gameplay itself.

[Scaryfaced]

Seems with some of the established IPs out there, your damned if you do and damned if you dont. If they dont name it Shadowrun, its a rip off. If they do, it isn't worthy of the license. I kinda doubt any company could produce a game that lives up to the original IP, as least in the eyes of the hardcore fans.

[IrishWhiskey]

does absolutely nothing with the shadowrun license.That's why I said no thanks.I don't get why that would seriously detract from an otherwise good game? And it sounds like thats a big problem for the reviewer as well.


The Shadowrun license bothering you? Take the box, and stick a piece of paper on the front calling it "Monster and Magic Rampage" or something, and boom, problem solved. Its the same damn game regardless of what its called. And its not this games fault they haven't made a Shadowrun title in over a decade.



Really this is a terrible review. He talks about how the game works for 5 paragraphs, then reviews visuals and voice chat, and spends way too much time complaining about it not using the license. But he never says if its fun to play. How the hell can a review leave that out? Also it sounds like the shortage of maps means they already have some DLC ready. Shouldn't come as much of a surprise.

[karak]

I don't think it does apply. You can criticize a lot about the game, I'll admit. But it is balls out fun. I don't think there's been a shooter that emphasized teamwork this much since Tribes 2.

Tribes 2 ...sigh. My most fun ever had playing an online game.

[the soUL TRAder]

Well, I'd figure since most of the people discussing the 360 Shadowrun game across the web this week, probably never played the previous videogame and certainly never the pen and paper game, it actually will do somthing for the series.
360 is a FPS console, and a bunch of gamers now know the name Shadowrun, it means at least its more than likely we'll see the rpg.

[vash]

Also it sounds like the shortage of maps means they already have some DLC ready. Shouldn't come as much of a surprise.

they are free i guess? :P i mean if there are new maps already they could have come with the game right away ^^

[Spigot]

This needed to release at $29.99. Its a shame cause I hear great things about the gameplay itself.That's the way I feel. I really want to play this but having to drop $80 CAD (after taxes) is just too much.

I am also uder the impression that I am not meant to buy this as I've looked in about 4 different stores locally and nobody has it in stock. Now I've had time to think twice about it and I think I've almost talked myself out of it.

We'll see though.

[LongStepMantis]

The game is probably good for what it is, and so people have been saying.
My only real problem with it is that I've been waiting for a Shadowrun game since the Genesis version...and I finally get one, and it's a FPS ala HL-mod.

I'm not knocking the game or saying it's bad. But It's like getting socks for Christmas. If they ever make another Shadowrun in the same vein as the genesis version, but on modern-gen systems, it would be a must have title, no question about it.

Why do you think so many people have issues with the license? The game was my favorite PnP RPG. You don't see any AD&D team based shooters coming out. :D That being said, i'm disappointed that it isn't the game I've been waiting years for, but I'm not bashing the existing one. Just pointing out why it bothers so many of us.

As far as the older Shadowruns go...skip the SNES one, no good.
The Genesis version is far and away the best shadowrun game made so far.
If you can get past the dated look (obviously, it's on Genesis) it's one of the better Genesis titles, and a must-play for anyone into Shadowrun.

[Heretic Machine]

Don't read reviews for this game, I can already tell you what they'll say: "I hate this game because they didn't make it the way I would of done it."

[Ninjafoot]

You don't see any AD&D team based shooters coming out.

Isn't Hellgate:London close enough? :-P

[Loganrapp]

Jesus, people, get off the "omg its not an rpg" bullshit.

When they turned MechWarrior into MechAssault, I was skeptical too, but at least I tried the fucking game. Turns out it wasn't half bad!

There's nerdy, and then there's pathetic. Enjoy what is probably one of the most complex FPS games I've played since probably Team Fortress. Gears is pretty and fun, but Shadowrun requires a lot more forward thinking.

[Devilturnip]

Man, there is a whole lot of unreasonable vitriol being directed at this game. It's a good game. It's fun. Really, that's all there is to it.

I don't remember, but did people level the same amount of hate at Quake III for being multi-player only? Is this game catching so much flak because console kiddies have never had the pleasure of playing Quake III, Unreal Tournament, the Battlefield series, or scores of other online only shooters that PC gamers have? Seriously, when Battlefield 2 came out, no one whined that full price was too much to play for a multi-player only game.

[Sl1pstream]

Man, there is a whole lot of unreasonable vitriol being directed at this game. It's a good game. It's fun. Really, that's all there is to it.

I don't remember, but did people level the same amount of hate at Quake III for being multi-player only? Is this game catching so much flak because console kiddies have never had the pleasure of playing Quake III, Unreal Tournament, the Battlefield series, or scores of other online only shooters that PC gamers have? Seriously, when Battlefield 2 came out, no one whined that full price was too much to play for a multi-player only game.

Ironically, the PC gamers are the ones that are complaining the most. Can we blame them for turning a beloved console ip into a CS clone?

[Devilturnip]

Ironically, the PC gamers are the ones that are complaining the most. Can we blame them for turning a beloved console ip into a CS clone?
Okay, there you go, right there. It is not a CS clone, so let's nip that shit in the bud right here. While it does directly copy the match/round structure of CS, the actual game play mechanics are absolutely and totally unique. It's this kind of misinformation that's causing this much hate, so let's try to dial it back.

[Sl1pstream]

Okay, there you go, right there. It is not a CS clone, so let's nip that shit in the bud right here. While it does directly copy the match/round structure of CS, the actual game play mechanics are absolutely and totally unique. It's this kind of misinformation that's causing this much hate, so let's try to dial it back.

Doesn't matter. I wasn't serious, I just forgot the smiley. I'm enjoying the hell out of this game. I just thought that it's funny how PC gamers are always complaining how their games are being dumbed down for a console audience. Now it's the other way around. The only thing that this has in common with CS seems to be the buy-phase and even that isn't the same as magic/tech abilities carry over to the next round.

[BigJonno]

You don't see any AD&D team based shooters coming out. :D

Over the years we've had D&D top-down hack and slash games, a side scrolling beat 'em up and a real time strategy games. Okay, we've had one or two RPGs as well. :D

[bean19]

I think the huge negative fog that Shadowrun has been unfairly in, will disappear once the demo is released next week. Playing the game is fun. It's a shame so much hatred and bile as been misdirected here.

What makes me upset is that it is a multiplayer ONLY game (aside from some training missions and bots), but it only has 9 maps and 3 game types. If they had made it a multiplayer game that brought as many play options and maps as UT2K4, then I'd be all over it. . . or, if the multiplayer were a pack-in for a single player game, then I'd think it was shit-hot, then I'd still be all over it.

I'm sure the game is fun. My problem with it is that it doesn't sound like it will be enough fun for me to pay $60. If it had shipped with more features or at a lower price, then I'd be more interested.

My fear is that it shipped with few features so that they can sell those (already made) features on Live later on.

[he1ixx]

its a fantastic game. to knock it for "not using the IP" is ridiculous and misses the point to a large degree. its been a while since i've felt the need to defend a game, but this game has gotten a lot of undue stick from all quarters.

did anyone here buy quake for the single player game? i know i didn't. quake arena? hell i still play that on occasion and there was no discernible single player there either. my point is i don't feel cheated in having the multiplayer gameplay diluted with a single player campaign that might detract from the stellar multiplayer game.

i haven't been this happy with a multiplayer fps since the old rocket arena days. and with that game it was a MOD of a game i spent full price on... i wasn't even playing the game i bought. get off the "it has no single player campaign" tip. its distracting from the fact that this has some of the tightest mp around on any platform at the moment.

i'll admit i was drawn to the game due to the gameplay videos floating around on youtube and gamevideos.com. i bought it on more or less of a whim, based on the strength of what i saw and heard. penny arcade had hinted at its strengths, luke from 1up talked about how he didn't want to be into it but ended up spending hours in the beta. it all added up to potential and after playing the game for literally hours, i'd say that potential had been realized in the form of an extremely compelling, immersive and FUN multiplayer game.

it hasn't gotten old yet for me. i'd be playing it right now if the kids didn't get home early. i'm not so sure i want them to see me teabagging a dwarf just yet... they're only 4 and 7...

all i can see is that if you're not willing to believe the folks that have played it and loved it and, instead, believe the haters and the reviewers who seem to hold it to some strange ill defined standard of what they expected, you're going to be missing out on one of the best games of the year.

[Jack B]

It's amazing to me how many people make negative comments about ShadowRun without ever actually playing it. It's been quite some time since I remember a game, which gets more comments from people who have never actually played it and never will.

If there ever was an text book example of "vocal minority" it's the Shadowrun universe fans. Not all, because some have played and enjoyed Shadowrun, but I just don't remember a game where so many people come out of the woodwork to "pray for failure". A percentage of that fan base is very bitter.

It's the Shadowrun effect. Maybe that can be a new term for a game, that gets hammered, but a small but very vocal community.

[Jack B]

Doesn't matter. I wasn't serious, I just forgot the smiley. I'm enjoying the hell out of this game. I just thought that it's funny how PC gamers are always complaining how their games are being dumbed down for a console audience. Now it's the other way around. The only thing that this has in common with CS seems to be the buy-phase and even that isn't the same as magic/tech abilities carry over to the next round.

Sl1p, you are a stud! I've heard that Counterstrike clone comment, so many times and it's so misleading. It bugs me. You nailed it. Not only is that just one small part of the game, it's not even the same as the magic/tech abilities carry over from round to round.

Shadowrun just can't buy a break from so many people. Even Jeff G used the Counterstrike comment. He's a bright guy. Do they forget what Counterstrike is really like or are they just taking the easy way out, using a name people can relate to... :(

[Guy Mariano]

Sl1p, you are a stud! I've heard that Counterstrike clone comment, so many times and it's so misleading. It bugs me. (

There are CS RPG mods that are similar with abilities and magic ;)

[Wedge]

The Shadowrun license bothering you? Take the box, and stick a piece of paper on the front calling it "Monster and Magic Rampage" or something, and boom, problem solved. Its the same damn game regardless of what its called. And its not this games fault they haven't made a Shadowrun title in over a decade.

What he said.

Besides: If you do want a RPG Shadowrun you'd better pray hard this game does well, or else you're probably looking at another 15 years before another Shadowrun game surfaces, if ever.

I don't get it. What is the problem? Is it:

A: It is not a RPG.
Or
B: This is not how a multiplayer FPS set in the Shadowrun universe should be.

If it is A: Get over it. Be happy the license is back in daylight, and hope it does well so a RPG might appear in the future.

If it is B: How should a multiplayer FPS set in the Shadowrun universe be?

Whether the game is good or not is not the issue for me. The thing that stings, for me, is that they basically took a dump on the Shadowrun name, and that there is slim chance we'll see a game that does it justice within the next ten years or so. Over and out.

How did this game take a dump on the Shadowrun license?

[Shodan2020]

I will not deny that this is a good game, I just don't have it because I have limited cash flow and I wanted Forza 2 more. :)

[Achilles]

Fine -- I'll admit it: I want this game to fail commercially! :DEither way it'll probably be FASA's last game, so I suppose you can protest if you want, but your protests have already been heard during development in the form of a lack of excitement and preorders. It may be the case that no FASA property will get a game in the future because of the failure of this game, so be careful what you ask for.

[Jack B]

There are CS RPG mods that are similar with abilities and magic ;)

I'm sure they are 100% identical and they are on the PC and they are cooler and they don't charge you to play cross platform against 360 users and it doesn't fuck up the Shadowrun license and it's got more maps and it's kosher and it's got better graphics and it's got no additives or preservatives and I'm sure it's so fucking awesome, that anyone who enjoys Shadowrun is a fucking idiot.

Microsoft should remove this product from circulation. Start a petition why don't you. God, kill me now, so I don't have to read any more hate from people who haven't played Shadowrun.

[Evil Avatar]

This game will die quick. Luckily for MS 360 owners buy every game even if it mediocre and overpriced to boot.

Yes. Yes we do. Which gives us new games to talk about and play every single week.

I would write more, but I'm busy playing games on my Xbox 360 and I don't have time to watch Blu-Ray movies on my PS3. ;)

[Evil Avatar]

I will not deny that this is a good game, I just don't have it because I have limited cash flow and I wanted Forza 2 more. :)

I want Forza 2, but I'm waiting till I have the money for a wheel.

[digitalErich]

The only reason I haven't bought Shadowrun is that it reaks of Mech Assault 2...I'm not convinced the game has legs. I hope that changes.

[Zeal]

I think the game is pretty fun to be honest, but the way they utterly wasted the Shadowrun license is unforgivable.

Shadowrun needs to be an ever evolving MMORPG.

[BigJonno]

Personally, I would have made a Shadowrun FPS in the vein of Republic Commando, but with customisable RPG-like characters and the most awesome co-op (online and split screen) imaginable.

[Heretic Machine]

What makes me upset is that it is a multiplayer ONLY game (aside from some training missions and bots), but it only has 9 maps and 3 game types. If they had made it a multiplayer game that brought as many play options and maps as UT2K4, then I'd be all over it. . . or, if the multiplayer were a pack-in for a single player game, then I'd think it was shit-hot, then I'd still be all over it.

I'm sure the game is fun. My problem with it is that it doesn't sound like it will be enough fun for me to pay $60. If it had shipped with more features or at a lower price, then I'd be more interested.

My fear is that it shipped with few features so that they can sell those (already made) features on Live later on.

This is my major complaint about it. A $60 console game with few maps just doesn't cut it on my multiplayer FPS radar. It'd be different if individuals could make maps for them, as is done on the PC (which extends the replay value significantly, and justifies a $50 price tag). Here, the best you can hope for is an overpriced map pack every now and then, instead of abundant (free) community content.

Either way it'll probably be FASA's last game, so I suppose you can protest if you want, but your protests have already been heard during development in the form of a lack of excitement and preorders. It may be the case that no FASA property will get a game in the future because of the failure of this game, so be careful what you ask for.

Just so we're clear, the FASA that made this game is FASA Interactive, wholly owned by Microsoft. This is not the same FASA which owns the Shadowrun license. Rather, it was a part of the original FASA, which was sold off once the original FASA became nothing more than a group with interesting intellectual property which can be licensed out to people like Microsoft (who, as I said, bought FASA Interactive). Confusing, yes, I know. But this is certainly not the last time you'll be hearing about Shadowrun, as the actual FASA (an independent company) will continue to exist even after Microsoft dissolves FASA Interactive.

[bean19]

3 game mods
9 maps
0 single-player

Those are very defensible criticisms of the game. Every one who defends the game seems to ignore these complaints from people.

Sure, it's fun; but is it worth $60? I can always reinstall UT2K4 and have far more game modes than that or download mods and increase the number further. . . I really love multiplayer FPS games and I think I'll get Shadowrun someday - but I just feel ripped off by a $60 price-tag for a game that brings so little content.

[Spigot]

I was one of those people turned off by the $60 price tag. I'd basically convinced myself not to bother getting it and maybe give it a rent.

That said, a quick scrounge around my house turned up 4 games that I wasn't touching and/or was disappointed with and a quick trip to the shop and $14 out of my pocket later, I now have a shiny new copy of Shadowrun for the 360.

I can handle an online-only shooter with magic and missiles just dandy for $14.

But I do agree that had this been priced about $20 or so less, it would have been an insta-buy. I do hope they add new game modes but from the rumours surrounding FASA studios, that might not occur. Ah well. As long as I've got you guys to victimize and/or be a victim of, I'll be happy.

[Nodus]

The crazy thing about this game is that despite its lack of modes, leader boards/rank titles and all the usual fluff, the gameplay it self is so top notch and balanced in a team fps sense that the only game i see competeing with this TF2, which is due sometime in Sept.

I had trouble justifying the price myself, but i grabbed it first day cause my game caldener was clear and i dont care for driving game really unless there destruction based. Even after just doing the tutorial i was amazed how much possibility and fun i could have with the way they did the games approach to powers and balance.

And while it doesnt feature a run of the mill single player campaign, its Sp bot matches are very impressive most times and it feels almost as authentic as an online play minus some dude yelling.

All in all, i see why FASA focused on the MP gameplay area, and didnt tack on a medicore SP to what was otherwise primarily designed to be MP. I see this lasting the whole summer and pretty much up until H3/Tf2 it will go strong. Not to mention with Halo 3 feeling alittle dry to many and SR/TF offering Team FPS with class/dynamic gameplay mix up, i wouldnt be suprised if these are the two most FPS competitive titles played through out 2007.

[KingGorilla]

Their are 713 Gamespot users reviews and they give it a consensus 8.7. Jeff gives it a 6.9. I'm imagining a lot of reviewers will ding it for things like lack of single player, price, lack of game modes, not using the license the way they wanted. Their opinions are valid, but I'm wondering how word of mouth will play out. With the 360 Live community, word of mouth seems to be worth more these days for a multiplayer game (especially multiplayer) than reviews.

I really think the idea of a user, numbered score is almost as much bullshit as a publication's score. GFW, EGM, 1Up all use the same scale, it is well explained and editors adhere to that. Gamespot is the same way, the score "means something." For fans and non-alike, who went to school in the US, thus have no fucking clue what an average is, will eschew to a higher score, naturally. As well as that, if you are buying the game NOW, and have it launch week, you were a fan to begin with, and will like it no matter what.

[Achilles]

Just so we're clear, the FASA that made this game is FASA Interactive, wholly owned by Microsoft. This is not the same FASA which owns the Shadowrun license. Rather, it was a part of the original FASA, which was sold off once the original FASA became nothing more than a group with interesting intellectual property which can be licensed out to people like Microsoft (who, as I said, bought FASA Interactive). Confusing, yes, I know. But this is certainly not the last time you'll be hearing about Shadowrun, as the actual FASA (an independent company) will continue to exist even after Microsoft dissolves FASA Interactive.Are you sure that the original FASA owns the rights to make Shadowrun video games? At any rate if Microsoft dissolves their FASA because its IP isn't selling worth a damn than chances are they've already lost their publisher. I certainly don't see a FASA IP being published through other companies.

[KingGorilla]

Yeah, he is right, FASA still creates and sells a variety of tabletop and card games, that are completely independent from Microsoft.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FASA#Current_status_and_intellectual_property
Current status and intellectual property

FASA unexpectedly ceased active operations in early 2001, but still exists as a corporation holding intellectual property rights, which it licenses to other publishers. Contrary to popular belief, the company did not go bankrupt. Allegedly the owners decided to quit while the company was still financially sound in a market they perceived as going downhill. Mort Weisman had been talking of retirement for some years and his confidence in the future of the paper-based games business was low. He considered the intellectual property of FASA to be of high value but did not wish to continue working as he had been for the last decade or more. Unwilling to wrestle with the complexities of dividing up the going concern, the owners issued a press release on January 25, 2001 announcing the immediate closure of the business.

The BattleTech and Shadowrun properties were sold to WizKids, who in turn licensed their publication to FanPro LLC. The Earthdawn license was sold to WizKids, and then back to FASA. Living Room Games publishes Earthdawn (Second Edition) while RedBrick Limited now holds a license to continue publishing First Edition material. Crimson Skies was originally developed by Zipper Interactive under the FASA Interactive brand in late 2000 and used under license by FASA; FASA Interactive had been purchased by Microsoft, so rights to Crimson Skies stayed with Microsoft. Rights to the miniatures game VOR the Maelstrom reverted to the designer Mike "Skuzzy" Nielson, but it has not been republished in any form due partly to legal difficulties.

[Heretic Machine]

Yeah, he is right, FASA still creates and sells a variety of tabletop and card games, that are completely independent from Microsoft.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FASA#Current_status_and_intellectual_property
Current status and intellectual property

FASA unexpectedly ceased active operations in early 2001, but still exists as a corporation holding intellectual property rights, which it licenses to other publishers. Contrary to popular belief, the company did not go bankrupt. Allegedly the owners decided to quit while the company was still financially sound in a market they perceived as going downhill. Mort Weisman had been talking of retirement for some years and his confidence in the future of the paper-based games business was low. He considered the intellectual property of FASA to be of high value but did not wish to continue working as he had been for the last decade or more. Unwilling to wrestle with the complexities of dividing up the going concern, the owners issued a press release on January 25, 2001 announcing the immediate closure of the business.

The BattleTech and Shadowrun properties were sold to WizKids, who in turn licensed their publication to FanPro LLC. The Earthdawn license was sold to WizKids, and then back to FASA. Living Room Games publishes Earthdawn (Second Edition) while RedBrick Limited now holds a license to continue publishing First Edition material. Crimson Skies was originally developed by Zipper Interactive under the FASA Interactive brand in late 2000 and used under license by FASA; FASA Interactive had been purchased by Microsoft, so rights to Crimson Skies stayed with Microsoft. Rights to the miniatures game VOR the Maelstrom reverted to the designer Mike "Skuzzy" Nielson, but it has not been republished in any form due partly to legal difficulties.

Ahh, I didn't realize that Shadowrun was bought by WizKids. Aren't they owned by Hasbro now?

EDIT: Ahh, not Hasbro, Topps (the card company).

[Fubl]

OKay wizkids owns the the license and up until about 2 months ago Fanpro LLC PPublished the books for Classic battletech/Mechwarrior and shadowrun. Since the begining of the year though theres been negotiations for the Battletech fiction subscription website www.battlecorps.com parent company Inmedia to take over the publication license for both products. Shadowrun its self is on its 4th Version and has sold very well but its right now only a core book and a few supplementals. Cbt is doing pretty well and is on a multi year story line about the wobbies Destroying everything with lots of NBC weapons. PDfs and Book forms can be purchased from battlecorps.

Www.classicbattletech.com is the Cbt homepage.
www.srrpg.com is the Srun page. Unofficially the srun forums are hosted at www.dumpshock.com

Cbt can be played online with a Java program called mega mek. The one thing i really like about these two games is the game worlds are very fleshed out and even though The computer versions are basically stripped down versions if we played a direct port it would be a very boring experince with every action requireing some sort of random number generator rolling a 1d6.

[BigJonno]

Ahhh! This all gets so confusing!

[graySUPERBEAST]

I've always had the impression that a lot of kids give high scores because they won't even admit to themselves that they've payed for crap. That may just apply here. :)

Also, Jeff tends to overrate games.

Fine -- I'll admit it: I want this game to fail commercially! :D


Why? Unless you're a Sony fanboy embittered because the PS3 is being out-sold by EVERYONE else?

[he1ixx]

Why? Unless you're a Sony fanboy embittered because the PS3 is being out-sold by EVERYONE else?
if the only game i had to play on my $600 console was Resistance, I'd be bitter too!

[Jack B]

I really think the idea of a user, numbered score is almost as much bullshit as a publication's score. GFW, EGM, 1Up all use the same scale, it is well explained and editors adhere to that. Gamespot is the same way, the score "means something." For fans and non-alike, who went to school in the US, thus have no fucking clue what an average is, will eschew to a higher score, naturally. As well as that, if you are buying the game NOW, and have it launch week, you were a fan to begin with, and will like it no matter what.

Go read the actual user reviews, that have text. Or read the EvAv user comments. Or read the NeoGaf user comments.

95% of the people who are pissed at the price, don't own Shadowrun. 95% of the people, that think it's not fun don't own Shadowrun. Shadowrun leads the league in negative press, if you don't include people who've actually tried it.

When will people who've not played it quite giving it reviews? Probably never.

[Major Major]

<McMurphy>
Hahahaha. I'm having fun playing Shadowrun on my *** Xploitationbox 360. Hahahaha. I spent my own money on it. Heeehahaha. Hahaheehee.
Won't somebody please come and cure me of this affliction otherwise I might have to administer another round of self flagellation followed by auto lobotomy. Hahahaheeheehee.
</McMurphy>

[Xerxes]

Bah...
Truths, MS should have released it for $49.99 like some of the other first party games use to come out at. First week sales, which there were none for this but were for Forza, should have been there to get you for $39.99. Game is a mint at that price.

Circuit City's deal is sort of ass. Their $20 360 games are mostly shit, and I ended up getting The Outfit. Add in 4000 points and $15 coupon off $100 and I figured it was a decently built deal.

Price factors into the whole thing. I don't know how long they worked on the game but it does seem a bit like a CS mod. Well worked on mod but still. The floaty latter climbs are wrong.

I still can't help but enjoy it with a good group of people though. That's pretty much the point of a multiplayer game and there, job well done.

more maps soon please.

[Heretic Machine]

95% of the people who are pissed at the price, don't own Shadowrun.

Of course we don't, you don't pay for something that you think is overpriced! I'll pick it up for $30 when the price drops, maybe, if it's time hasn't already passed.

[Chimp]

Here's my take on it.

Some background: I've never played any of the previous Shadowrun games, be they PC, console, or Pen and Paper. I'm a fairly hardcore FPS player, and belong to a clan. I'm an older gamer (40+) with a family. I'm playing the game on the PC, on a Vista machine (naturally). That should hopefully tell you where I'm coming from when I give my opinion on the game.

I really enjoy the game. Between the races and the magic/tech choices the game has a lot of strategic and tactical depth. I don't even mind the limited weapon choices.

Amazingly, the other players I've played with have been a great bunch. They've really worked together as a team for the most part.

I played through the six tutorials, and then jumped right in. I've played for maybe 3 hours online so far, and I've had a blast. I'm hoping EvAv gets some matches going, as they're no way in hell my clan will pick this up since very few have switched to Vista.

[Jack B]

<McMurphy>
Hahahaha. I'm having fun playing Shadowrun on my *** Xploitationbox 360. Hahahaha. I spent my own money on it. Heeehahaha. Hahaheehee.
Won't somebody please come and cure me of this affliction otherwise I might have to administer another round of self flagellation followed by auto lobotomy. Hahahaheeheehee.
</McMurphy>

So, you like it then.

[EasterElf]

The game is fun. Yea, it should probably be a little cheaper in the price range, and it may or may not be as fun as some mods on the PC, but not everyone has access to those mods, and some people that dislike Forza want some new material on their Xbox. I unfortunately only own one next-gen console and I've been dying to try something new and fresh, and Shadowrun gets my order spot-on. Even though it may be short on modes and maps, if the game picks up steam hopefully some quality DLC will be coming through the pipes, maybe not, who the hell knows. Because when it comes down to it I play games to entertain me, and this game does just that.

[Spigot]

Well, I just had a blast playing tonight and I am someone who usually hates Counter Strike and most other online shooters. If I'd paid full price for the game, I'd have been a little ticked, but since it only cost me $14 out of my own pocket (plus a couple trade ins...nooo not Gunpey DS!) I'll concider it a great deal.

Had I actually dropped the $80 it would have cost me after taxes, I'd have probably been a lot more critical of its shortcomings, but I didn't, so I won't.

Plus it's just a lot of fun.

[LongStepMantis]

Like I've said, I get why people are upset that it isn't the Shadowrun game some of us wanted. And yes, I am one of those who would've killed for a Shdowrun RPG on a current gen system.

But I've heard lots of praise for this game, so I'm GLAD it isn't completely horrible.

Because any of you out there that WANT the game I want, should hope this game somehow sells like mad. Because if we ever wanna see a true IP Shadowrun game, this one needs to sink the brand into people's minds. If this game ends up tanking, we'll never get it.


And from what i am hearing, all the lack of content or SP seems to be eased by extremely fun gameplay.

[Wolvie]

Wow, peole love Shadowrun despite the crappy reviews? Just goes to show ya, reviews mean nothing. What YOU think is what matters.

[donkeydrop]

I don't think any of the reviews I've seen have said it was crap, just that half the game was missing (or the price was 2x too much for what was delivered). Nine maps (3 of which are basically just mini versions of others) is what you expect when there's a full single player game as well. If you're doing a multiplayer only game then other games (like Battlefield) have set the standard and 15+ large maps are expected.

Calling All Cars got rated down for being too small and that was only a $10 game. So why worry about the reviews; its reasonable that they are warning people that they might not be getting value, but it doesn't mean that a lot of people won't enjoy the game.

[Jack B]

Wow, peole love Shadowrun despite the crappy reviews? Just goes to show ya, reviews mean nothing. What YOU think is what matters.

Yeah, Chromehounds had the same problem. It's single player mode was basically a training mission, so it got hammered in reviews, but if you were looking for multiplayer it was very very good. Some reviews graded it high for it's multiplayer, but most dinged it for a weak single player. Word of mouth saved Chromehounds. It wasn't a smash hit, but sold much better than expected given the review scores. I'd say Shadowrun is in a similar situation.

Reviews are so complicated these days... They grade down for price (Shadowrun, Lumines) lack of a single player campaign (Shadowrun, Chromehounds), improper use of a license (Shadowrun) game modes, maps, graphics, too much complexity (console games are getting more complex these days) etc. It's getting more difficult to decypher console review scores. Word of mouth and friends lists are becoming more important as an indicator of what's good and what isn't.

[EasterElf]

Yeah, Chromehounds had the same problem. It's single player mode was basically a training mission, so it got hammered in reviews, but if you were looking for multiplayer it was very very good. Some reviews graded it high for it's multiplayer, but most dinged it for a weak single player. Word of mouth saved Chromehounds. It wasn't a smash hit, but sold much better than expected given the review scores. I'd say Shadowrun is in a similar situation.

Reviews are so complicated these days... They grade down for price (Shadowrun, Lumines) lack of a single player campaign (Shadowrun, Chromehounds), improper use of a license (Shadowrun) game modes, maps, graphics, too much complexity (console games are getting more complex these days) etc. It's getting more difficult to decypher console review scores. Word of mouth and friends lists are becoming more important as an indicator of what's good and what isn't.

Yep, I was the first person to play Shadowrun on my FL, and now 5 people have it. Funny thing is, each one of those people sent me a message asking what Shadowrun was like, and I told them my opinion, and they apparently thought that it sounded fun because they went and dropped 60 bucks on it.

[Jack B]

Yep, I was the first person to play Shadowrun on my FL, and now 5 people have it. Funny thing is, each one of those people sent me a message asking what Shadowrun was like, and I told them my opinion, and they apparently thought that it sounded fun because they went and dropped 60 bucks on it.

Yep, I think friends lists and word of mouth for 360 online games being one of the most important sources of information. If it's good, people will see other people playing night after night, wonder why and end up buying it too.

[vallor]

Overpriced? Check!
Minimal gameplay? Check!
Lack of long term "legs"? Check (well, except possible releases that cause a microtransaction hell)!

To get it out of the way: Yes, I'm a Shadowrun fan, and fan of the Genesis game. I think they could have done more than scratch the surface of the IP. They could have done a minor stuff that might have helped highlight the diversity of the Shadowrun universe. At the very least I would have like to seen some more of the core regions, like Seattle, or some other trappings of the universe.

Without changing the gameplay and without requiring many, if any technical changes they could have added more "Shadowrunny" content. Environments, teams using a "Mr. Johnson" rather than all megacorp stuff; they could have added a little more variety to the characters so I could have a barely human looking cybered out Samuari or a tribal looking Native American Nation magic user by dynamically swapping out textures depending on how much cyber-ware or magic a player had bought. They could have had different goals other than repeatedly going after or defending an artifact. Little stuff like that which could have quieted some of the cries of IP abuse.

The gameplay seems very sanitized balance-wise. The powers are cool, but many of them feel gimped because of their potentially unbalancing nature. The rest of the gameplay don't really feel like it comes close to capturing the excitement and teamwork of Counterstrike, much less the amazing game that Tribes was. To top it all off the game looks like it belongs more to last generation rather than a current 360 title.

Sniping some scout trying to jetpack across the whole map was so much more satisfying than sniping some guy floating across one of Shadowrun's maps on the glider. Lobbing supression artillary to defend the flag carrier gave me a thrill unmatched by even the strongest weapons in SR. SR doesn't even compare!

That said the action is fairly fast; faster than most other games of that type I've played. Some of the weapon/magic combinations are cool (Troll+minigun+tree of life=ultimate choke point defender). The integration of so many Counterstike conventions works for this type of game; but I would have liked to seen something a little more fresh. Even something small like having the purchase UI skinned as if it were a "Fixers" shop rather than the generic CS purchase type screen/menus.

At $40 it wouldn't surprise me to see people accept a game with such lean amounts of content and sanitized balance with the glee that some folks here are showing. For $60 it makes me feel like some people are trying too hard to overlook that they may have gotten a little hornswaggled on this one.

Even if they ever make another game in the universe I doubt it would be an RPG-ish type game. I remember Mechassault. The success of Mechassault spawned Mechassault 2, not another "real" Battletech or Mechwarrior game.

That's just my opinion, its worth what you paid for it!
-Vallor

[Xerxes]

Wow, peole love Shadowrun despite the crappy reviews? Just goes to show ya, reviews mean nothing. What YOU think is what matters.
Shadowrun has a 65 (http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/929196.asp) on Gamerankings. I have to say I'm surprised, but not really. People want more for the price than what they were given. Price shouldn't be a factor but honestly, the game has a unfinished type fill for the current price. I think if they release some $5 maps, I'll be pissed but then buy them anyway. The game itself is good though. If I was to run around slapping numbers on shit, I'd give it about a 85. 90 if they can get a decent update. Hell, 95 if it's a kick ass update.

[KingGorilla]

Because any of you out there that WANT the game I want, should hope this game somehow sells like mad. Because if we ever wanna see a true IP Shadowrun game, this one needs to sink the brand into people's minds. If this game ends up tanking, we'll never get it.

Microsoft killed FASA Interactive, the idea of a new game from Battletech, ShadowRun, Crimson Skies, etc. is incredibly unlikely. As is any prospect for much future content or genuine support on this game.

[Xerxes]

Microsoft killed FASA Interactive, the idea of a new game from Battletech, ShadowRun, Crimson Skies, etc. is incredibly unlikely. As is any prospect for much future content or genuine support on this game.
Actually Zeal said Crimson Skies 2 is on the way... :o

[BigJonno]

Hang on, it seems to me that Shadowrun is actually getting the first accurate review scores I've seen in a long time. Really fun game, marred by extreme lack of content and doubts over how long it'll stick around? 65 sounds about right.

Of course, that won't stop people who think that anything less than 70 is crap.

[LongStepMantis]

Microsoft killed FASA Interactive, the idea of a new game from Battletech, ShadowRun, Crimson Skies, etc. is incredibly unlikely. As is any prospect for much future content or genuine support on this game.

I'm allowed to be hopeful.
Stop ruining my fantasy world. :D

It may be a long time, but there's always the chance someone might find a way to either acquire or use the rights for the IP. I've got nothing to back that up, just optimism.

[Kefkataran]

Judging by the actual text of the review, seems Jeff was being rather generous with the score.

People: no need to get so fucking defensive. If you like the game, awesome, tell other people you like it and why. But if other people (reviewers or otherwise) don't, it doesn't invalidate your opinion.

Also, KG, FASA may (likely) be dead, but Msoft still owns those IPs. For Crimson Skies, at least, they probably won't let it go to waste. I could also see another Shadowrun game popping up this gen, maybe.

[he1ixx]

well the problem with the low scores on reviews that ding it for no single player are effectively going to prevent the sales that might be required for a multiplayer game to exist.

as i've seen mentioned, the gangs i've been playing with have been great. lots of communication and teamwork, friendly atmosphere. you get the occasional clanger but that's rare. i've played the game a TON over the last few days and have to say, i can't wait to play it again. its definitely delivering what they promised -- good balance, good gameplay.

as far as the one guy mentioning about the graphics being 'last gen', let's just say i completely disagree. true the animations in some circumstances aren't there (ladder climbing, the hopping around you do when you're trapped in the ensnaring crystals) but overall the environments are incredible, so are the lighting and weapons.

i honestly don't understand half of the criticism i read of it. its like people are playing a different game.

hopefully the demo will grow the community as well as word of mouth. i'd love for the game to be around for a while. it seems like something that people will really come back to over and over for a long time as long as the community exists. if it holds people's interest until halo3 hits so much the better. personally, i'm not that gung ho over halo3 as evidenced by the fact that i've been foregoing playing the halo3 beta to play shadowrun since its dropped.

[Vandenh]

Kinda fun to to see people complain about lack of maps while everytime I play CS it seem to be the same map and everytime Halo 3 matchmaking decides on a "special" map everybody vetos because they want Valhalla. I think it is a myth that online games need 2000 maps... you need to learn a few maps very well. Especially in SR the maps are really 3D and are more complex than the "simple" CS maps.

[Major Major]

So, you like it then.

I love it. I've not had this much fun with a game in a long time. Maybe I should have used a ;) at the end of my post.

[ilian]

Ive played the shadowrun pen and paper extensively, and I find shadowrun 360 to fit the spirit and style of the shadowrun rpg very faithfully.

they were liberal with a lot of the details and mechanics, but meh, rpg settings are meant to be flexible.

[Virtual Machine]

I agree. Anybody that played the original Shadowrun on the Genesis and even the SNES version is appalled at this crappy game. It's not Shadowrun. It's a piece of dung.


As someone who started on Shadowrun 1st edition in 1990, and has pen and papered every version since then, this game feels more like Shadowrun than the SNES game did. ;)

Not to say it's a better game or anything, but it has the "native American" influence that Shadowrun has always been inundated with. Sure they changed some spells and tech, but they do a damn fine job of making it "feel" right. Technically speaking, it could fit right in as a prequel to the SNES game as it's actually set in the 2020's shortly after the start of the Awakening, and the SNES game really didn't have any relevance to the timeline anyway.

It's a game where magic meets machine, with spells, trolls, elves, miniguns, and wardrobe out of Dances with Wolves meets Blade Runner - it doesn't get any more Shadowrun than that - i'm sorry.

And it is a damn HOOT to play.

Jeff G is a dick who's review pretty much consisted of "they pissed all over my fond memories of shadowrun - low score!"

7.5 absolute lowest - if the idea of a single player campaign being missing bothers you. If it doesn't - SOLID 8. There is next to nothing wrong with the gameplay - and the races/tech/magic combinations allow for some awesome character builds and tactics, everything is balanced beautifully. As a multiplayer game, it is deep, involving, fast paced, and a pile of fun. it is just this side of brilliant.

I have no problems whatsoever with the graphics, the character models look great, and the lighting makes the stylized art design really pop. If i had any complaints, it would be that i'd love to see more customization in game types - like GRAW or Halo 2, where people are inventing deathmatch scenarios (if you've played a "president" match in GRAW or GRAW 2, you know what i'm talking about). If you've played GRAW 2 with my little circle, then you've done a pistols only match on the Old Fort - Night map with no night vision. ;)

Even that complaint is nitpicking a bit, since even top flight stuff like Gears of War lacks any sort of real customization with the multi. Still, that kind of flexibility in Shadowrun would be amazing.

[ilian]

At the end of the day. this game feels like a half-life 1 mod.

The game just feels half finished in every way.

Personally, Im enjoying the hell out of it, playing with the EvAv clan is lots of fun. Goes to show how much a fun core mechanic can be worth even if the rest of the game is a bare skeleton.

[Heretic Machine]

As someone who started on Shadowrun 1st edition in 1990, and has pen and papered every version since then, this game feels more like Shadowrun than the SNES game did. ;)

This is what I love: Most of the people complaining about it not being an RPG, never even played the P&P game. I know, because if even half of those people had bought a Shadowrun book, the original FASA would of been far more lucrative. Most people judge it against the SNES/Genesis games, and don't even realize that those games themselves weren't true to the license.

[BigJonno]

Yep, I certainly remember spending huge amounts of time doing missions in Central and South America playing the P'n'P game.

[ZeroTactics]

I have played the Snes, Genesis, Pen & Paper versions of Shadowrun, and I can say I'm really happy with the 360 version. Yes, it's not the way I would've wanted shadowrun to be : I'm all for RPGs, Mr. Johnsons and building a runner from the ground up. But this is the way they made it : a very deep FPS experience that is rich in gameplay options.

Sure, to me, Shadowrun should've been a multiplayer Deus Ex with magic : that is they way that I would've wanted it to be exposed to the world. But it's not because it isn't the way I wanted it to be that it sucks major bongos.

I think we react with such passion because it is an interesting license that we love. If Blizzard would've announced that Star Craft 2 was being made to be an FPS, I think we could've seen Korea burst into chaos and flames.

That said, just give it a shot before slugging out insults and bitching the game. It's fun, rapid and exciting. People say it's not a single player game, but I've played a couple of Solo matches filled with bots with my Team's AI at Medium and the other side at Hard and guess what : It is viceral and bloody amusing.

[Hale]

Apologies to anyone here I offend, but I just have a hard time believing that there is anyone here talking about how great this game is, that doesn't have either a personal stake in it or a friend working on the title.

I mean, seriously, this is just...lame. This is really no different than making a multi-player "game" called Star Wars with the only thing actually Star Wars about it is that it has a few Greedos and Wookies running around horribly textured rooms.

Again, just my opinion, not trying to dig at anyone.

[ilian]

Apologies to anyone here I offend, but I just have a hard time believing that there is anyone here talking about how great this game is, that doesn't have either a personal stake in it or a friend working on the title.


well how come you havnt joined in a game with us to see for yourself?

[Spigot]

Apologies to anyone here I offend, but I just have a hard time believing that there is anyone here talking about how great this game is, that doesn't have either a personal stake in it or a friend working on the title.

I mean, seriously, this is just...lame. This is really no different than making a multi-player "game" called Star Wars with the only thing actually Star Wars about it is that it has a few Greedos and Wookies running around horribly textured rooms.

Again, just my opinion, not trying to dig at anyone.I wish I had a personal stake in the game.

Heck, I don't even really like this style of game. Maybe that's why I'm digging Shadowrun as much as I am. It's not just the same old Counterstrike-style gameplay that bored me to tears the 2-3 times I tried it. It's a cool setting with insanely fast paced gameplay and the levels are really big and neat. Add in the powers and such and wow...

As for the slags on the graphics, have you actually played the thing? I admit, the look of the game, esp. on the screenshots on the box, was underwhelming to me but once it got fired up and running, I was quite impressed.

It might not be Gears level of gorgeous, but aside from the hinky ladder animations and such, I think it looks just right for the feel that they're going for.

[DeadlyDonkey]

Shadowrun?

More like CS:Warcraft Source AMIRITE?

[Sl1pstream]

Apologies to anyone here I offend, but I just have a hard time believing that there is anyone here talking about how great this game is, that doesn't have either a personal stake in it or a friend working on the title.

I mean, seriously, this is just...lame. This is really no different than making a multi-player "game" called Star Wars with the only thing actually Star Wars about it is that it has a few Greedos and Wookies running around horribly textured rooms.

Again, just my opinion, not trying to dig at anyone.
Yes, we're all shills. All of us. In fact, this entire website was set up, from the beginning, to shill this exact game.

Seriously, try playing the game first. :rolleyes:

[Jack B]

Kinda fun to to see people complain about lack of maps while everytime I play CS it seem to be the same map and everytime Halo 3 matchmaking decides on a "special" map everybody vetos because they want Valhalla. I think it is a myth that online games need 2000 maps... you need to learn a few maps very well. Especially in SR the maps are really 3D and are more complex than the "simple" CS maps.

Vandenh, I've been waiting for someone to say that. I'm the same way and it's not just maps. I tend to enjoy the same gameplay mode over and over. Perfect Dark had about 5 or 6 gameplay modes. Deathmatch, CTF, the Zombie thing, and a couple others. I played the Counterstrike mode (team elimination, I think) over and over and over.

I have the same feelings about maps, tracks, single player (in race car games). If the game has the mode I like and a reasonable amount of maps, I really don't care about the other stuff.

To me, that's why reviews and review scores are getting so complicated. Do you grade down for lack of variety, maps, tracks, customization, online, single player....? It's so confusing. I tend to mostly only care about multi-player, but it depends on the game. As for game modes, I typically stick to one game mode, so if it has that all the other stuff doesn't matter at all.

Anyway, it's getting so complicated with games today, because the do so much more than ever before, but so much of it isn't used. Games are big and deep these days or they get dinged....

[Pluvious]

Rent it and judge it yourself. End of story.

[he1ixx]

Rent it and judge it yourself. End of story.

qft. that's pretty much it. or play the demo on the 6th and see what you think.

i'm not a shill for MS or FASA, i just like the game. i'm not trying to justify my expenditure either since I basically bought the thing on store credit due to trade-ins. i'm just really happy with it.

i'd agree that reviews tend to be difficult to gauge nowadays. look at 1up's review of Forza2 -- i think its horrendous and the score is far to harsh, missing out on a lot of what makes the the game interesting. especially after seeing the 1up show guys go on an on about how great it is while they're actually playing it. forza2 is no less than a 9. if you're into realistic driving sims, considerably higher. that being said, i remember having a very heated debate with one of the pc gamer editors back in 1998 via email because he gave "grand prix legends" (the pinnacle of realistic sims at the time) a 7.0. i was appalled at the score but i guess the problem with "scores" is that there's so many ways to approach them.

i'm not trying to change gears (ho ho ha ha), just trying to point out the very tricky nature of reviewing things in the current climate of console gaming and such.

go buy shadowrun, go buy forza2. support the good games.

[fiercey]

I agree. Anybody that played the original Shadowrun on the Genesis and even the SNES version is appalled at this crappy game. It's not Shadowrun. It's a piece of dung.

I do not understand this type of thinking. Isn't there more than one way to interpret a fictional universe? Take "Earth" for instance-- yes, our own planet that we live and breathe on. All 4 billion people could write an original story with Earth as its backdrop and you could get literally 4 billion different types of tales and interpretations. You could have some people writing about knitting, or hiking adventures, pirate stories, exploring Egyptian tombs, war, gay rights rallies, whatever-- some would look on Bush and his policies as marvelous, and others would vomit at the thought.

-f

[Inglorion]

All 4 billion people
Oh, that Earth ...

[Paltry]

The maps look boooooooooooring and teeeeeeeeeeerible but I still kind of want to play it

[Vandenh]

Maps looks booooring but you havent played it? I see....

[DubiousQuality]

Just so we're clear, the FASA that made this game is FASA Interactive, wholly owned by Microsoft. This is not the same FASA which owns the Shadowrun license. Rather, it was a part of the original FASA, which was sold off once the original FASA became nothing more than a group with interesting intellectual property which can be licensed out to people like Microsoft (who, as I said, bought FASA Interactive). Confusing, yes, I know. But this is certainly not the last time you'll be hearing about Shadowrun, as the actual FASA (an independent company) will continue to exist even after Microsoft dissolves FASA Interactive.

This is where it desolves into tricky territory, as my understandment of the situation is MS owns the rights to video games based off of Fasa properties outright (Mechwarrior, Shadowrun, Crimson Skies etc)

Which is really unfortunate since this pretty much means we'll never see a proper MMO based on MechWarrior or Shadowrun ever since MS is deathly afraid of MMO's. The stunt they pulled on Sigil with Vanguard, the canceling of Mythica etc etc pretty much backs that up.

MW & SR are both near pefect settings for an mmo, and it would be something fresh from the usual fantasy based elves dwarves orcs swordplay/sorcery of the current mmo crop. SR would be different along the lines of tech, magic, and gunplay, and MW is pretty self explaintory, Tho with the failed MPBT 3025 that was actually really fun to play in beta but EA pulled the plug anyway.

Enough of my rambling, I'm just really pasionate about MW on the whole and am truly saddened to see such a great property doing nothing but collect dust.

[Mista Mafiosi]

wait.. can you only get the achievements in multiplayer with humans?

[Heretic Machine]

This is where it desolves into tricky territory, as my understandment of the situation is MS owns the rights to video games based off of Fasa properties outright (Mechwarrior, Shadowrun, Crimson Skies etc)

Except that doesn't make any sense, since those properties are owned by different companies. Where'd you get this information?

[Kefkataran]

well the problem with the low scores on reviews that ding it for no single player are effectively going to prevent the sales that might be required for a multiplayer game to exist.

Possibly, but if the reviewer actually believes additional single-player (or in Jeff's case, additional anything -- remember, he says there's not enough maps in general) would've made the game better or more worthwhile, that's his opinion.

Kinda fun to to see people complain about lack of maps while everytime I play CS it seem to be the same map and everytime Halo 3 matchmaking decides on a "special" map everybody vetos because they want Valhalla. I think it is a myth that online games need 2000 maps... you need to learn a few maps very well. Especially in SR the maps are really 3D and are more complex than the "simple" CS maps.

Valhalla's the one every one's been vetoing for me. And even if both of those were true, Counter-Strike and (presumably) Halo 3 at least both have more options/variety available. And no one said you need 2000 maps, but certainly you need a good number of interesting maps.

Seriously, though, what bugs me most about this is the same thing that bugged me about the reaction to Gamespot's Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess score (a game I loved and would've scored higher personally, BTW). People on forums constantly complain about how reviews score too high or are too night until that harder curve that's finally just starting to hit a few sites affects a game they like. Then it should've been higher.

Jeff still gave the game a 6.9 (as in basically a 7). That's not *bad*. That's well above mediocre and just a notch or two below great. I can see why people would disagree and say they would do a different score, but I can't see why anyone would write off the score altogether as unfair.

[Sl1pstream]

Possibly, but if the reviewer actually believes additional single-player (or in Jeff's case, additional anything -- remember, he says there's not enough maps in general) would've made the game better or more worthwhile, that's his opinion.



Valhalla's the one every one's been vetoing for me. And even if both of those were true, Counter-Strike and (presumably) Halo 3 at least both have more options/variety available. And no one said you need 2000 maps, but certainly you need a good number of interesting maps.

Seriously, though, what bugs me most about this is the same thing that bugged me about the reaction to Gamespot's Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess score (a game I loved and would've scored higher personally, BTW). People on forums constantly complain about how reviews score too high or are too night until that harder curve that's finally just starting to hit a few sites affects a game they like. Then it should've been higher.

Jeff still gave the game a 6.9 (as in basically a 7). That's not *bad*. That's well above mediocre and just a notch or two below great. I can see why people would disagree and say they would do a different score, but I can't see why anyone would write off the score altogether as unfair.

His zelda review was fair, he wanted to see something new. Now that they're trying something new with an established ip, he wants to see more of the old stuff instead of the new stuff. But sure, 7 is not a bad score. It's that, just like Chromehounds, this game wasn't judged on the game it was, rather than the game they wanted it to be.

[Achilles]

Except that doesn't make any sense, since those properties are owned by different companies. Where'd you get this information?I can see that happening, frequently the option to make a video game out of a property is sold to different people than the option to make a book, boardgame, or movie out of that property. Also the option to make an MMORPG out of a property is sold to different people than the option to make a standard game out of it (see the Matrix where Enter the Matrix was published by Atari and The Matrix Online was published by Sega) or the option to make a video game out of a book version of a property instead of a movie version (EA owned the rights to make an MMORPG based on the LotR movies, which is why THQ based LotRO on the books and had to avoid the style of the movie.)

About the game itself, a game needs a single player component in order to sell the multiplayer, even if it's not particularly strong. In addition all of Vallor’s problems with it seem to be valid and things that would drop the score, so I can see why it would get a 6.9 despite being fun.

[Kefkataran]

His zelda review was fair, he wanted to see something new. Now that they're trying something new with an established ip, he wants to see more of the old stuff instead of the new stuff. But sure, 7 is not a bad score. It's that, just like Chromehounds, this game wasn't judged on the game it was, rather than the game they wanted it to be.

How the fuck do you get that? Jeff mentions the fact that they didn't do anything with the well-loved Shadowrun license once, maybe twice in the review. That's not the crux of his review at all. He spends most of the time pointing to a lack of variety in maps and gameplay, terrible animation problems, and what he finds to be a generally uninteresting game. I'm sorry, but I don't know many games that are so unpolished as to actually be missing frames of animation that would still merit a 7. And they may be doing something new with the IP, but it's not something new in general.

Again, I'm not saying anyone should agree with Jeff or disagree with him. I'm not agreeing or disagreeing with him myself. I'm just saying the idea of looking at his review and score and screaming, "OMG NOT CORRECT!!!1" because your opinion differs is stupid and sets the whole idea of writing game reviews back a ton, especially when he didn't even give it a low score by most realistic standards.

[Xerxes]

How the fuck do you get that? Jeff mentions the fact that they didn't do anything with the well-loved Shadowrun license once, maybe twice in the review. That's not the crux of his review at all. He spends most of the time pointing to a lack of variety in maps and gameplay, terrible animation problems, and what he finds to be a generally uninteresting game. I'm sorry, but I don't know many games that are so unpolished as to actually be missing frames of animation that would still merit a 7. And they may be doing something new with the IP, but it's not something new in general.

Again, I'm not saying anyone should agree with Jeff or disagree with him. I'm not agreeing or disagreeing with him myself. I'm just saying the idea of looking at his review and score and screaming, "OMG NOT CORRECT!!!1" because your opinion differs is stupid and sets the whole idea of writing game reviews back a ton, especially when he didn't even give it a low score by most realistic standards.

It's missing ladder climbs. I mean it's not like they ever look good anyways. :o

[Spigot]

wait.. can you only get the achievements in multiplayer with humans?Nope. I got the Runner achievement as a dwarf last night and I know there are achievements for playing the various races for x number of matches (usually 100, it looks like).

I'm sure there are some human specific achievements, but the ones for doing various acts don't seem to be tied to a particular race.

[Kefkataran]

It's missing latter climbs. I mean it's not like they ever look good anyways. :o

Fair enough, but still. :p Anyways, I haven't played the game yet, so I can't really comment on any specifics. I just don't see any good reason to screech about Jeff's review when it's still fairly positive.

[Kefkataran]

Nope. I got the Runner achievement as a dwarf last night and I know there are achievements for playing the various races for x number of matches (usually 100, it looks like).

I'm sure there are some human specific achievements, but the ones for doing various acts don't seem to be tied to a particular race.

I assumed he was talking about playing against other people as opposed to bots. My mind just got blown.

[Heretic Machine]

I can see that happening, frequently the option to make a video game out of a property is sold to different people than the option to make a book, boardgame, or movie out of that property. Also the option to make an MMORPG out of a property is sold to different people than the option to make a standard game out of it (see the Matrix where Enter the Matrix was published by Atari and The Matrix Online was published by Sega) or the option to make a video game out of a book version of a property instead of a movie version (EA owned the rights to make an MMORPG based on the LotR movies, which is why THQ based LotRO on the books and had to avoid the style of the movie.)

Ya, but those are limited licenses from what I understand. Usually with a set amount of time that they can be used. I mean, I could be wrong, but I think that is how it works.

[Paltry]

Maps looks booooring but you havent played it? I see....

I watched some videos online and the majority of the maps where overwhelmingly flat and bland. Nothing but right angles and flat surfaces, textured oh so cleverly gray. I figured shooters were past box rooms and ramps.

[Spigot]

I watched some videos online and the majority of the maps where overwhelmingly flat and bland. Nothing but right angles and flat surfaces, textured oh so cleverly gray. I figured shooters were past box rooms and ramps.Well, I will concede that there are some levels with box rooms and ramps but there are also several awesome multi-tiered maps with curves and everything!

Plus I think I know what map you're talking about with the grey walls. It's the inside of an office block and foyer. It's supposed to be grey. Try something like the slums or the temple map. Those are very well done.

[Devilturnip]

I watched some videos online and the majority of the maps where overwhelmingly flat and bland. Nothing but right angles and flat surfaces, textured oh so cleverly gray. I figured shooters were past box rooms and ramps.
Visually, yeah, the maps are a bit bland. However, they are incredibly well built and fun to play. There is a vertical aspect to the game that is completely fresh, allowing you to come at objectives from all sorts of crazy angles.

I usually try to avoid the Gameplay/Graphics debate, but in this case, gameplay is the clear king.

[Chaos Machine]

yeah, theres not many maps, but they are perfectly balanced and easy to commit to memory. The game mechanics have so much depth, theres an infinite amount of interesting and viable combinations of powers/techs/weapons that give you a whole new gameplay experience. Theres something for everyone who likes a shooter to fit their playstyle perfectly. Like support roles like medic? shadowrun has you covered. Like stealthy backstabbing assassin? they have you covered. like being the HW guy from tfc? trolls and miniguns got you covered(cept now you can heal and lay down the lead!) its also amazing to see how skill stratification works in this game, ive gone onto a server and utterly destroyed entire teams singlehandedly because they werent working in unison. conversely ive had my ass handed to me a few times by people in a whole nother league.

perhaps a reason for the boxiness of levels is that they have to be designed in such a way that they are friendly for teleportation =/

[DubiousQuality]

Ya, but those are limited licenses from what I understand. Usually with a set amount of time that they can be used. I mean, I could be wrong, but I think that is how it works.

I had read it years ago, be damned if I could dig the source up now. I very well could be wrong but I'm pretty sure thats how it was worded, that MS outright bought the rights to games based off of Fasa properties, along with aquiring Fasa Interactive into the MS Game Studios fold, right around the time MW3 shipped to retail, which is why their name was associated with MW3 even tho it was a Microprose/Zipper Interactive title. Microprose (RIP)at the time being a part of Infograms.

[Zaro]

From metacritic this game seem as fun as Mario Party 8.

[Xerxes]

I watched some videos online and the majority of the maps where overwhelmingly flat and bland. Nothing but right angles and flat surfaces, textured oh so cleverly gray. I figured shooters were past box rooms and ramps.

You might be right. That also sounds like Halo games.
This game really is one that shows game play trumping graphics, and animation (ladder climbing which normally looks like ass anyway.) :)

[Mista Mafiosi]

Nope. I got the Runner achievement as a dwarf last night and I know there are achievements for playing the various races for x number of matches (usually 100, it looks like).

I'm sure there are some human specific achievements, but the ones for doing various acts don't seem to be tied to a particular race.

I mean do you have to play against other people or can you run bots and still get the achievements?

[Spigot]

It's LADDER, not latter. Yeesh.

And Mista, I think you have to do the achievements online against people, not just bots. I could be horribly mistaken though.

[ilian]

It's LADDER, not latter. Yeesh.

And Mista, I think you have to do the achievements online against people, not just bots. I could be horribly mistaken though.

you can get the achievements ANYWHERE in the game.

[karak]

I will say one thing for this. The bots aren't perfect but my best friend played for 3 hours while I was gone and due to their somewhat made up names and their random ability he thought he was online hahahahah.

[51|RandoM]

The maps are great, there isn't a bad map in the bunch.

People complain about Maelstrom, but that group of people seem to be entirely made up of people who a) can't find their way around the map, and/or b) never use teleport or glider.

It is basically a rectangular tower floating in the mist. There are ramps on the inside walls and giant's steps on the outside in some spots. They put two layers of mist to break up the vis into something the 360 can handle without dying. Fun map to use gust on.

[Xerxes]

The maps are great, there isn't a bad map in the bunch.

People complain about Maelstrom, but that group of people seem to be entirely made up of people who a) can't find their way around the map, and/or b) never use teleport or glider.

It is basically a rectangular tower floating in the mist. There are ramps on the inside walls and giant's steps on the outside in some spots. They put two layers of mist to break up the vis into something the 360 can handle without dying. Fun map to use gust on.
I shot a team member off the board yesterday; With gust that is.

[Planetbuster]

I am not a big 360 fps gamer. I went to buy this and put it down because the lack of single player turned me off. I then left to come and read the forums some more and 30 minutes later I was back at the store purchasing it to take a gamble. So far I am loving the hell out of it. I am by no means uber twitch shooter on the 360 but am pretty good on the PC. This game lets you find a nitch and settle into it along with giving you the option to change it up a little with your builds. All in all I give this game a 9, the maps are good and so are the tech/guns/magic. Plus its hella fun working together with intelligent folks in private matches. And trust me, I tried to find a reason not to want to buy this game, but am now happy I did.

[Spigot]

I am not a big 360 fps gamer. I went to buy this and put it down because the lack of single player turned me off. I then left to come and read the forums some more and 30 minutes later I was back at the store purchasing it to take a gamble. So far I am loving the hell out of it. I am by no means uber twitch shooter on the 360 but am pretty good on the PC. This game lets you find a nitch and settle into it along with giving you the option to change it up a little with your builds. All in all I give this game a 9, the maps are good and so are the tech/guns/magic. Plus its hella fun working together with intelligent folks in private matches. And trust me, I tried to find a reason not to want to buy this game, but am now happy I did.Sounds like you're my clone. I felt the same way about it in basically every respect you mentioned. That said, it's quite fun and now I find myself defending a game I probably wouldn't have thought twice about last week.

What's with my game choices lately? I pick up Etrian Odyssey and I loathe first-person dungeon crawlers, yet I can't stop playing it. Same with Shadowrun. Strange rays must be emanating from somewhere and altering my gaming preferences!

[Jack B]

I will say one thing for this. The bots aren't perfect but my best friend played for 3 hours while I was gone and due to their somewhat made up names and their random ability he thought he was online hahahahah.

I hate to admit it, but when I first started the beta the same thing happened to me... I thought I was kicking ass and taking names and then after a while I realized, hey, these are bots! :o

The names faked me out... and they can be pretty tough and very creative for bots! Plus they talk to you, which is also helpful. More helpful than many actual people online! :D

[Zanzibar]

I've always had the impression that a lot of kids give high scores because they won't even admit to themselves that they've payed for crap. That may just apply here. :)

Sony Protection Group says 'hi.'

[Mista Mafiosi]

2old2play posted their review (http://www.2old2play.com/News/Shadowrun___The_Review), sadly I'm at work right now so I can't read it :(

[Jack B]

2old2play posted their review (http://www.2old2play.com/News/Shadowrun___The_Review), sadly I'm at work right now so I can't read it :(

He gives it 8.5. He say's, "Overall, I enjoy the game quite a bit. It has its negatives, but I feel those are outweighed by its positives.". I'd say that's the sentiment for the majority who've played it. If you focus on the negatives, you'll have plenty to talk about, but at the end of the day, it's a blast. And isn't that why we play games?

I'm always puzzled when someone say's, "I can't see myself playing this for more than 2 months straight before I get bored... It's just not worth $60, because it doesn't have XYZ feature.". How can it not be worth $60, when a movie is 2 hours long and costs $10???? :confused: This reviewer hits the nail on the head. Positives vastly outweigh the negatives, IMO.


Summary:
As another 2o2p member stated in the forums, “Shadowrun is CounterStrike on Crack.” That is one of the best ways to describe it in my opinion.

Games are very fast-paced and require a lot of teamwork. This game is not for Rambo-type players. Communication and strategy play an important aspect in the game play.

Completing the training and playing a few bot matches before going into Multiplayer is essential. You will be lost without the training, not knowing spell capabilities, let alone how to map them to your controller.

Overall, I enjoy the game quite a bit. It has its negatives, but I feel those are outweighed by its positives.

[Mista Mafiosi]

thank you for the post Jack B.

[Jack B]

thank you for the post Jack B.

Mista, thank you for the original link! :)

[graySUPERBEAST]

So, you like it then.


Shadowrun doesn't suck. Your taste in games does though.