Publisher: Harebrained Schemes

Shadowrun Returns (2013)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 7 minutes read

Summary

Shadowrun Returns: A Cyberpunk-Fantasy Masterpiece

In the year 2054, the world has been irrevocably changed. Magic has returned, awakening powerful creatures of myth and legend. Technology merges with flesh and consciousness. Elves, trolls, orks, and dwarves walk among us, while ruthless corporations bleed the world dry.

In this dystopian future, you are a shadowrunner – a mercenary living on the fringes of society, in the shadows of massive corporate arcologies. You survive day-by-day on skill and instinct alone. When the powerful or the desperate need a job done, you get it done… by any means necessary.

Shadowrun Returns is a single-player, turn-based tactical RPG that brings the unique cyberpunk-meets-fantasy world of Shadowrun to life. Developed by Harebrained Schemes and published by Paradox Interactive, the game was released in 2013 to critical acclaim.

Gameplay

Shadowrun Returns is a turn-based tactical RPG in which the player controls a party of up to three characters. The game is played on a grid-based map, and players can move their characters and attack enemies in a variety of ways.

Each character in Shadowrun Returns has a unique set of skills and abilities. Some characters are better at combat, while others are better at hacking, casting spells, or sneaking. Players must carefully consider the composition of their party and the skills of each character in order to succeed in the game’s many challenging missions.

Shadowrun Returns features a branching storyline with multiple endings. The player’s choices throughout the game will affect the story’s outcome. The game also features a robust character creation system that allows players to create their own unique shadowrunner.

Setting

Shadowrun Returns is set in the Seattle metropolitan area in 2054. The city is a sprawling metropolis of towering skyscrapers, neon lights, and dark alleys. It is also a city of contrasts, where the ultra-rich live in luxury while the poor struggle to survive.

The world of Shadowrun Returns is a dangerous place. Corporations wield immense power, and crime is rampant. The streets are patrolled by heavily armed security forces, and gangs control many of the city’s neighborhoods.

In this dangerous world, shadowrunners are a necessary evil. They are the ones who do the jobs that no one else wants to do. They are the ones who fight the corporations, rescue the kidnapped, and bring justice to the wicked.

Characters

The player-created character is the protagonist of Shadowrun Returns. The player can choose from a variety of races, backgrounds, and skills to create a unique character that fits their playstyle.

In addition to the player character, Shadowrun Returns features a cast of memorable supporting characters. These characters include:

  • Gaichu: A troll shaman and the leader of the player character’s team.
  • Eiger: A dwarf decker and the team’s hacker.
  • Is0bel: An elven mage and the team’s spellcaster.
  • Duncan: A human street samurai and the team’s muscle.

These characters each have their own unique personalities and motivations. They will help the player character on their journey, but they will also challenge them and force them to make difficult choices.

Themes

Shadowrun Returns explores a variety of themes, including:

  • The nature of good and evil: In a world where corporations wield immense power and crime is rampant, it can be difficult to tell who the good guys and the bad guys are. Shadowrun Returns forces the player to make difficult choices that will have a lasting impact on the world.
  • The importance of community: In a world where it is easy to feel isolated and alone, Shadowrun Returns emphasizes the importance of community. The player character’s team is a family of outcasts who support each other through thick and thin.
  • The power of hope: Even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. Shadowrun Returns is a story about the power of hope to overcome adversity.

Conclusion

Shadowrun Returns is a masterpiece of cyberpunk-fantasy storytelling. The game’s unique setting, memorable characters, and thought-provoking themes make it a must-play for fans of the genre. Whether you are a long-time Shadowrun fan or a newcomer to the series, Shadowrun Returns is a game that you will not want to miss.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Necropolis (2016)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Necropolis (2016): A Roguelike Adventure into the Depths of Darkness

Necropolis is a third-person action roguelike set in a living dungeon that changes every time you play. It is a dark and atmospheric game, filled with monsters, myth, and magic, and lorded over by the mad mystical intellect known only as the Brazen Head.

You play as a nameless adventurer who has been drawn to the Necropolis, a vast and labyrinthine dungeon that is said to contain untold riches and ancient secrets. As you explore the dungeon, you will encounter a variety of enemies, from simple skeletons and zombies to powerful demons and dragons. You will also find a variety of weapons and armor to help you on your journey, as well as magical artifacts and potions.

The dungeon is procedurally generated, which means that it is different every time you play. This keeps the game fresh and challenging, as you will never know what to expect around the next corner. The dungeon is also full of secrets, so be sure to explore every nook and cranny.

One of the things that makes Necropolis unique is its focus on melee combat. While there are some ranged weapons in the game, most of the combat is up close and personal. This makes for a more intense and visceral experience, as you will need to time your attacks carefully and dodge your enemies’ blows.

Another unique feature of Necropolis is its permadeath system. When you die in Necropolis, you lose all of your progress and must start over from the beginning. This can be frustrating at times, but it also adds to the game’s challenge and replayability.

Necropolis is a challenging and rewarding game that will appeal to fans of roguelikes, action RPGs, and dark fantasy. If you are looking for a game that will test your skills and keep you on the edge of your seat, then Necropolis is definitely worth checking out.

Gameplay

Necropolis is a third-person action roguelike. You play as a nameless adventurer who explores a procedurally generated dungeon, fighting monsters, collecting loot, and uncovering secrets. The game is played from a top-down perspective, and you use the WASD keys to move and the mouse to aim and attack.

There are a variety of different weapons and armor to find in Necropolis, each with its own unique stats and abilities. You can also find magical artifacts and potions that can give you special abilities or buffs.

The combat in Necropolis is fast-paced and visceral. You will need to time your attacks carefully and dodge your enemies’ blows in order to survive. The game also features a variety of different enemy types, each with its own unique abilities and weaknesses.

Setting

Necropolis is set in a dark and atmospheric dungeon. The dungeon is filled with monsters, traps, and secrets. It is also home to the Brazen Head, a mad mystical intellect that rules over the dungeon.

The Brazen Head is a powerful and enigmatic figure. He is said to be immortal, and he has ruled over the Necropolis for centuries. The Brazen Head is constantly experimenting with the dungeon, and he is always looking for new ways to challenge and torment those who enter it.

Characters

You play as a nameless adventurer in Necropolis. You are drawn to the dungeon by the promise of riches and secrets, but you soon find yourself trapped in a deadly game of cat and mouse with the Brazen Head.

As you explore the dungeon, you will meet a variety of other characters. Some of these characters will be friendly and helpful, while others will be hostile and dangerous. You will need to use your wits and your combat skills to survive in the Necropolis.

Themes

Necropolis is a game about power, corruption, and the nature of good and evil. The Brazen Head is a powerful and malevolent figure, and he represents the corrupting influence of power. The dungeon itself is a metaphor for the human psyche, and it is filled with both beauty and darkness.

Necropolis is a challenging and thought-provoking game that will stay with you long after you finish playing it. It is a game that explores the dark side of human nature, and it asks difficult questions about the nature of good and evil.

Conclusion

Necropolis is a masterfully crafted roguelike that offers a unique and challenging experience. The game’s dark and atmospheric setting, fast-paced combat, and permadeath system make

Review Score

8.5/10

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Shadowrun: Hong Kong (2015)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 5 minutes read

Summary

Shadowrun: Hong Kong – A Cyberpunk Masterpiece

Introduction

Shadowrun: Hong Kong is a cyberpunk role-playing game developed by Harebrained Schemes and released in 2015. It is the third standalone game in the Shadowrun cRPG series, and it has been praised for its well-written story, diverse cast of characters, and innovative gameplay.

Setting

Shadowrun: Hong Kong is set in the futuristic city of Hong Kong, in the year 2015. The city is a melting pot of cultures and technologies, where magic and cybernetics coexist in an uneasy balance. Players take on the role of a shadowrunner, a mercenary who operates in the shadows of society, taking on dangerous jobs that no one else can or will do.

Story

The story of Shadowrun: Hong Kong begins with the player character being hired to investigate the disappearance of a powerful artifact known as the Jade Dragon. As the player investigates, they are drawn into a web of intrigue and danger that threatens to tear the city apart.

Along the way, the player character will meet a cast of memorable characters, including a wise-cracking decker, a skilled mage, and a deadly assassin. These characters will help the player character on their journey, but they will also have their own agendas and motivations.

Gameplay

Shadowrun: Hong Kong is a turn-based RPG that features a unique blend of magic and cybernetics. Players can choose to create a character who specializes in either magic or cyberware, or they can create a hybrid character who uses both.

The game’s combat system is fast-paced and exciting, and it allows players to use a variety of weapons and abilities to defeat their enemies. Players can also use the environment to their advantage, such as by hacking into security systems or using cover to avoid enemy fire.

Characters

Shadowrun: Hong Kong features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique backstory and motivations. The player character is fully customizable, and players can choose from a variety of races, genders, and classes.

Some of the most memorable characters in the game include:

  • Glory: A skilled decker who is always looking for a new challenge.
  • Racter: A powerful mage who is struggling to control his abilities.
  • Eiger: A deadly assassin who is loyal to a fault.

Reception

Shadowrun: Hong Kong was released to critical acclaim. The game was praised for its well-written story, diverse cast of characters, and innovative gameplay. Many reviewers called it the best Shadowrun game in years, and it was nominated for several awards, including Game of the Year.

Conclusion

Shadowrun: Hong Kong is a must-play for fans of cyberpunk RPGs. The game offers a rich and immersive experience, with a well-written story, diverse cast of characters, and innovative gameplay. If you’re looking for a game that will keep you hooked from start to finish, then Shadowrun: Hong Kong is the game for you.

Score: 9/10

Review Score

9/10

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Shadowrun: Dragonfall – Director’s Cut (2014)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 6 minutes read

Summary

Shadowrun: Dragonfall – Director’s Cut: A Cyberpunk Masterpiece

Introduction

In the sprawling cyberpunk metropolis of 2054, where towering skyscrapers cast long shadows over neon-drenched streets, a new breed of heroes emerges from the shadows. Shadowrunners, skilled mercenaries and hackers, navigate a treacherous world of advanced technology and corporate intrigue. Among them, a team of unlikely allies embarks on a perilous journey that will test their bonds and challenge their very identities.

A Captivating Narrative

Shadowrun: Dragonfall – Director’s Cut is a standalone expansion to the critically acclaimed Shadowrun Returns, offering a rich and immersive narrative that delves into the gritty underbelly of the cyberpunk genre. Players take on the role of a shadowrunner, a mercenary for hire with a unique set of skills and abilities. As they navigate the dangerous streets of Seattle, they encounter a cast of unforgettable characters, each with their own motivations and secrets.

The story unfolds through a series of interconnected missions, each offering its own unique challenges and rewards. Along the way, players will make choices that shape the narrative, influencing the relationships between their team members and ultimately determining the fate of the city. With multiple endings and branching dialogue options, the game offers a high degree of replayability, ensuring a fresh experience with each playthrough.

Enhanced Gameplay

The Director’s Cut builds upon the solid foundation of Shadowrun Returns, introducing a host of new features and enhancements that elevate the gameplay experience. The combat system has been revamped, offering a more tactical and engaging experience. Players can now customize their team’s abilities and equipment, allowing for a wide range of strategic possibilities.

The interface has also been redesigned for improved usability, making it easier for players to manage their inventory, skills, and team composition. Additionally, the game features a new soundtrack, adding to the immersive cyberpunk atmosphere.

Unforgettable Characters

One of the strengths of Shadowrun: Dragonfall is its cast of well-developed and relatable characters. Each member of the team has their own unique backstory, motivations, and skills, making them more than just disposable companions.

The protagonist, a customizable character, serves as the player’s avatar in the world of Shadowrun. They are joined by a diverse group of allies, including:

  • Glory: A skilled decker with a rebellious streak and a deep understanding of the Matrix.
  • Eiger: A powerful troll adept with a troubled past and a strong sense of honor.
  • Dietrich: A cunning street samurai with a knack for getting into and out of trouble.
  • Run n’ Gun: A dwarven rigger with a love for heavy weapons and a quick wit.
  • Is0bel: A mysterious elf mage with a connection to the ancient world of magic.

As players progress through the story, they will have the opportunity to build relationships with their team members, learning about their hopes, fears, and dreams. These relationships play a significant role in the narrative, adding depth and emotional weight to the gameplay.

A Cyberpunk Masterpiece

Shadowrun: Dragonfall – Director’s Cut is a masterclass in cyberpunk storytelling and gameplay. It seamlessly blends a compelling narrative with engaging tactical combat, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience. With its well-developed characters, branching dialogue options, and enhanced gameplay mechanics, the Director’s Cut is the definitive version of this critically acclaimed RPG.

Whether you’re a seasoned Shadowrun veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Shadowrun: Dragonfall – Director’s Cut is an essential title that will captivate you from start to finish. Immerse yourself in the gritty world of cyberpunk, forge alliances with unforgettable characters, and experience a story that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Review Score

9.5/10

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