Shadowrun Returns

Not really a fan of the mix of cyberpunk and fantasy

cyber punk and magic whats not to like

The game is fun enough, but every time I exit, all my icons disappear until I restart my computer. I don't care how fun the game is, if it leads to bugs like that, I cant in good conscience recommend it. Maybe it'll be less janky for you than it is for me. I'm done restarting my computer every time my play session ends.

B tier RPG. Fun, doesnt outstay its welcome, and has a pretty good story. I also really liked the teammate backstories. This setting is great, and was a good jumping off point.

fun

Great RPG to play. The concept of sci-fi/cyberpunk mixing with fantasy is a cool premise. It's short and sweet. I actually enjoy the graphics and think they hold up too; it does its job selling the world and atmosphere.

As a complete newcomer to the Shadowrun universe, I came into this game with fresh eyes and was immediately immersed in its unique blend of gritty cyberpunk and high fantasy. The world is captivating. The story is mature and genuinely interesting, often delving into deep philosophical questions and themes. The world-building is strong, instantly pulling you into its atmosphere. While it's clear that a lot of the lore is left unexplained—implying that outside knowledge of the Shadowrun universe is beneficial—the core narrative stands on its own and is thoroughly engaging. [h2]Gameplay and Mechanics[/h2] The gameplay itself is fun, offering a quirky mix of might, magic, and cybernetics. You can customize diverse characters, from a gun-toting Ork shaman to a sleek Decker hacking the Matrix. The combat uses classic top-down, turn-based mechanics with XCOM/Fallout-style percentage chance aiming for shooting, spellcasting, and abilities. While the variety of classes and builds is a huge selling point, be warned: not all builds are equally viable. Some classes feel significantly weaker or less optimized than others, which can make the game unnecessarily difficult. The graphics are decent and hold up remarkably well for a game over a decade old. The soundtrack is awesome; certain background tracks perfectly capture that essential, gritty cyberpunk atmosphere. [h2]The Good (Pros)[/h2] [list] [*]Excellent Storytelling: Mature narrative with strong philosophical themes. [*]Immersive World: The setting instantly sucks you into the unique cyberpunk/magic hybrid. [*]Holds Up Visually: The graphics, for an older game, still look good today. [*]Awesome BGM: The background music is top-notch and sets the mood perfectly. [*]Build Variety: Great initial variety of classes, items, and cybernetics to explore. [*]Tactical Combat: Satisfying top-down turn-based combat with percentage-based outcomes. [*]Mission Depth: Some missions offer multiple ways to achieve objectives, rewarding careful thinking. [/list] [h2]The Bad (Cons)[/h2] [list] [*]Can Be Tedious: Missions and map layouts are sometimes long and huge, requiring patience. [*]Fixed Camera: The inability to rotate the map can lead to obscured vision and awkward positioning during combat. [*]Balance Issues: Not all character classes are equally viable; some feel underpowered. [*]Resource Management: You need to manage Nuyen carefully, or you'll quickly run out of cash to hire valuable henchmen (runners). [*]Slow Start: The opening hours are slow, requiring patience before the game opens up. [*]Exploration Unrewarded: There's little mechanical reward for straying from the main path. [*][i]Major Bug: CRITICAL WARNING: The mission involving the Brotherhood temple (right after your first major boss fight) is known to be heavily bugged, especially if you bring henchmen or drones. SAVE BEFOREHAND. Soloing it might be safer.[/i] [/list] [h2]Verdict[/h2] This is a fun game. If you're looking for a deep, narrative-driven cyberpunk RPG with engaging tactical combat, this is worth your time. The campaign took me about 10-15 hours, though you could easily spend longer if you savor the dialogue, lore and explore mission maps. It has its flaws—mainly the balance issues and the one notorious game-breaking bug—but the overall experience is strong.

A Deep, Engaging Cyberpunk-Fantasy RPG Shadowrun Returns is an exceptional RPG that masterfully blends cyberpunk and fantasy into a compelling tactical experience. From the moment you step into the neon-lit streets filled with magic and technology, the world immediately grabs you. The atmosphere is rich and immersive, with a storyline full of intrigue, betrayal, and morally complex choices that make every decision feel meaningful. The tactical combat is tight, strategic, and incredibly satisfying. Every encounter requires careful planning, positioning, and smart use of your character’s skills and abilities. The game rewards creativity, whether you’re hacking systems, sneaking past enemies, or blasting through with cybernetic enhancements and magic. It manages to balance challenge with accessibility, making it enjoyable for both seasoned strategy gamers and newcomers. Character customization is another highlight. You can craft your decker, street samurai, or mage exactly how you like, with meaningful choices in skills, gear, and cyberware that influence how you approach each mission. The writing and dialogue are top-notch, bringing the world and its characters to life, and the story keeps you engaged from start to finish. Additionally, the community and developer support for mods and additional campaigns adds tremendous replay value. You can extend your experience well beyond the main campaign with new stories, maps, and challenges. Shadowrun Returns isn’t just a game—it’s an invitation to dive into a fascinating world where technology and magic collide, and where strategy, story, and role-playing all come together beautifully. It’s a must-play for anyone who loves tactical RPGs or cyberpunk-fantasy settings.