The Shadowrun video games have a mixed history to say the least. Combining popular elements of sci-fi and fantasy, Shadowrun is the grown up child had William Gibson and J.R.R. Tolkien argued feverishly on how best to raise an autistic. The early 90's were the best time for the franchise, bringing forth vast, explorable worlds, and storied elements to produce an open ended game that was easy to get lost in, and even easier to figure out just what the hell you could or where supposed to do.
Interestingly, the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo version were completely different from each other, but featured enough of an interesting combination of character customization and action combat blended with RPG elements that both are looked back on quite fondly. So when developer FASA Interactive announced they were bringing the game back on the Xbox 360, fans were excited. That is, 'til the game came out and FASA revealed they had promptly shit the bed by turning Shdaowrun into a basic FPS.
Fans wanted their old Shadowrun back and got it with last year's Shadowrun Returns, which brought things back to the isometric view and re-emphasized the hallmarks like fantasy elements and hacking. Based on Returns' success, Cliffhanger Productions followed up with a Kickstarter campaign for Shadowrun Online, and as of today, it's now on Steam's Early Access.
Instead of jamming players in an arena and have them shoot it out, Shadowrun Online returns the RPG nature of the original games - turn based combat, magic, hacking, and a honest to God narrative. "Set in a dystopian 2075, when man meets magic and melds with machinery, you and your friends will take on the riskiest jobs to face the most treacherous enemies. Live your life on the edge, fight corporations and gangs, and stay alive in the most dangerous job of all; Shadowrunner."
The early access is something of a sample, offering players an introductory course, but if you liked Shadowrun Returns, there's a good chance you'll like this as well. The goal is to create a game with a both a free to play mode alongside a campaign to offer the best of both MMO and single player experience. Ambitious, but worth a shot.
All versions of the game have been knocked down by 30%, the cheapest coming in at $20.99. But the deal's only good 'til April 7. Details and purchase info here.
Curious but not sure yet? Have a peek at the trailer below.
