I remember playing the pen and paper RPG cyberpunk game Shadowrun waayyy back in high school and college (early to mid 90's to date myself.) Probably the most compelling idea of the game was that it blended medieval magic and futuristic settings into one world. As neato as its concepts were, Shadowrun only spawned a couple of video games versions for the 16-bit home consoles. Finally, over 10 years later, we get a new version for the PC (Windows Vista only) and the Xbox 360. The weird thing is that they decided to make the game a first person shooter!?

When they rolled the videos out at E3 2006, I was wonderin' why'd they make Shadowrun a FPS? My first thought was that Microsoft had acquired the FASA licenses a couple years before and just decided to slap the name on something. Well, after playing around with the latest beta version I hafta say that they did have some neato ideas in mind when making Shadowrun into an FPS.

You've got your FPS in my RPG!
What do ya get when you combine a pen and paper RPG game with an FPS? One heck of a complex shooter, that's for sure. So complex that they included several training levels, each with their own subsections and bot matches. Be prepared to spend an hour or two on the training levels alone. Rockstar Table Tennis ain't got nothing on this baby!

The main reason for the complication is the game's focus on four different races (elf, dwarf, troll, and human) and how they each utilize magic, tech(nology), and weapons. Depending on the race you choose, your character will have innate abilities that improve their performance in certain skills over that of another. You'll also have to learn how to expertly use your new abilities such as hang gliding, teleportation, and resurrection in order to survive. Shadowrun isn't your typical run around and shoot people FPS.

Bomb Defused
You purchase your items/abilities/weapons at the start of each match (ala Counterstrike.) This adds even more "strategery" to the game, as you need to figure out what you're up against before ya go out and fight. Strangely the weapons are of your basic shotgun, sniper rifle, and rocket launcher variety. If we now have the ability to see through walls and glide, you'd think the weapons would be, I dunno, more futuristic?

The beta only had two maps on offer, the main objective of which is to try and acquire an artifact before the other team does. I suppose this is a cyberpunk version of "capture the flag". The matches become more interesting as more of the various classes get involved. Things can get pretty crazy with big 'ol trolls trying to mow you down while people are hang gliding over your head.

There's a lot to learn in Shadowrun and while I found the game a bit more intelligent than the average FPS, I wonder if most will find it too overwhelming? Since this game will be the premiere title for Windows/Xbox Live crossover my guess is that the Vista folk will probably get more out of this game than the Xbox kids. Trying to shove all those commands into the 360 controller is maddening. I kept hitting teleport when I meant to hang glide and vice-versa. I think having a keyboard is gonna be a bonus though the pro-Halo team who QA'd Shadowrun internally feels the game is well-balanced. Time, and the Xbox Live leaderboard, will tell. I suppose I will get used to using the controller and remembering buttons over time, but off the bat it can be a bit frustrating during a really intense match.
 
A Whole 'lotta Beta Going on!
I have to mention again that game is in the beta stage, so there's not a whole lot goin' on just yet. The single player mode is still up in the air, graphics are placeholder assets and we only got two multiplayer maps to toy with. Though the learning curve is through the roof (especially for an FPS), all in all Shadowrun is looking to be a refreshing change of pace for a console shooter. We'll keep you posted on the updates as they arrive.


- NakedBoB