New videogame version of classic 90s role-playing game a 'thoroughly enjoyable' adventure
What you need to know: Tactical role-playing video game Shadowrun Returns has been released in the UK. This video game is based on the popular 'tabletop' role-playing game (RPG) Shadowrun, and has been developed by Harebrained Schemes, led by Jordan Weisman, one of the original game's creators. Previous video-game versions of Shadowrun were created by Nintendo and Sega in the 1990s. Like the tabletop game, Shadowrun Returns is set in an alternate cyberpunk universe populated by shadowrunners - freelance smugglers, mercenaries, ghostbusters and hackers who operate in a mystical, hi-tech dystopia. Players take on the role of a shadowrunner on the trail of an old friend's killer while putting together a team of other shadowrunners to take on jobs for cash. Users will be able to add content to the game via an online community. What the critics like: The first truly classic-styled RPG in a long time, Shadowrun Returns is a "thoroughly enjoyable" journey, says James Murff on Gamefront. It's extremely accessible, doesn't take itself too seriously and, as user-created content expands the game, it will likely morph from a "great" RPG into a "must buy" RPG. What you're really getting when you buy: Shadowrun Returns is "a short but well-written tale of murder and conspiracy" called The Dead Man's Switch, says Dan Stapleton on IGN. The story is brisk and entertaining, with well-told twists and the light tactical combat has enough depth to make it a worthwhile adventure. This hi-tech neo-noir alternative to Dungeons & Dragons "makes for perfect gaming fodder", says Michael Plant in The Independent. It's set in a Blade Runner-esque environment, with nods to the early 1990s Nintendo classic that will please fans. What they don't like: Ultimately, "the bang-to-buck ratio" will depend on the quality of content that developers and players add after release, says T J Hafer on PCGamer. But as it stands today, it's a simplistic, visually underwhelming RPG with "just enough intrigue to keep you invested". For further concise, balanced comment and analysis on the week’s news, try The Week magazine. Subscribe today and get 6 issues completely free. Source: The week
