Released in 2013, Shadowrun Returns is a turn-based isometric role-playing game (RPG) wherein dystopian cyberpunk meets fantasy. Basically, that means elves, orcs, and dwarves not only walk amongst us, they can also hack computers too. This is the fifth game in the Shadowrun video game series, which is itself inspired by the table-top role-playing game (TTRPG) of the same name.
A few days ago, someone asked me if there’s any cyberpunk media that takes place in a place other than Japan and California. Well, how about Seattle? With its rain-slick streets, this is the perfect setting for a cyberpunk game.
In this game, the year is 2054. Mythical creatures have returned to Earth, along with their magic. In fact, modern technology now merges with the magic! Alas, multinational corporations are making life oppressive for the common folk. You, a mercenary – also known as a shadowrunner – are living on the fringes of society. While out on a job, you find yourself contending with a serial killer. You are now investigating, and intend to serve justice.
I love this game. As far as RPGs are considered, it doesn’t do anything revolutionary, but it’s the story that really hooks me in. I love walking around Seattle, putting the screws on some hoodlums, getting what I want with a little bit of charm and a shotgun.
Shadowrun Returns is dead easy to control. It’s entirely mouse-driven. You click anywhere on your screen, your character will follow. If you want to talk to anyone, you just click on them too. And of course, combat is really just a matter of clicking on the enemy to hurt them. Because Steam Deck has a trackpad, it translates fine there too.
In terms of graphics, by today’s standards, Shadowrun Returns looks long in the tooth. Hell, it wasn’t that breath-taking by 2013’s standards either. But when you’re playing on the 7” screen of the Steam Deck, you’ll thank your lucky stars that they made this game the way they did because it looks amazing. Everything looks clean and crisp, and easy to see!
I also like the sound design. The sound effects are appropriately futuristic. The ambience of the environment is pleasant. And the soundtrack has some electronic music composed by multiple composers, all which would do Vangelis proud.
Shadowrun Returns works with any modern PC. You need a 1.4Ghz single core CPU, 2GB of RAM, 256MB of VRAM, and 2GB of space. This game has native compatibility for Windows, Mac, and Linux. As I said previously, it quite playable on Steam Deck.
In addition to PC, Shadowrun Returns is available for Android, iPad, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PS4, and PS4.
While there’s no micro-transactions in this game, there’s “deluxe” DLC on GOG.com that includes the soundtrack and a PDF of short stories. This DLC is not available on Steam, however.
Harebrained Schemes developed Shadowrun Returns. They also developed two further sequels, Shadowrun: Dragonfall and Shadowrun: Hong Kong. They have additionally made Necropolis, MechWarrior 5, and The Lamplighter’s League.
On Steam, Shadowrun Returns has an 88% positive rating based on 9,042 reviews. On GOG.com, verified owners give it a 3.9/5 rating. Epic Games Stores rates this a 4.4/5. Most people love the story, the setting, the customization, and the strategy. However, certain detractors find this RPG to be too simplistic.
In my opinion, whether or not your like Shadowrun Returns largely depends on how much you prefer a story-driven RPG. No, this isn’t something that gets into the technical weeds. And there’s nothing whiz-bang about it. However, when it comes to storytelling, Shadowrun Returns is first-class. What makes it work so well is that series creator Jordan Weisman returned, and sprinkled it with great plot development.
On Steam, GOG.com, and Epic Games Store, Shadowrun Returns is C$19.99. However, on both GOG.com and Epic Games Store, it is currently on a -75% off discount, selling for C$4.99.
There’s no question that I love this game. Last night, while I was having a (non-alcoholic) beer in my local pub, I pulled this game up and had a complete blast. It’s got stellar world-building, and it was so easy to get entranced by the story-driven action.
Do I recommend this? Without a doubt. If you love both sci-fi and fantasy, you will love this Shadowrun Returns. This is the perfect RPG for anyone who enjoys an emphasis on story. But beyond that, this game is just plain cool.
