Shadowrun (Sega Genesis, 1994)

Shadowrun is an adaptation of a long running pen-and-paper RPG of the same name, whose setting is that of a cyberpunk world crossed with urban fantasy circa 2050, where magic has returned to the world and creatures of yore walk the land. Spellcasting Elves walk alongside shotgun-toting Dwarves and computer literate Trolls – with the remaining humans still trying to adapt to this change and to the ever-increasing potential of technology and the dangers of a world ruled by ruthless megacorporations. The title itself is a nod to the game's most common activity: shadowrunning, which revolves performing covert jobs, or runs, for high-paying contractors.

The premise of the title is deceptively simple, although even in its meager beginnings there is some definite potential. The main character, Joshua, arrives in Seattle only to find out his brother Michael was ambushed and killed during a shadowrun, his death recorded and broadcasted in the national news. Finding out the reason for his death, as well as the identity of his assassin are the two main quests surrounding the game, and will require a bevy of tasks to be completed, ranging from good old fashioned detective work to fast paced combat and completing dangerous missions. One of the highlights of the game is how the story gradually evolves, with a good amount of foreshadowing simultaneously rewarding the player for his persistence as well as teasing him to find out more about the story.

The main part of the game is spent looking at the action from a top-down angle, much like TechnoClash. In fact, if you've played that title before you may recognize much of the sprite, animation, and area designs are quite similar to those of Shadowrun. Even the realtime combat and three-character party system seem lifted from there. But that's where the comparisons end - while TechnoClash was fairly colorful, Shadowrun is ultimately drab. It's true that the source material is somewhat bleak but it seems the developers went the extra mile to make it even worse. Special effects and music are also poor and more of an afterthought. Because of this, the game lacks in the visual and aureal departments and rarely compensates, ultimately suffering from a disjointed presentation. It's good to know then, that there's more to the game than this.

You can choose between three different classes for the main character: street samurai, decker, or shaman. The street samurai is the obvious choice for pure combat archetypes, with knowledge in combat tactics, and equipped with some subdermal spurs that inflict extra melee damage. The decker is Shadowrun's equivalent of real life hackers, data experts that mine global databases in search of profit or thrills, and access cyberspace (the world wide web of communications) neurally via a datajack, a cable that permits them to connect their brains directly into it. Lastly, a shaman is a spellcaster attuned to nature, using a totem that attunes them to a particular animal (in the case of Joshua, his token animal is a gator), and numerous trinkets that increase their magical aptitude.

Every player will have the chance to (mostly) develop the character as they see fit. A street samurai can also double as a decker, and a shaman can beef himself up to work as a secondary brawler; however, only shamen can use magic as they are the only ones who can use Sorcery. Still, this skill-based system is diverse enough to allow characters to expand several types of attribute

I own this game and lost it, then found another copy. This must be the game must be Grand Theft Auto's predesessor! As it is an open world, finish missions any way you want action game! The story is based on Joshua, the main character, who sets out trying to find his brothers' killer. His brother's name is Michael. So you basically go to Seattle and search for clues by talking to people, hiring mercs to assit you in your runs, and jacking into the matrix. I'll give you a quick tip, when you manage to get a decent cyber-deck, jack into the matrix and find the data node, and sell the info to Boris Erosce, who is at the far south west of Downtown Seattle. The more complex data, the more money or Nuyen in this case, you'll make. Use your nuyen to buy better equipment and hire mercs for the long run. I highly, highly, recommend this game, even if you don't rpg games, this one is pure action, no waiting for your turn, just shoot or run if your outgunned or overwhelmed. So grab a copy and Rock' N' Roll chummers!!

I'm actually considering getting a genesis just for this game. I remember playing this game as a kid and it is still one of my favorite top 5 games. The replay value was high. I never owned this game (I dont know why) I always just ended up renting it, I know I rented it several times. I loved the game play of this game, hiring merc's to help you out on missions and everything. I dont think there ever has been a game quite like this. They really do need to remake this game for a newer console. They really wouldnt even have to change much and I'd still be 1st in line. This review is for the genesis version only, not the Snes version which was different. I own an Xbox 360 now and I would have to say this game is better then anything out on the xbox 360, thats a pretty sad statement since this game must be at least 15 years old, lol.

I owned this game at one time and had lost and and found it here on ebay for an excellent price. I love playing rpg type video games because I love the classic rpg games. This game is fast pace and excellent to play for only being a 16 bit game. The only thing I did not like about getting online was I did not get the instruction booklet or the case. Everything else was excellent with this purchase

sometimes when they try to convert a dice and paper rpg into a computer game they mess it all up but not this time. in the paper and dice world this is a dark and paranoid game, they do a good job of capturing that feeling. the whole "filme noir" aspect is done well and the game play itself is pretty good. the only thing that i find lacking is that you really can't truly customize characters like you can in segas D&D games.

I love this game. It is one of the best RPG's ever brought to a video game. I own 3 copies for my Sega Genesis. My original copy was lost when I moved. The graphics are not the greatest by todays standards but, they were top notch when the game was produced. You have a multitute of play environments and you get to customize your party. Guns, Spells and Cyberware, what more could you want? Choose from a Samuri, Mage or Decker. You can add up to 2 other Shadow Runner's to complete your party. It's a gaming experience that changes every time you play. It has Repeatablity, cause once you beat the game, you want to go back and play it again and again. You will literally get pulled into the storyline. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family and I do.

we would diffenitly buy again from this dealer. His response was fast that when the game arrived we were caught off gard. Packing of game for delivery was excellent.