This game fun solo?

[La_Anarquista]

Shadowrun Returns and the expansions are some of my favorite games ever. I haven't even played them a ton, but I am enthralled by the universe and plan on beating all 3 of the HBS games a couple times more. I am playing Baldur's Gate now and I was considering canceling it for another Shadowrun playthrough and than I thought I'd give Boston Lockdown a try instead. I'll probably buy it either way cuz I want to support more Shadowrun games, but is this game even worth playing solo?

[rentier7419]

You certainly can do it all solo, but thats not the easiest way to play it

it's a totally different engine than the HBS-Games though (so the universe is the same but the mechanics are totally different)

you can use henchman as teammates to fill up the team (they only can use one weapon and their profiency with it will rise as you get better, but each time you go on a mission there are others to take - no fellow to get fond of like in the HBS-Games)
a Player-char has 2 weaponslots and can always use both

so teaming up makes it easier for you to play coop with up to 3 other players (and they can bring their leveled chars into your game if u invite them)

cya in the shadows

[Brigand231]

The enjoyment of this game is directly proportional to the qaulity of the people you play with.

As was said, you can do it solo, but why?

[Crunch]

I actually did my first runthrough of all the content (except the Challenge Missions) solo, because I enjoy taking my time and exploring everything (including talking to *everyone* between missions- many of the non-mission givers have stuff to say as well between runs) and didn't want to inflict that wait on anyone. It's worth doing, because there's a very rich storyline there, and good information in the data nodes to explore in runs as well.

So I can say it is entirely possible to do solo (with henchmen), but you definitely have to be more careful. NPC henchmen are not as versatile as players, only having one active skill group available (players can choose 2 skill-groups to actively use). So choosing which NPC Henchmen you want to bring is pivitol based on the Skillsets your character brings to the run. Another tip- few runs are timed. Taking a few turns between encounters on a map to let things cool down is also very helpful.

Conversely, especially now a lot of players are 'veterans' of the game, and bringing high-calibur characters can make the game rediculously easy- to the point you don't get to do anything while they steamroll through your earlier missions. So if you do team, be aware of what players may bring to the run. That said, once you get to the very end of Boston Lockdown (you'll know) having players will help a lot! Infected! onward is also pretty good for inviting players along as well, though as I said, they can be completed solo with NPC's if you play it smart. (If you're running lower end runs, saying as much is a good idea- some players will tone down what they bring, or switch to a fellow lowbie so that way they don't breeze through it and you miss out on the fun!)

However, yes, having good players along makes the game even better, so when you've had your chance to experience the game and get a feel for how it all works, do yourself a favor and form up a team and get to know your community. You'll be glad you did!

And... welcome to the shadows of Boston, chummer!

Crunch~

[Silent Protagonist]

hell yea this game is fun solo...............if that is your prefered playstyle. see you in the shadows

[uncus2]

The original missions are good solo - a few may take more than one attempt to beat, but I never needed more than 3 attempts [and I am a very casual player and not at all min-maxed]. The expansion missions are very difficult to play with henchmen instead of real players, but I have made it through all but the last two with one other real player.

[ghostmourn]

Yeah it is fun solo but due to the mechanics of the game there are allways people "Looking for work" in global chat that you can invite to your group as you play through the maps.
Baisicly to earn skill points people wil play with you through all of your game content.
Its more fun with other people though becasue it lessens the amount of characters you are responsible for controlling each turn and the playerbase is really cool and helpfull as a rule.

[~Draugkir~]

After you complete the main quest, its almost impossible to solo.
Dont buy the DLCs either.. they are not ment for solo playing.

[rentier7419]

Originally posted by ~Draugkir~:

After you complete the main quest, its almost impossible to solo.
Dont buy the DLCs either.. they are not ment for solo playing.

if you rush it - you will fail - yes, BUT
you can do ALL missions solo, but you need time to do so in the Infected Missions (DLC, up to 3 hours for me, but I'm a completionist here)

and they are more fun and easier with other players in Coop

[Ann]

When game is fresh for you, its fun to play solo. But then, after sometime you'll want to play always with real people. Since only people could add that random uncontrollable factor in your game. Beside some group chats and people are real good.
Some missions could be tough, when you playing solo first time. Game became easier with player progress.

[Nythain]

Just a side note to some of the main points against multiplayer.

First off, those of us that are at end game and looking for groups really have nothing better to do so a lot of us (not all) don't mind waiting while you run around and talk and read and shop. We've been there before too. And it's still better than sitting around an empty hub broadcasting LFG in global. Heck, we're used to 5-15 minute bio breaks, dinner interruptions, and crashes, so a little waiting while a new player runs around isn't a problem at all.

Secondly, concerning high level characters in low level missions ruining the "fun". This one is a bit more understanding, but before completely dismissing the idea of other player characters possibly try asking if they have a lower level weapon/skill or even an alt. Most of us have many characters, and even some of our more powerful characters might have a weapon skill we haven't fully developed. Heck, I keep a handful of junkier weapons in my inventory just so I can switch out if a lower level player still wants a challenge.

There's really no reason not to multiplayer in this game, especially if you get to know a good group of people. I played solo until i got into my first good group, now I can't bring myself to play with henchmen at all.

[Silent Protagonist]

preaching to the choir hell when i play with my roommate or my gf i still find a little time to knock around and hit up a group for just about anything really cause i dont mind running the shadows when i am bored or just need something to do till i feel the need for some sleep

[JeanH13]

The last story boss might be a little difficult, but otherwise the game will be solo friendly enough. I did the entire story with only my wife and two NPC henches; the only trouble we had was the story's final boss (we beat it after 10 tries).

A perk for solo I didn't see listed here already: the NPC hired henches are expendable. If they die on a run, no big deal. If a player's personal character dies on a run, then the game has a "finish the map in 3 turns or fail the run" end timer. Riggers and Summoners will also be a great asset for you to explore the map with their minions.

If you're ever looking for others to play the game, feel free to add me on Steam. My wife and I are the "explorer-type", so we won't mind waiting around for you to immerse in the story and such. We're leveling up alternates currently to play with another person new to the game.

[Crunch]

Originally posted by JeanH13:

A perk for solo I didn't see listed here already: the NPC hired henches are expendable. If they die on a run, no big deal. If a player's personal character dies on a run, then the game has a "finish the map in 3 turns or fail the run" end timer. Riggers and Summoners will also be a great asset for you to explore the map with their minions.

Oooh, both very good points! Never underestimate the utility of an expendable asset!

Crunch~

[Brigand231]

...and when a henchie goes down, there's one less share of the loot to split. (no actual game effect)

[Silent Protagonist]

true that brigand true that