[I've reviewed this game years ago as a "Steam Recommendation", not a "Steam Review," so I thought I would revise this for public audiences. I have replayed it recently for my third playthrough. I would probably recommend my video on the game rather than this old written review.] https://youtu.be/JbDBpAapvYo

Shadowrun Returns is a return to CRPGs with some modern squad-based combat touches. Imagine taking the setting of Blade Runner, placing Tolkien's mythical creatures, classic Pen & Paper feel, XCOM combat, and a Starcraft Editor (maps, additional features and dialog for user-created stories.) The combination you can imagine is what is offered for this game.

SRR's emphasis on immersing you into this lore filled Sixth World is the game's greatest strengths, even if you know nothing but drek about the source material. Dialogue holds that prosy, to the point content; character descriptions help build bonds with all the NPCs; and the game uses its characters to help relate to the inhuman lore, especially when it comes to the idea of its stats (ex. the Essence for Cyberware.)

The 12 to 15 hour main-storyline is compact with memorable moments with some optional objectives to reward your exploration into databases and completing smaller tasks. Some might see its content's length as a downside. After playing the classic Infinity Engine games, the following Shadowrun games, and other modern CRPGs like Wasteland 2, I can understand this issue but I don't think the game's brevity is entirely bad. Games like SRR cuts out padding to give you a reasonable blank slate while providing a servicable story.

Self-destruction is the game's theme. Your character is a retired Runner who is brought back from a friend who's lifestyle of detachment from reality lead to his demise. There are spirtual, moral degregation from individuals, corporations and the world itself. All of which is maintained by the dialogue system keeping character. In other games where you question an as*hole being the savior it is very believable here because the character can be as corrupt as everyone. Or he can be someone who honors a friend by seeing justice to the end. It's one of those qualities of a game's lore that gets you more engaged.

Difficulty is another positive. Unlike a lot of RPGs there are no random encounters and traditional leveling up system. You will purchase new equipment, use Karma points (stats) and currency to improve your character. Every battle you fight becomes a matter of mind over stats and guns, which do not degrade and don't require you to purchase ammo--but you will have to reload for an action point! Also, you have to purchase your squad members before each mission (and you can only outfit them with consumable items). There are plenty to chose from and if they die, which I imagine on higher difficulties will happen a lot. Even if you do not have a full party you can still finish missions.

The last thing I have to say are to the complaints given to this game. I already stated how I felt about the length of the game: Quality over quantity. SR's checkpoint system is the other "problem". I never had any issue at all with the checkpoints. It is not as simplified as some say. Almost every time you move to a new area the game will autosave. If you get into an impossible situation you can revert to a prior checkpoint. This is far more extensive than some AAA titles. It is an odd change for cRPG fans but it is not a detriment to the game itself.

For those who didn't want to read, do not buy this game. You will spend far more time reading than fighting, which makes combat feel more like punctuation. If you are new to cRPGs, try this game out. Shadowrun fans will enjoy the Deluxe Edition for an extra $15. This is easily one of my top games for this year and I'm anxious to explore more in the Workshop's content.

[I've reviewed this game years ago as a "Steam Recommendation", not a "Steam Review," so I thought I would revise this for public audiences. I have replayed it recently for my third playthrough. I would probably recommend my video on the game rather than this old written review.] https://youtu.be/JbDBpAapvYo Shadowrun Returns is a return to CRPGs with some modern squad-based combat touches. Imagine taking the setting of Blade Runner, placing Tolkien's mythical creatures, classic Pen & Paper feel, XCOM combat, and a Starcraft Editor (maps, additional features and dialog for user-created stories.) The combination you can imagine is what is offered for this game. SRR's emphasis on immersing you into this lore filled Sixth World is the game's greatest strengths, even if you know nothing but drek about the source material. Dialogue holds that prosy, to the point content; character descriptions help build bonds with all the NPCs; and the game uses its characters to help relate to the inhuman lore, especially when it comes to the idea of its stats (ex. the Essence for Cyberware.) The 12 to 15 hour main-storyline is compact with memorable moments with some optional objectives to reward your exploration into databases and completing smaller tasks. Some might see its content's length as a downside. After playing the classic Infinity Engine games, the following Shadowrun games, and other modern CRPGs like Wasteland 2, I can understand this issue but I don't think the game's brevity is entirely bad. Games like SRR cuts out padding to give you a reasonable blank slate while providing a servicable story. Self-destruction is the game's theme. Your character is a retired Runner who is brought back from a friend who's lifestyle of detachment from reality lead to his demise. There are spirtual, moral degregation from individuals, corporations and the world itself. All of which is maintained by the dialogue system keeping character. In other games where you question an as*hole being the savior it is very believable here because the character can be as corrupt as everyone. Or he can be someone who honors a friend by seeing justice to the end. It's one of those qualities of a game's lore that gets you more engaged. Difficulty is another positive. Unlike a lot of RPGs there are no random encounters and traditional leveling up system. You will purchase new equipment, use Karma points (stats) and currency to improve your character. Every battle you fight becomes a matter of mind over stats and guns, which do not degrade and don't require you to purchase ammo--but you will have to reload for an action point! Also, you have to purchase your squad members before each mission (and you can only outfit them with consumable items). There are plenty to chose from and if they die, which I imagine on higher difficulties will happen a lot. Even if you do not have a full party you can still finish missions. The last thing I have to say are to the complaints given to this game. I already stated how I felt about the length of the game: Quality over quantity. SR's checkpoint system is the other "problem". I never had any issue at all with the checkpoints. It is not as simplified as some say. Almost every time you move to a new area the game will autosave. If you get into an impossible situation you can revert to a prior checkpoint. This is far more extensive than some AAA titles. It is an odd change for cRPG fans but it is not a detriment to the game itself. For those who didn't want to read, do not buy this game. You will spend far more time reading than fighting, which makes combat feel more like punctuation. If you are new to cRPGs, try this game out. Shadowrun fans will enjoy the Deluxe Edition for an extra $15. This is easily one of my top games for this year and I'm anxious to explore more in the Workshop's content.