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Shadowrun preview: Expect the unexpected ... God that was such a cliche, I suck photo

Yeah, I know Nex brought you a Shadowrun preview done by some peoples I've never heard of, but now that the NDA has lifted, I thought I'd give you a proper perspective on this game ... as it now stands. And really, who do you trust more than me and my opinion? Nobody, that's who. Hit the jump for the quick and easy breakdown of why you want this game, FPS fans.

First off, the ol' PR Nightmare and I have been playing the living f*ck out of this game on the Xbox 360 the past few days. We're talking extended, multi-hour sessions, balls deep in a beta that only has two maps and essentially, one game type. Yet, we're still playing a ton of it, which should speak volumes right there.

Now, here are some key points to keep in mind when you want to think about a Shadowrun purchase and/or rental.

1. The game is an addictive mix of Unreal Tournament, Counter-Strike and just about every FPS game out there. The approach to anti-cheat by way of built-in cheats via special powers is actually a refreshing addition. 

2. As of now, there are definite balancing issues. Certain powers and weapons far outweigh others. Expect a ton of nerfing and tweaking when this game finally goes to retail.

3. Here's a big issue that may limit the appeal of this game: You absolutely need to be on a team of people that know how to play, or else you will get completely destroyed and soured on Shadowrun. I suggest finding a good group and sticking with them at all costs.

4. When you first get the game you must practice, practice, practice. Whether it be with bots or just a close group of friends, you must make sure you have a solid understanding of the game before jumping in and going against the public. This is a complicated and overwhelming game at first, but once you get it down, it ain't no thing, jellybean. 

5. The graphics are meh, at best. Although, supposedly, the final version is to have a lot more polish. But honestly, the gameplay is so solid that it actually doesn't matter much to me.

6. So far, no lag. Please Baby Jesus make this continue during launch. 

7. Despite what you've heard in the past, even from me, Shadowrun is looking to be a solid experience. I was shocked at how well it's coming together. 








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34 comments | showing # 1 to 34
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dorock's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2007 14:30
dorock
Hurrah! I've been staring at this game, and trying not to get excited about it. But from what you've said it seems like a good time waster until Quake Wars comes out.
World Famous's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2007 14:31
World Famous
I don't know, cliche scare and confuse me. I'm just a simple cave man.
DJDuffy 's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2007 14:32
DJDuffy
Is this game just online or is there a single player part to it?
galagabug 's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2007 14:33
galagabug
sucks for those of us without any friends.
dorock's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2007 14:33
dorock
Shadowrun.... so easy a cave man can play it....


(See I'm funnae)
JamesSorensen's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2007 14:35
JamesSorensen
balancing issues are pretty bad right now, it is easy for me to kill the newbs with my super duper teleporting skillzzzzzz
World Famous's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2007 14:35
World Famous
As far as I know, there is no single player story aspect. I could be wrong. You can play offline and online against bots, however. But the bots are really really stupid right now.
Brandon Undead's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2007 14:38
Brandon Undead
Summa: I know some cavemen, and I don't think they would appreciate THAT cliche!
Mabec's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2007 14:38
Mabec
There is a reason why its called Beta... and iam not gonna tell you why.
DJDuffy 's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2007 14:38
DJDuffy
Yea I hope there is more to single player than just bots. Otherwise, it is a little too much like Counterstrike. Unless a game is a MMO, it should come with a single player component.
Snaileb 's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2007 14:39
Snaileb
Summa VS Nex




GO!
World Famous's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2007 14:41
World Famous
I'd break Nex like a twig.
Nick Chester's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2007 14:41
Nick Chester
I don't believe there is a single player game, either. There are very few maps (8?) that ship with the game, as well. From what I've seen, I liked, and was interested in playing the beta, but FASA/Microsoft hates me.

What's really surprising is that retailers are listing this game at $59.99. 1) It's a first party game that's NOT Gears of War and 2) 8 maps?
World Famous's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2007 14:44
World Famous
I'll get on in a bit. I'm trying to make Dtoid spit out babies.
Snaileb 's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2007 14:50
Snaileb
That's one ugly baby.
Ninjajuice66's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2007 15:15
Ninjajuice66
Why is everyone Jesus? Is that a part of the plot?
Frantic's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2007 15:16
Frantic
Summa, I have to ask - do you like it or do you not like it? Earlier today a post indicated that Shadowrun couldn't live up to Counterstrike, but you and Electro Lemon say exactly the opposite about the Beta version, which (presumably) isn't as good as the final build will be. Which is it?
fetusmilk's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2007 15:18
fetusmilk
i hope this game converts live chat over the head sets to shadowrun slang. like "frag you" or "im gonna geek you"
ArrestedDeveloper's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2007 15:19
ArrestedDeveloper
I'm interested in the game but was never into the pure multiplayer FPS'. If they want it to be succesful its gotta come out at $40, 60 is way to much and I think they know that (Luke Smith personally bitched to one of the big fasa guys about it)
Rancor's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2007 15:35
Rancor
I hope they do some rpg aspects, i.e. persistent char growth and monay/equipment. I was really sad when the all but dropped what has to be fasa's most badass setting not to mention one of the most complete cyberpunk worlds before the matrix movies and such. hell i have always dreamed of a game with "decking" and all that stuff too, the 1st system shock was orgazmic in that sense.
World Famous's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2007 16:05
World Famous
"Summa, I have to ask - do you like it or do you not like it? Earlier today a post indicated that Shadowrun couldn't live up to Counterstrike, but you and Electro Lemon say exactly the opposite about the Beta version, which (presumably) isn't as good as the final build will be. Which is it?"

I like it, but it really really sucks when you get on a team with people that suck and/or don't work together. The game has a very love/hate thing going on with it.
JJ Rage's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2007 16:06
JJ Rage
I've been excited for this game ever since I first saw it at E306, but I've felt like the only one.

My favorite online shooter ever is Return to Castle Wolfenstein, and this looks to be cut from the same cloth, but with the added fun of cool powers.

I'm probably just as excited for this game as I am Bioshock and Halo 3.
Nick Chester's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2007 16:07
Nick Chester
From what I understand, the learning curve for this game is off the charts. It's not the kind of game you'll pick up, play for a half an hour, and completely understand. Expect poor internet reviews.
Rainbowblack's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2007 16:08
Rainbowblack
@ Rancor

I agree wholehaertedly, but whats this I keep hearing about no single-player?

thats gotta be the single biggest peice of BS that iv'e ever heard.

How the hell can you make a FPS based off an RPG and not include a single player game. What about the poor sap who looks at the box and says AWSOME!! only to find out it's online only and he's a silver member?

the only genre that can get away with having no Off-line mode is a MMORPG, good or not this game is a failure and a lame attempt at cashing in on a cult franchise if it chooses to exclude a single player experience. and everyone who worked on this game should be ashamed of themselves
World Famous's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2007 16:11
World Famous
Yes, it's definitely not a pick up and play title. It takes a while to really get the hang of.
JJ Rage's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2007 16:13
JJ Rage
@Rainbowblack


Perhaps the single player component will be similar to that of previous Unreal Tournament games.
blu3steel's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2007 16:14
blu3steel
You say it's like CS and Unreal and that's interesting to me. Do you think that it will still play like those games on the PC? If I understand correctly, you're playing it on the 360?

I'm a big fan of CS but if this is going to be better then I'm going to be playing it.
AngelsDontBurn's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2007 16:17
AngelsDontBurn
Thanks for this Summa. I was originally excited about this game at first. Then for a bit, I didn't know what to think. I look forward to playing it!
psychopathic's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2007 16:19
psychopathic
i have every intention of picking it up as long as i can convince my friends to do so as well.
World Famous's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2007 16:22
World Famous
Let me tell you though. If you rent it, make sure you spend some real quality time with it before you dismiss it. There's a big learning curve, but once you got it, you may just love it.
Velirno's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2007 18:39
Velirno
Everything Summa has said I agree completely with. I plan on playing the beta every chance I get this weekend to catch up on time lost due to class. I was so damn proud of myself when I teleported through a wall after seeing an enemy with the scanner and took him down with the shotty. Felt like when a friend showed me Counter-Strike hacks. (admin hacks for a tournament)
boltox's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2007 20:09
boltox
I hope this game sells enough to encourage some kind of RPG follow up.

Ham Vagina's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2007 21:26
Ham Vagina
The one thing I always wondered about were the map sizes. Are the beta ones a good size or are you constantly spawning and dying because there's always someone near?

Oh, and what about auto aim? Is there any?
Velirno's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/06/2007 08:08
Velirno
@Ham Vagina: Both maps seem pretty big just because of how many different levels vertically they have. They seem to be a pretty decent size though. On the auto aim...haven't actually tried to see if there was any. I'm guessing yes but I'll have to do the ol' Halo test and sit still for a few seconds.
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