Shadowrun Xbox 360 Standard

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Shadowrun

Amazon REVIEW


Microsoft may well be rueing the day they ever green-lit this game, such has been the cacophony of online complaints and whining. Shadowrun was originally a tabletop role-playing game, a curious mix between Tolkien-esque high fantasy and sci-fi cyberpunk, and was adapted for two quite different but equally admired role-playing games for the SNES and Mega Drive, back in the mid-90s. The reason online fans are getting so upset is that this game is absolutely nothing like them, in fact its a first person shoot em-up although quite an unusual one at that.

Since the peculiar Shadowrun universe features both magic and technology the end result is a sci-fi version of Counter-Strike, with added elves. As such you have access to a wide range of different magic and technology-based gadgets, ranging from hang-gliders and X-ray vision to the ability to teleport through solid walls, resurrect fallen comrades and create life giving trees. You can only use three abilities at once though, with many limiting the amount of magical energy you have stored. Tactics are further complicated by which race you play as, from the stealthy but weak elves to the magical essence-stealing dwarves.

As in Counter-Strike theres no single player mode, just a series of tutorials and some basic simulations of the online mode against the computer. Microsoft is also terribly keen to promote the fact that you can play against both PC gamers and those using a 360 although the difference in controllers and potential set-ups means its not exactly a level playing field (not that the graphics are particularly extravagant.) The graphics arent the problem though, but the fact that there are only nine maps, which does seem rather stingy for what is otherwise an impressively unique and imaginative online shooter.
Harrison Dent



MANUFACTURER'S DESCRIPTION
In Shadowrun players vie for supremacy in an intense FPS experience that rewards cleverness, cunning and split-second improvisation through a unique combination of modern weapons, ancient magic and advanced technology. FASA Studio, the creative minds behind MechWarrior and Crimson Skies, and John Howard, Lead Designer on Halo 1, are back with Shadowrun, the new multiplayer first-person shooter (FPS) based on the much-beloved role-playing game (RPG) franchise. Up to 16 players can battle together across both Xbox 360 and Windows Vista through the LIVE games and entertainment network.

Rich legacy brought to life. After a 5,000-year absence, magic has returned to the world of 2031, and global corporations battles a relentless ancient order to harness this reawakened power. Be a part of the RNA, a global megacorporation, and bring order (and profit) to a world of chaos. Or join the Lineage to keep magic wild and free at all costs. Choose a side and wage war for the future of magic in the new world of Shadowrun.

Features:
Gameplay-changing Magics & Techs - Dive into a universe where ancient magic co-exists with deadly weaponry and experience a revolution in FPS gaming. Upgrade your character by purchasing advanced technology and magics for each round in an extraordinary arms race to improve your abilities and open new tactics for your team.

Intense cross-platform multiplayer action - For the first time ever, Xbox 360 and Windows Vista gamers can compete as a team or as foes. Shadowrun tears down the walls between friends and gamer communities on the console and pc by allowing up to 16 gamers to play together, regardless of platform. Shadowrun also brings all the features gamers love on Xbox Live such as Gamertags, Achievement points, Friends' lists, Integrated Voice, etc. onto the pc through Games for Windows Live.

Four ancient races with unique strengths and weaknesses battle in three-dimensional environments - Humans are joined by elves, dwarves and trolls in a battle for supremacy among soaring corporate towers, warren-like slums and an ancient ziggurat of power. Strike a balance on your team with races possessing unique abilities that complement your weapons and tactics. Battle in three-dimensional spaces that allow cunning uses of spells and techs such as Glide, Teleport, Gust and Enhanced vision.

The ultimate online (and offline) battlefield - Fight against or alongside AI teammates or join up with friends against all comers via System Link and Xbox Live. Fill out your team with intelligent AI characters that respond to your tactical commands and provide an unparalleled team experience. Train offline with the robust AI, or play through a host of training sessions as you master the magic and technology of Shadowrun.

About the developer:
Steeped in a deep history of innovative online games, FASA Studio is composed of the extraordinary talent that brought gamers MechWarrior, MechAssault, the first game to debut on the Xbox Live service, and Crimson Skies for the PC and Xbox. Leading the Design team on Shadowrun is John Howard, who was also Lead Designer on the first Halo. Just as Halo 1 broke ground in being the first great shooter on the console platform and the first to integrate vehicles into FPS', together FASA Studio and John Howard will again break new ground with Shadowrun by being the first to successfully implement gameplay-changing mechanics such as Teleport, Enhanced Vision, Glide, etc. as well as creating the first ever FPS that connects players on Xbox 360 to Windows gamers.