I’ve had Shadowrun for a week now and I’m still trying to decide if it is worth $60 or not. Everyone I know that has tried it likes it, but will they still like it 3 weeks from now or will they be on to something new? That I don’t know. Personally, I like the game play, but there are a few things that make me question the $60 price tag.

First, the game is multiplayer only. There is no campaign mode and no co-op modes. There are 6 training tutorials that you play alone to learn how the game works, and you can setup a game with all bots to play by yourself. I played through the tutorials and a match against all bots and I would highly recommend everyone do so before playing online because the game’s pace takes some getting use to. Ultimately Shadowrun is designed to be played online with other players. With so many other games out that have single player campaigns, co-op modes, and multiplayer for the same $60 price it seems odd that they would charge this much for a game that is multiplayer only. In addition to being multiplayer only there are only three game modes and 9 maps. The person setting up the room essentially only gets to choose the game type and map. There is no control for game length or the number of rounds. This seems like a huge oversight. If you’re going to have a multiplayer only game at least have a ton of game modes and maps (see GRAW2 for an example) with lots of customization options.

The graphics in Shadowrun are ok. They are not the best I’ve seen in a multiplayer game, but they are not terrible. It is the little things that make you notice the graphics. For example, there are a lot of ladders in the maps, but the no climbing animations. You just seem to float up the ladder. Since it is in first person view you don’t notice it until you see someone else climb a ladder.

Despite these short comings I’m having a lot of fun playing Shadowrun. The gameplay is fantastic. Even through there are only 9 maps they are huge. The game is designed to require a lot of team work to win. That is one of the things I like about Rainbow Six: Vegas so it is nice to see another tactical game. However, Shadowrun little else in common with Rainbow Six: Vegas. In Shadowrun it is better to run away from a fight than it is to die. Also, the game play itself is much, much faster paced. Where Shadowrun really sets itself apart is in the player customization. There are four different races to play with. Each with its own strength and weaknesses. In addition to the weapons there are also tech and magic items. These items allow you to do things like resurrect fallen teammates and strap a glider to your back. At the beginning of each round you get a chance to buy new weapons, magic, and tech. Your magic and tech stay with you for the entire match, but if you die you have to buy weapons again. This counter strike style of purchasing makes for some very interesting tactics and team work. If your whole team has gliders then there is no one to resurrect you when you die. This makes team communication a key to winning. This is also why it is better to run away than it is to die. If you die you have to waste money buying weapons again. So, having a couple teammate who can revive you and let you pick up your weapon back up, even if you don’t win the round, is key to this game.

Another thing I really like about Shadowrun is the weapon accuracy. The guns lose accuracy when you move or jump. Also, the faster you shoot the less accurate the guns are. This makes it key to be patient and take shots slowly so that the targeting reticle shrinks back down to being the most accurate. When you’re in close to an enemy you can just let the bullets fly, but at medium or far distances it really helps me take time between shots. This helps me get more head shots because I can aim as I wait that second between shots so my gun is the most accurate it can be.

So far I’ve played a little with every race, but I seem to do best with a human and the following setup: Strangle, Gust, Smoke, SMG, Shotgun. In later rounds I add the Tree and Resurrect (but I don’t map them) just so I have them as a backup. I find with this setup that I can play as good 2 person team. I can keep the enemies at a good distance with gust and strangle allowing myself and another team mate to work them off together. I find this works well against trolls and humans especially because they can’t move out of the strangle before we can kill them. What is everyone else’s prefer race and setup?

I’m not 100% sold on buying this game because I’m poor and $60 for a multiplayer only game still seems a bit high to me. I think I’m going to stick with the rental for a few weeks. If everyone on my friends list is still playing it, and I still am having a lot of fun with it then I’ll buy it.