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Category: Games
Sub-Category: RPG
Platform: Sega Genesis
License: Proprietary
Interface: GUI
Wikipedia: Shadowrun
First release: 1994
Shadowrun – a role-playing video game for the Sega Genesis console, released in 1994. It is an adaptation of the tabletop role-playing game of the same name by FASA. Developed by BlueSky Software.
The player controls the character from a third-person perspective, both when exploring the game world and in combat encounters. Battles occur in real time and, while their difficulty varies, are generally relatively short-lived. In the prologue, the character’s access to the game world is limited to one district, but soon the ability to visit all game locations opens up. Travel between districts is carried out mainly by taxi, but there are plot restrictions, in the form of special passes, which in turn the player can bypass.
As in most role-playing video games, the skills and attributes of the characters can be improved. Shadowrun uses a unique karma system that allows for complete character customization. Karma (equivalent to the concept of experience in role-playing games) is awarded to the character for successfully completing tasks, defeating enemies, and progressing through the game’s plot. The player can spend karma on characteristics and skills, at the player’s choice. To earn money and karma, the player must participate in Shadowruns – illegal missions given out by anonymous customers, usually called in the slang of “runners” – Mr. Johnsons. Mr. Johnsons are usually a liaison of some mega corporation who solves the dark issues of their bosses. Depending on the customer, various types of tasks are offered, such as raids in bandit zones, search and extraction of information, theft, courier missions, hunting for the undead or “matrix runs” – work in the cyber-network “matrix”.
