Shadowrun Chronicles - Boston Lockdown
Overview -
'Shadowrun Chronicles: Boston Lockdown' (originally billed as 'Shadowrun Online') is a Kickstarter project developed by Cliffhanger Productions. Besides the use of the setting and some similar mechanics, it is unrelated to the other Shadowrun Kickstarter by Harebrained Schemes ('Shadowrun Returns'). It has been in Steam’s Early Access for about a year, and is now seeing a full release.
The Shadowrun setting was first published in 1989 as a pen-and-paper roleplaying game. It incorporates several genres, primarily cyberpunk and fantasy. Set in the mid to late 21st century, magic has seen a revival on Earth, and creatures like elves and dwarves are born to human parents who have carried their long-dormant genes. Other humans are transformed into orcs and trolls during puberty. Dragons rise up and, able to take human form, busy themselves as the executives of powerful multinationals that have mostly supplanted traditional government. Cybernetic and biological enhancements run amok. Players take the role of "shadowrunners", mercenaries specializing in corporate espionage.
Video Review
'Boston Lockdown' looks like what I would expect from a cyberpunk/fantasy theme. It manages to fit together disparate elements, like elves and glitzy neon lights, without being ridiculous or melodramatic. The character models are basic, but the environments and backdrops for the maps, and especially the seedy, back-alley mission hub, look better. The game uses a good physics engine that allows for more realistic movement and the occasional awesome ragdoll. There are very few glitches or bugs, as expected from a game that spent a long time in beta.
Audio Review
The sound effects and soundtrack perfectly match the 'Shadowrun' setting with their dark, synthy undertones and relentless, subdued beats. The voice acting doesn’t achieve quite the same level.
Final Thoughts
'Boston Lockdown' is an online Shadowrun game that manages to admirably translate the popular setting’s quirky sci-fi/fantasy romance, but struggles with the online bit. The narrative is less of a strong glue holding everything together - it’s more of a thin balm that can be more pervasive than entertaining. If you want to do some shadowrunning with some friends and don’t mind the price point, it’s not a bad entry in the franchise. If you’re not into co-op, there are better options in the turn-based strategy genre.