Just about every experienced RPG gamer is familiar with the exceptional Shadowrun RPG franchise. Beginning in the early days with the original Shadowrun on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, the table-top RPG transitioned into the digital realm in a positive way, quickly becoming a cult hit.
After being released on the SEGA Genesis back in 1995, it was a full 12 years before the series would be heard from again (at least in video game form,) with the release of 2007’s Shadowrun for Xbox 360 and PC. Unfortunately for long-time fans, it was presented as a shooter rather than the in-depth RPG the series was known for, and it seemed that the short-lived digital life of the series was doomed.
However, developer Harebrained Schemes, led by Jordan Weisman who created the original table-top game, was looking to change all of that and revive the series the way it was meant to be; with a deep isometric RPG gaming experience titled Shadowrun Returns. For support, they turned to Kickstarter to fund the project, setting a goal of $400,000. The project was fully-funded in only 24 days, and at this point has soared well-above the goal. $1,436,447 above the goal to be exact.
Over the past year, the folks at Harebrained Schemes have been working hard on Shadowrun Returns, and the wait is almost over for gamers. The developers have officially announced that the game will be available on Steam sometime in June, possibly on the 26th, and that Kickstarter backers will be receiving a special DRM-free copy of the game.
Kickstarter has grown exponentially over the past year, and has become the number-one solution for independent game developers to crowd-source their projects.
Shadowrun Returns is set in a world much like our own, only drenched in cyberpunk and fantasy elements with a heavy dose of noir. Players will create their own unique character and set off to uncover the truth behind the murder of a close friend. Of course, things are not always as they seem, and soon the story evolves into a much more complicated mystery. Check out the official Shadowrun Returns Kickstarter page here, and don’t forget to watch this exclusive look at in-game footage, directly from Harebrained Schemes:
