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• gamedeal user

  Jul 23, 2022

  It's been way too long since I played Shadowrun Returns, the first game of the series. I remember "mostly liking" it, but it didn't really have anything to be overly enthusiastic about. So I never made playing the sequel a priority. Now, when I finally decided to come back after all these years and give it a try, I thought I knew what to expect. I knew that Dragonfall was supposed to be a bigger, better game. A "full-fledged RPG", as opposed to the short and linear story of the Dead Man's Switch, as the original game's storyline was called. What I actually found was a rather mediocre game - and a masterpiece of a story-driven RPG. However vague are my memories of Shadowrun Returns, the sad truth it that the gameplay side of things didn't really change. The combat is pretty much the same, with oversimplified mechanics, lots of randomness and an almost bare minimum of tools to battle it - despite the considerable selection of character classes and skills to develop. The Matrix sequences are still the same slow, boring and unchallenging gimmick that they originally were. The UI is barely usable. The inventory system is practically non-existent: you can't give items to your team members except before the beginning of a mission. You can't force them to pick up items while on a mission: your main character is the only one who's allowed to do that, so when your 6 slots are full, you can only "stash" the extras for later instead of giving them to someone who has space for it. Hell, you can't even arrange items properly in these 6 slots of yours: the game doesn't even try to remember their order, changing it randomly from mission to mission. There are also some bugs, which might force you to reload a save and replay a batttle (but at least you are allowed to save in combat). To sum it up: I really expected to see better technical quality from a standalone remake of an expansion (which Director's Cut is, in case you did not know). But - of course there's a "but". And a big one at that. When I read some reviews praising the writing, I was skeptical. After all, I did play some older classics - from the age where the gaming industry haven't yet convinced itself that "too much text" is bad for business. I know some examples of "good writing", and I also know that "lots of text" doesn't always mean it's good. And, of course, I feared that the people who are used to the text-light games of today may simply have lower standards. So, I've got to admit - I was completely wrong in my skepticism. Writing is where Dragonfall really shines. And I don't just mean that its texts are well-written. They are - but that wouldn't be enough on its own. What I never saw coming is that Dragonfall is a game which combines: - a top-notch storyline full of plot twists which just keep coming even when you think that now you understand it all; - a good dozen of unbelievably real, memorable characters with their own deep and nuanced stories; - a large set of very different "missions" - both mandatory and optional ones - always with options to explore, paths to take and decisions to make; - an incredible amount of world-building which pushes imagination to the limits and truly makes the most of the setting. Yes, all of this in one game. Do you know many RPGs which have it all? When I say that the story is "top-notch", I am making an epic understatement. In fact, this was one of the very best stories I've ever encountered in a game. Complete with meaningful choices leading to multiple endings with extended playable epilogues. I really don't want to go into any detail - you just have to experience this for yourself. When I say "memorable characters", I mean "Planescape: Torment level memorable". Not all of them, of course. But I still can't even begin to find words to do justice to one of my team members' personal storyline... And can you even guess how many different "villains" this story actually has? And how different all of them are, tangled up in a complex web of reasons? When I say "optional missions", I am omitting the fact that for the most of the game your only active "mandatory" goal is to collect enough money to continue the story. Yes, just like in Baldur's Gate 2. And, just like there, it opens a window of opportunity to explore all the various nuances of the truly marvelous world of Shadowrun, with its freaky combination of cyberpunk and magic, drones and dragons, grenades and shamanic totems. A universe like this isn't easy to do justice to - but the developers did it in full. And they never forgot about choice and consequence: even the most straightforward of your "side missions" has some nuance to explore. Most of them, however, don't have "some" - they have lots of it. So what else can I say? I just wish there were more RPGs like this.
• gamedeal user

  Sep 19, 2014

  So if you have already been fortunate enough to play Dragonfall, you may be wondering if this is worth playing again. I can quickly and confidently reply: YES, CHUMMER. I beat Dragonfall about a month and half before Director's Cut released. Other than Earthbound or some Elder Scrolls games, I have never replayed an RPG all the way through again. That won't be an issue here. The devs have added some pretty awesome new missions that serve to flesh out Berlin even more. New characters have been added and now you may learn more about your party members past. Speaking of your fellow Runners, they can now pick new abilities and level along with you. (choose between 2 advancements a level) This was something I found to be missing from the original. There is also the matter of the music. The new music is amazing. The achievements help add more goals to draw you into another play through, but that is just a bonus. There is enough here to bring any fan back. Rare thing for a dev to make a "Director's Cut" with so many improvements and features. Rarer still, one that doesn't charge for existing owners. New Players: If you are a CRPG fan or Shadowrun fan, please skip the original release until AFTER Dragonfall. Think of that as a treat or really good UGC. This really is one of the best games of the year and turn based rpg fans deserve a great game like this. Great characters, story, and fun.
• gamedeal user

  Sep 19, 2014

  As much as I loved Shadowrun Returns, Dragonfall as a DLC was superior. Dragonfall as an enhanced standalone, with a much sexier interface? Shut up and take my mo--... Wait, I already own it. Hats off Harebrained Schemes. I've only just started playing, but the fact that you gave copies of this to the folks who'd already bought this title potentially makes you the coolest company on the face of the planet. You already had a solid fan in me, but now it's cemented. Now that the licking is over, on to the game! I'll probably add more to this review when I actually finish it, but I played for a spell, and having already beaten DF as a DLC I can see it is a remake, but very well done. The UI is much less clunky and there's far less guess work involved. The combat flows a lot more smoothly and the status effects (Eg Bleed) are much more evident from the word go. They have done a graphical polish as well, and everything looks a lot more smooth. I'm also looking forward to seeing if they've fixed some of the minor graphical issues from SR:R, but assume that they have on the grounds of awesomeness. For those of you who've never played this title, it's a definite buy. When in DLC form it was already a much more comprehensive and enhanced game than the basic adventure (Which was still enjoyable) and has a lot more to offer in terms of plot, depth of characters and a general feel of the universe. After playing this title obsessively I was actually able to walk into Shadowrun, the RPG and actually know the world a lot better, making me seem like less of a N00b, so it is true to the IP. As a game? Tactical and awesome. Is it mutable? YES. You COULD hardcharge the door... But honestly my character is a high charisma hacker and I make out like a bandit. Does it actually have a story and character development? Yes, Yes, YES. And apparently even that had some additions in the stand alone. Totally worth it. Pick it up, settle into the gritty world of Shadowrun, and remember this; There's no such thing as a milk run. See you, chummer.
• gamedeal user

  Oct 20, 2014

  Okay, so I've never played Shadowrun Returns (although I may because of this game), the reason I got this one was because of Rock Paper Shotgun's review of this game, which said this is a strong game and worth being standalone. I wholly concur. This is an incredible game with a great story, wonderful attention to detail, and meaningful choices. There are very few other games that offer such an excellent experience, and at 15 dollars for my approximately 30 hours of gameplay, it is quite cheap. Gameplay simply works. Think XCOM: Enemy Unknown and you've essentially got everything you need to know. It's a small squad strategy game with quite a bit of RPG elements. I would have preferred a first person shooter with tactical elements, but I would also have preferred that the developers had a billion dollar budget and a 300 man team, as they would have made it damn near perfect. What we got, though, is a mean and lean game that runs on an engine which allows the developers to create assets and missions efficiently on a tight budget. I loved the aesthetics and even enjoyed the techno-magic setting, which I thought would be somewhat silly, it is pulled off quite well here. Much of the setting seems to be taken from the novel Neuromancer, although this could be partly because I focused so much on being a decker (hacker) and dealt quite a bit with a certain artificial intelligence. All in all I really do love this game, and I recommend to anyone intrigued by this review as well as to the people who like a good story in their games. Seriously, get it; this is a great game.
• Kocel

  Oct 24, 2014

  Dragonfall is one of the best RPGs I've played in the last five years. Why, you may ask? Well, let me ask YOU a question, what do you want out of an RPG? Let's say you want plot. A setting. Dragonfall has you covered. This takes place in the world of Shadowrun BEFORE the tabletop. You're about forty years past the 'Awakening', an event that rocked our modern world and brought forces and creatures of magic back into it. Chief among those were the great dragons, whom loom over both the setting and this campaign from on high. Along with magic, technology has surged forward, resulting in a cyberpunk fantasy mish-mash where your shamanistic mage can have an artificial eye, your hackers summon digital minions within the virtual world, and your drone-controlling medics can choose to fight with sword rather than gun. This strange mash of the cynical and fantastic makes a setting that is neither too grimdark nor too silly. A proper Shadowrun setting sets a perfect balance of moods and themes, and Dragonfall, fortunately, is no exception. I won't spoil the actual plot proper past what I've already said, but just know that it's full of twists and turns and has a wonderful depth. Let's say you want party members. A good party can make or break an RPG, and Dragonfall's definitely 'makes' it. You have the dark, distant Glory, wielder of two terrifying cybernetic arms and skilled field medic. There's the aging Dietrich, a middle-aged punk-rocker shaman slightly past his prime, driven by his idol to keep seeking 'the good fight' until death. You have the professional, rigid troll marks-woman Eiger, with whom you will butt heads until you can win her respect. Aside from them, you also have Monika, team leader, local hero, and skilled decker, and Blitz, a former gang member decker/rigger who may or may not be more trouble than he's worth. Oh, yeah, and you also have a dog. No team is complete without a dog. Each party member comes with their own backstory to explore, along with personal quests. The only thing missing is a love interest, but that's refreshing, in a way. You come to care about these characters because they're members of your team, not just because you want to get into their digital knickers. Finally, let's say that you're willing to play literally any RPG as long as it actually plays well. Well, then I've got good news for you. Dragonfall's engine has been tooled up to be better than the one that was used with Shadowrun Returns, and there's a deep selection of character skillsets to invest in. Combat is fair and, for the most part, only punishing when you make a mistake. There was only one mission in this game that I felt was unfair, and it was mercifully brief. Levels are well designed and hold a plethora of options that are available to you if you invest in certain skills. The only real complain I have on this end is that you're rewarded experience not for combat, but for resolving quests/dialogue paths. However, this also adds a refreshing twist; this is finally an RPG where you don't have to murder everything to get ahead. At the same time, if you choose to pursue optional combat encounters, there's often a little bit of loot hidden in the area to reward you. So, in the end, we have a game that's balanced on plot, characters, and gameplay. Not only do you have those three pillars of quality, but they're complimented by fantastic art and an atmospheric soundtrack. Dragonfall is the RPG of the year for me, and it left me feeling inspired to write and create worlds that are as deep and complex as this. If I had to recommend only one RPG on Steam, it'd be this one. That's how good it is. ... Oh, and that's only the core campaign. Took me thirty-five hours. If you'll excuse me, I think I'll be heading back to try out some of the community-made fare...
• gamedeal user

  Nov 5, 2014

  This is the most fun I've had in a long time. great game for those with children as i can literally get up and walk away without worrying.
• gamedeal user

  Nov 7, 2014

  The Sci-Fi Baldurs gate. Most missions have more than one ending, side quests that you can do or ignore as you see fit, well written party members with their own stories and personal quests. The main story has several possible endings based upon choices you make earlier in the game.
• gamedeal user

  Nov 16, 2014

  Easily my #1 game of 2014. Everything is superb: * The story stands head and shoulders above what gaming usually offers us these days. Whereas I wasn't going out of my way advertising Dead Man's Switch with all its pitfalls to my friends, in Dragonfall's case the story was my main selling point in word of mouth propaganda campaign I unleashed on acquaintances. The case where main plot is an awesome gripping action thriller that doesn't involve saving the world. Lord knows I'm tired of messianic melodramas. * Solid RPG experience with alternate ways to complete runs and extensive use of skill checks. * Gorgeous art by Unity engine's standards, cyberpunk eye-candy. The environments are crafted with care and meticulous attention to details. * Top-notch diverse music, fitting the setting perfectly. * And now with Director's Cut - finally crisp and utterly enjoyable combat. One major caveat is the delivery. The game has no voice-over or cutscenes. It uses text to a great effect. But it uses A LOT of text, so much so sometimes it almost feels like reading a novel. If that is not your thing... you're missing out. :) 10/10
• rstuart

  Jan 1, 2023

  As good a simulation of the pen and paper RPG as you'll get.
• gamedeal user

  Nov 29, 2014

  Bit of a cautious review, this one. I'm only ten hours deep into a game that I've heard can take upwards of thirty hours to beat, and my appreciation of it hinges heavily on how the story plays out. So far, though, I'm very optimistic. Basic info first. Dragonfall is the expansion for Shadowrun Returns, and this Director's Cut is completely standalone. The game takes place in Berlin, in a cyberpunk future where humans, elves, trolls, and some other races, share roughly equivalent status and co-exist peacefully, at least notionally. Naturally, there are factors - indeed, there are factions - which threaten to destabilise what could potentially grow into a decent world for all, and your merry band of shadowrunners will be at the centre of it all. Combat is turn based, and during normal play you can only control "your" character, with the other party members following along behind you. It would have been nice to be able to direct them independently, to get a tactical advantage when you know a fight is brewing, but c'est la vie, one can't have it all. You'll use guns, wield knives and swords, cast spells and summon spirits in order to defeat your many and varied foes. To level up you use Karma points, which are earned as they are in every RPG ever: by completing quests. There aren't enough that you can be a jack-of-all-trades, so try to pick a class you enjoy and go with it. The combat system is robust, with actions playing out on a tile (or hex) based grid, and plenty of cover to make use of, simply by moving next to it. Flanking bonuses are available, and critical hits are possible on exposed enemies (or on your own team, if you fail to take cover), so it's important to find a decent place and use your action points, or AP, judiciously. You don't want to run out of them and end up stranded in the middle of the room, where everyone can take pot-shots at you. Your team can be equipped with items, such as grenades or medpacks, which can be used at an AP cost and could tilt a fight in your favour. Don't think you can just hoard loads of grenades, though, as inventory space is quite limited. Certain characters will also be able to "jack into" computers and fight in virtual reality, which comes with its own set of abilites, but I've not done much of that yet. It's all turn based and on a grid, though, so probably not that different. One issue I've had with the combat is that it isn't always possible to tell whether moving to a particular space will let you flank an enemy. I've had to chance a move on a couple of occasions, and I wasn't always able to flank even though the situation seemed very similar. I think a visual indicator before you make your move would have been a great help - perhaps as a toggle so more experience players could disable it? The real meat of this game, though, is the story. Now, as I say, I'm just dipping my toes in really, but so far it has been very impressive. Shortly after the start, there are some jaw-dropping twists which I didn't see coming, and there haven't been any missions so far which felt like filler, or which took place in boring locations or with boring NPCs. The writing is strong, and the beautiful portrait artwork for different characters does a lot more to inspire my imagination that some plastic-faced polygonal goon ever would. There have been quite a few spelling and grammar errors in the script, though. Not enough to ruin the experience, certainly, but enough to stand out and jolt me out of the experience. With an interesting world, lovely art, very strong writing and some decent, if not particulaly inventive, combat, Shadowrun: Dragonfall is well worth your time. Jack me [strike]off[/strike] I mean IN, jack me in.