The Basics
Shadowrun Returns is a turn based strategy game. During combat, AP (action points) is used to makes moves. Each character has a basic 3 AP, although more can be acquired over time through various different methods.
The player controls both his/her main character as well as up to 3 additional NPCs. Cover can be used to reduce damage taken (much like in the X-COM series) and fog of war hides the battlefield
Classes
Four realities overlap in the world of Shadowrun (the Physical, the Digital, the Mystic, and the Astral) and associated character classes have the ability to view and interact with the world in ways the others can’t.
After taking on a class you are able to customise and grow your character, spending Karma points on various skills and abilities.
These character classes, or 'archetypes' as they are known in the game, are:
Decker
Deckers, or hackers, are able to use their cybernetic skills to take control of networks, This allows them to manipulate the environment, by for example overriding door locks, sameras and automated weapons. They can also plant viruses into system.
Mages
As the name implies, Mages have access to a number of varied spells, such as Petrify, Confusion, and different Bolts. They can also enhance other character abilities like AP, Armour and HP.
Physical Adept
Physical Adepts are martial artists. More than that, though, they can also castly deadly combat spells, such as Traceless Walk and Quick Strike.
Riggers
Riggers are a sort of engineer, able to control drones. The more powerful the rigger the more advanced (and deadly) the drone. They also gain the ability to control more than one drone at a time and control the drone(s) over greater distances.
Shaman
Shamans are capable of summoning and controlling spirits using their AP. Spirits can actually break free from their Shaman masters and become rogue spirits.
Street Samurai
Street Samurai are granted the ability to carry three different weapons into combat and specialise in both ranged skills, like headshot and snapshot, and melee combat, with the ability to slash, stab and cleave.
Street Samurai also see a threat assessment overlay of the environment that notes important pieces of data.
Customisation
Characters are heavily customisable. Not only can you select your archetype, you can also choice your character's sex, their race (options which include human, dwarf, elf, orks and trolls), and their skin colour.
Before each mission you are also able to select appropriate attire for your character.
Missions
Missions (aka "Runs") in Shadowrun Returns can require interaction with all four realities simultaneously (the Physical, the Digital, the Mystic, and the Astral realities), requiring you to use information learned from each character’s perspective to coordinate and get the job done.
Level Editor
Both Windows PC and Mac versions of the game will include a level editor. It is the same level editor used by the developers to create the game, allowing users to construct their own environments and original scenarios. In effect, it allows players to create their own Shadowrun stories,
Character spawn locations, NPC travel paths, triggers, buildings and much more can all be edited.
User created content can also be uploaded and shared with the wider community.
