Shadowrun Chronicles: Boston Lockdown is the perfect depiction of what a true pen-and-paper D&D game is like on PC. It provides online-based gameplay with the option to play solo with the help of NPC mercenaries that can join your party. Just like the classic pen-and-paper game, Shadowrun shines the most when playing cooperatively online with other gamers (i.e. Runners).
Every mission can be played cooperatively or solo as stated above with no pressure to play with other players. Even though playing cooperatively adds a new dimension to Shadowrun Chronicles’ gameplay, it’s the ‘tabletop’ feel the game provides that is undeniably enjoyable.
Boston Lockdown is story-based, and each mission you ‘run’ comes with a deep, enriched storyline that outlines everything in tremendous detail. From the beginning, you will notice that Boston Lockdown resembles the classic pen-and-paper experience, allowing you to select from a handful of pre-selected character types and metatypes. The beauty of Shadowrun Chronicles is that you’re not defined by the type of character class you select.
For example, just because you focus on hacking doesn’t necessarily mean you cannot be a Rigger or even a Spellcaster. The game provides a non-linear experience that allows you to customize your character in every possible way. This is what makes the online aspect so interesting; you are never going to encounter another player with the exact same build.
There are 11 different skill fields where you can spend your Karma points. These categories include pistols, shotguns, automatics, blades, blunt, spell casting, summoning, hacking, rigging and even mind and body. You are in no way restricted to any one of these categories; you have the ability to spend your Karma points in as little or as many categories as you see fit. This is what sets Boston Lockdown apart from other role-playing games – the nonlinear, character customization feature.
The game starts you with 8 Karma credits for building your character; you can use them any way you see fit. Karma in the world of Shadowrun is like skill points in World of Warcraft; it is gained by simply leveling up and running missions.
Thanks to Boston Lockdown’s constant connection to the internet, finding other players (i.e. Runners) is as simple as talking in the Chat Channel that is located in the lower left-hand corner of the screen. The truly remarkable part is that character levels are not an issue when grouping. This means a level capped character can still assist a low level character in any mission, regardless of their skill set or equipment.
This makes finding a group very easy and hassle-free. Unlike other games that restrict you based on level, Boston Lockdown removes this barrier and provides a more enjoyable experience. Boston Lockdown’s online community is teeming with active players just waiting to join your party. Plus, if you happen to die during a ‘run’, you don’t lose any items, money or experience. And anything collected during the run still remains in your inventory. It’s a hassle-free experience that really adds to the game’s overall appeal.
Cliffhanger Productions has done a fantastic job of updating and patching Shadowrun Chronicles: Boston Lockdown since its release. A steady flow of content has been flowing since day one, making Boston Lockdown a must-have for any RPG gamer.
James ‘Daripp3r’ Pittaro
Platform: PC
System Requirements:
Minimum:
OS: Windows 7/Windows 8.1
Processor: 2.0+ GHz or better
Memory: 2 GB RAM
Graphics: 1024 MB NVidia or ATI graphics card
Network: Broadband Internet connection
Hard Drive: 3 GB available space
Additional Notes: Requires internet connection to play
Developer: Cliffhanger Productions
Publisher: Cliffhanger Productions
ESRB: N/A
Price: $29.99
Cliffhanger Production’s Website:
http://www.cliffhanger-productions.com/#cliffhanger
| Review Score | |
|---|---|
| Graphics |  |
| The dark, foreboding atmosphere of the environments make you feel like you’re in a science fiction movie. | |
| Sound | |
| The heavy, bass-filled techno music is killer. | |
| Gameplay | |
| Boston Lockdown’s turn-based combat system is phenomenal, replete with destructible environments. | |
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| Shadowrun Chronicles: Boston Lockdown provides the most authentic pen-and-paper D&D experience ever seen in a PC role-playing game. | |
