What would the community be without obsessed and eager fans huh? (thanks Carbon Filter) Developers of the Xbox 360 and GFW title, Shadowrun, officially closed its doors today making what many speculated about for months, true. I suppose we can all put to bed any dreams of future content or maps.
In a message left on the official forums for Shadowrun, Mitch Gitelman (former head of FASA Studio) had this to say:
“It is my sad duty to announce that FASA Studio has officially closed its doors. Today was the official last day of employment for those of us who had not moved on to other positions within Microsoft Game Studios.”
Speculation about the future of FASA had been going on even before the game was announced but that speculation was always denied. I suppose the weird happenings with Shadowrun’s achievement listing that Squidpunch messaged me about is less weird now. Maybe FASA Studio will emerge again as EPD Service?
What say you? Would this decision have stopped you from buying Shadowrun had you known there would be no future content support?
There’s a lot of discussion going on all over the internet about Shadowrun - the newest FPS for the Xbox 360. FASA Studio, known more recently for their work on Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge and MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf for the Xbox, has unleashed Shadowrun to what at least one of their developers deems highly unfair reviews. It received an 8.0 here at Unscripted 360, so that has to count for something!
So what’s the deal with Shadowrun and why is there so much disdain aimed at it? If it was good, why are so many reviewers trashing it? For the gamers out there that have no idea what’s going on and why it’s causing such a stir, I delve into some of the reasons as to why it’s such a hot topic.
Developer: FASA Studio
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Rating Guide: How I Review Games
Review:
Here it is. You’ve read the majority of the reviews and heard the majority of the opinions about Shadowrun, its price and its lack of a true single, offline campaign. But it’s time you read what’s really going on. This is the only Shadowrun review that you need to pay attention to!
FASA Studio had a huge burden when creating this title. Shadowrun was to be one of the first games set to tear down the walls between PC and console play as both Xbox 360 owners and PC owners would be able to battle each other in Shadowrun. That wasn’t the only obstacle FASA faced. Shadowrun has forever been a role playing experience yet they were tasked with creating that universe in a first person shooter mold.
I point out all of this to help you understand some of the factors that may have gone into Shadowrun’s lack of single campaign and its focus on multiplayer. (no I won’t mention Multiplayphobia) Being a single campaign guy, I was very frustrated knowing that my enjoyment with this game would be left to multiplayer only. But then the time came to play the game. Let’s begin.
Are you ready for this week’s PotW? I know you are and that’s why I’m giving it to you. It’s time to take the magic, tech and all the Gust action you can muster for a spin this week. There’s a Shadowrun demo available so there should be no excuses to get some time in with this game. If you’re lucky, you might win a copy of Shadowrun here on Unscripted 360. (I’ll be announcing the winner on Thursday)
Until then, those of you who own the game or have downloaded the demo, get your Shadowrun on this week and look for me on the battlefield!
Are you prepared to hide in the shadows? Ok, that was pretty cheesy but it was still a cool way to lead into Unscripted 360’s Shadowrun Giveaway. The free swag has been rampant the past few days here so why not continue with the theme. (at least for today)
Someone is going to get lucky and win the Xbox 360 version of Shadowrun so that they can mix it up with one of the first console-to-PC titles for the Xbox 360 and Games for Windows. I’m sure at least one of you has been itching to see what the fuss is about and find out for yourself if this title was worth its price. I’ve had some fun with the game and have even been spared any F-bombs when playing. Is that a result of PC gamers or have I just been lucky? Who knows but I’ve been in a few public matches and they’ve all been good.
Enough small talk Deacon. How do I win?
Fine, you hounds. You know me and the giveaways I present are always simple. I’m doing this one alongside the U360 community on the message boards. If you haven’t registered then shame on you! lol
For those who have and those of you who will, simply post a message here saying you want to hide in the shadows and I’ll pick a winner.
So you’re one of the people who weren’t selected for the beta huh? And you just so happen to be one of the people who aren’t willing to shell out $60 for the game huh? You won’t do it without trying it huh? Well, here’s your chance to try it. I’ve actually had a few fun times with Shadowrun on Xbox Live. It’s still a bit of stretch to cough up $60 for a limited title but at least now you can make a pretty educated decision on whether or not to buy it.
Head out and get your download on!
Ok. I haven’t seen much press on what happened this week for console gamers around the world. What am I talking about? Games for Windows - Live is upon us! The PC equivalent to Xbox Live is born with the release of Shadowrun and Halo 2 for Vista. Console owners will now be up against PC players via the Games for Windows - Live initiative.
Here’s a reminder of what to expect if you’re a PC gamer.
Silver Membership Features - Free
• Single gamertag
• Common gamer profile
• Common gamerscore
• Single player achievements
• Private chat via text and voice
• Common friends list and online presence
• PC only multiplayer including browsing a list of active PC games
Gold Membership Features - $49.95
• All Silver membership features
• Multiplayer matchmaking with friends
• TrueSkill™ matchmaking
• Multiplayer achievements
• Cross-platform gameplay (play games versus Xbox Live console gamers)
If you’ve signed up for GFW - Live, send me some feedback on how it is etc. I want to know.
Here’s some video footage of the GSB Road Tour event from Dallas and a fancy photo of me shredding guitar in Guitar Hero 2. (that’s me on the right) I had my rocker shirt on that day. It totally fit the part. Thanks for the photo Chris! Pay no attention to my Ricky Bobby speak during the GH2 footage. “You’re about to witness destruction here.” “Winning’s what I do.” “It is an alien guitar.” lol
Check out the video footage below.
I know many of you have been wondering what’s next after the Halo 3 Multiplayer Beta? What can Xbox 360 owners look forward to playing as the wait for September 25th begins? Here’s my rundown of titles that you can look forward to and some that you can head out to play right now (or again).
Forza Motorsport 2 - May 29
Racing fans around the globe have been eagerly anticipating the release of this sequel. It’s the Xbox 360’s premiere simulation racer so you know the goodies are packed within. Try playing it with the 360 wireless wheel for maximum experience.
Shadowrun PC/Xbox 360 - May 29
Hey you asked for something to do while you wait and this is a very viable option. If only for the PC to Xbox 360 play, Shadowrun is worth a test drive. The multiplayer has as good a chance as any game to be great especially considering it’s the only option available.
The time has come to put an end to the console and PC boundary. Whether or not you all are prepared for that matters not because the first cross-platform title for the Xbox 360 and PC is now golden! I’m not sure what to say personally given the severe case of Multiplayphobia in this game but hey, it’s coming.
Gaming communities on Xbox 360 and Windows Vista will come together for the first time over Xbox LIVE and Games For Windows – LIVE, when “Shadowrun” teleports to retailers May 29. From renowned developer FASA Studio, ”Shadowrun” incorporates ancient magic and advanced technology into strategic and clever teambased gameplay for an unparalled combat experience.
Screenshots: Shadowrun
“Shadowrun” is optimized for a multiplayer online experience – which requires an Xbox LIVE Gold account on Xbox 360 or Silver account on Games for Windows – LIVE. The game will ship with nine unique maps and an additional three map variations, showcasing dynamic environments set in a futuristic Santos, Brazil, and its neighboring, ancient Ziggurat. Humans, elves, dwarves and trolls, can pick up “Shadowrun” for the estimated retail price of $59.99 for Xbox 360 and $49.99 for Windows Vista.
