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Shadowrun emerges in June

Xbox 360, Vista game debuts competitive play between platforms; Gold Live membership required for cross-platform play.

One of the more interesting features debuting later this year is the ability for Vista and Xbox 360 gamers to play online multiplayer sessions together. The first to allow them to do that is Shadowrun, a new first-person shooter from FASA Studio.

Elves have trigger fingers.

Elves have trigger fingers.

Today, Microsoft finally revealed when geeks can settle the age-old "keyboard and mouse or controller" debate. Both the Vista and Xbox 360 versions of Shadowrun will be available in June. Microsoft did not specify when in June Shadowrun would be released.

Online sessions will support up to 16 players, but for Vista owners to play against Xbox 360 gamers, they'll need a Gold-level Games for Windows - Live membership; PC-to-PC online play will be included in the Silver membership. As is the case with all Xbox 360 games, a Gold Xbox Live subscription is required to play multiplayer matches online.

The FPS is based on the Shadowrun universe, which first came to life in the world of pen-and-paper games. The game features various classes, each armed with weapons and magical abilities, such as teleportation.

For more on Games for Windows - Live, read coverage of today's announcement. For more on Shadowrun, read GameSpot's Shadowrun.

104 Comments

  • iggygeneva

    Posted Aug 27, 2009 9:10 am GMT

    I still play this game on PC and I still own those gamepad kiddies

    auto-aim was added to PC, it's more balanced now then at launch

  • darkscorcher

    Posted May 30, 2007 10:28 pm GMT

    again, they compeletely leave out that the xbox 360 version has auto aim. while the pc version doesnt.

  • axia_777

    Posted Mar 15, 2007 10:37 am GMT

    Absolutezerr, RMGreen says here that a ShadowRun MMO may be in the works:

    ---"Just an FYI, there IS a ShadowRun MMO RPG in the works: http://shadowrun-online.com/sro/ It's currently relatively early in development, so don't expect it for another year or two at least.

    People I've talked to in the beta for the FPS ShadowRun have had pretty positive opinions. Seems like it will be a pretty fun game."---

    So a FPS and an MMO(maybe). That sucks rocks. FPS for ShadowRun is just dumb and an MMO is even dumber. Too many of both both types of games. I just want a single player Action RPG based in the ShadowRun world like the one on SNES, but Next Gen for 360. I don't own one now, but I would buy a 360 to get a really deep single player Action RPG ShadowRun game. But NOOOOOO, they have to make a stupid FPS out of a great RPG. LAME!!!!

  • blackace

    Posted Mar 15, 2007 9:52 am GMT

    This is a good start. We'll have to wait and see how it all pans out. It's good to see M$ take a different approach with LIVE. This has already been done with games like FFXI Online. If M$ could have this done with games like UT3, we'd be in for a real treat.

  • theKSMM

    Posted Mar 15, 2007 9:19 am GMT

    I hope that cross-platform online gaming becomes the norm in the near future. I doubt that it will, but I can hope. A game that allowed everybody to compete, whether on PC or console or even a handheld would be a dream-come-true for me.

  • GoddBless

    Posted Mar 15, 2007 8:33 am GMT

    I know there are some PC players out there who are chomping at the bit to officially lay the myth to rest that controllers can beat kb/m. I can't wait to play some PC owners to see if there is a noticeable difference. I know I'm better with a controller than w/ kb/m.

  • freerunner01

    Posted Mar 15, 2007 5:58 am GMT

    THats a mice thing Microsoft got going, I hope this catches on and most games will not only be console-PC but inter-console as well, but I doubt the latter will happen...

  • UzEE

    Posted Mar 15, 2007 2:45 am GMT

    Too bad there arent enough games to allow cross-platform play

  • watercandle

    Posted Mar 15, 2007 2:09 am GMT

    This information indicates only one thing for me: Mass Effect is on April or July.

  • TheSlanger

    Posted Mar 15, 2007 1:17 am GMT

    The game looks interesting, don't like the fact that you have to subscribe to play cross-platform though.

    And why do people keep referring to Gears of War as a First Person Shooter when the game is played from a third person perspective?

  • onlineps2player

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 11:33 pm GMT

    PC to PC gaming is free!

  • Dryker

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 10:38 pm GMT

    Definitely looking forward to this game. Will buy. I hope the RPG elements are deep. It will be interesting to see how developed the persistent character options will be. I hope the controls are tighter than they appear in the videos ( or frame rate ). I hate "frenetic" gameplay in FPS, where little characters are SPEEDING across the screen like in every Epic FPS until Gears of War.

  • ShadoDragon56

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 7:56 pm GMT

    ""If I wanted a FPS version of Shadowrun I could just make it in the UT2004 Editor & play it online now for free. This game should aleast have some RPG elements or it's not the Shadowrun fans love." ---Kiaininja

    And who is going to market your work or find it anywhere? And who has the time to go out & make their own game for free & just give it away to the world & think they will actually find a large group of people to play it? You're talking pretty big, but that's all it is. Talk. Your idea is about as useful as a hair on the butt of the Shadownrun FPS developers."

    I guess you haven't heard of modding...

    "Lastly, no one will want to upgrade to Vista just to play this game. It would be far cheaper to just buy an Xbox 360 and go that route than it will be to upgrade all your hardware, or buy a new box, just to run Vista on it. Those buying new machines right now, and inheriting Vista (so to speak), will be the only people that might be interested. I guess Mr. Softy is worried that Vista won't fly unless they can make the PC an attractive gaming machine for Xbox games. Man, this is a weird integration. It seems like Softy's Vista is going to compete against itself via the Xbox 360.

    I join the others in fearing what the kb/mouse folks can do against me in the game. Although it might not make them experts, I suppose it's simply easier to play since they didn't have to learn how to use a controller. There is a learning curve to using them you know."

    Pfft. You're looking over the ones that have a decent comp. A $160 OS (Home premium upgrade) is far cheaper than a $400 or so x360.

    Aside from the accuracy advantage of a mouse, there's also the keyboard, which has way more buttons than a controller, and they're also customizable.... If anyone wants to tell me how a controller is better, go ahead.

  • 0z0n

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 7:28 pm GMT

    But, slower than XP!
    http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/01/29/xp-vs-vista/
    "Overall, applications performed as expected, or executed slightly slower than under Windows XP."

  • malkav11

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 7:23 pm GMT

    Yes, that would be ever so bright: releasing part 3 of a storyline without ever offering the chance to play part 2. Bravo.

  • x-wing20

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 7:07 pm GMT

    actually vista is a fast os

  • 0z0n

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 6:40 pm GMT

    European release on PC in may, hmm?
    For US release will be on 1st june

    Oh, btw, Vista requires powerful PC system, but Vista it's not a gaming platform. Too many resources go for OS. Comparing Win 98 and Win XP = Win 98 much faster than XP, Win XP faster than Vista. IMHO this is advertisement of new Microsoft's operation system.

  • Somini

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 6:26 pm GMT

    MS say's that Vista is a gaming platform, but if they want to get people interested in Vista they should get Gears and Halo3 for the PC as soon as possible instead of releasing crappy games like Shadowrun and Halo2.
    (OK I really can't tell yet if Shadowrun is crappy but it absolutely won't get me to buy Vista)

  • Pete5506

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 6:20 pm GMT

    cool

  • seasponge2004

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 5:15 pm GMT

    rokkuman09
    "a mouse and keyboard setup is much more precise than a controller."

    Actually, it depends more on the person playing. I have played console and PC games, and I have always been better on consoles.

  • mumotuma_man

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 4:59 pm GMT

    Absolutezerr.... his response was to the dude a few posts down from him, stating that a shadowrun MMO was bein made.

  • beatytc1

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 4:42 pm GMT

    Like MM07 stated, this is FAR from "Just another FPS." Not only are there a multitude of magic (teleport, tree of life, resurrect, summon, etc) and tech (glider, enhanced vision, wired reflexes) to choose from, there are four different races which actually do play differently. A smart gamer looking for something different than the glut of FPS being released these days would be wise to atleast check out Shadowrun.

  • Absolutezerr

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 4:17 pm GMT

    axia_777, as far as I can see, nothing in that article even MENTIONS an MMO. What are you talking about?

  • RunnerGunner480

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 4:05 pm GMT

    smiley17O - read the damn article! You don't need to pay if you want to play with only PC people. But cross-platform play will cost you if you don't already have an Xbox Live gold account.

  • axia_777

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 3:21 pm GMT

    I don't want a FRIGGING MMO!!!! I have had it with d@mn MMO's. I LOVED the SNES ShadowRun game. It rocked for the time. I want a single player action.RPG set in ShadowRun. Fricking MMO's TO MANY ARGGGHHHHH!!! TOO MANY FPS"S AHHHHHH!! It is getting to be ridiculous. ShadowRun deserves more than some dumbed down FPS or some stupid MMO. I want a ShadowRun game as big a Final Fantasy. Now that would be AWESOME.

  • rokkuman09

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 2:55 pm GMT

    Finally it's coming out! Since I have a 360 I have Xbox Live Gold, but I mostly play on PC. So when I get this on PC I will be able to do cross platform play sweet! Personally it's not very fair though, a mouse and keyboard setup is much more precise than a controller.

  • smiley17O

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 2:05 pm GMT

    so pc pl;ayers will have to pay to play online?

  • RMGreen

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 1:57 pm GMT

    Just an FYI, there IS a ShadowRun MMORPG in the works: http://shadowrun-online.com/sro/ It's currently relatively early in development, so don't expect it for another year or two at least.

    People I've talked to in the beta for the FPS ShadowRun have had pretty positive opinions. Seems like it will be a pretty fun game.

  • LTomlinson21

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 1:57 pm GMT

    I can't wait!

  • JLCrogue

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 1:18 pm GMT

    Nevermind what I just said, because I just found out that Xbox Live subscribers won't have to pay extra for Windows Live.

  • JLCrogue

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 1:07 pm GMT

    WTF!! I'm already paying Microsoft to play on Xbox Live. Why should I pay to pwn n00bs without a mouse and keyboard!?!?!

  • Latinbro1

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 12:52 pm GMT

    so how come no one complains about having to play extra each month to play online w/ the 360?

  • MM-07

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 12:50 pm GMT

    "Tell me, how is this going to be better/different than Gears? Ghost Recon? Battlefield? ANY other FPS?" - StrikerGold

    Those games didn't have gliders, teleportation, and katanas, or trolls, dwarves, and elves, but Shadowrun does. Those things don't necessarily make the Shadowrun better, but they do make it different.

  • konradak

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 12:38 pm GMT

    You guys all yell like Shadowrun will forever now be a FPS. It's not. It's possible they are secretly planning or even working on a real RPG under the Shadowrun name. Set out a decent to good FPS to get the name out 'n the put out the RPG once people know what it is.

    Don't rule out the possibility of an RPG.

    BTW those who say PC owners will own 360 players, possibly but the developers put ALOT of time into making it as balanced as possible. Apparently there really shouldn't be much of a difference. But only time will tell.

  • StrikerGold

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 12:13 pm GMT

    How about... no. With the exception of the Shadowrun coating, its just another FPS. Whoopty-do. Had this had at least some RPG elements to it, I'd be moderately interested. But no, Its another FPS in a glutted market. Tell me, how is this going to be better/different than Gears? Ghost Recon? Battlefield? ANY other FPS? Had this been a RPG or strategy game, then you have an intriguing premise. This is just more of the same.

  • Proman84

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 12:02 pm GMT

    "Nice one Microsoft, screwing up what could have been such a great action RPG." ---axia_777

    Sadly, I agree. The world could live without another FPS (even a cross platform one). A new RPG would have been a lot better.

  • Unknown_Legend

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 11:56 am GMT

    Im going to get it for the 360, and I'm owning everyone wether or not they play with a keyboard, a mouse, or their granny's panties I don't care, I will own them all

  • MM-07

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 11:55 am GMT

    I think making this an online FPS was a smart move from a business perspective. The Shadowrun fiction seems pretty obscure; I never even heard of it until I saw this game on GS. There are probably not enough fans of the pen and paper game for a RPG to be profitable. Making it a competitive online FPS gives it more mainstream appeal. I for one have always liked FPS more than RPG, so I'm glad that's what the developers decided to make.

  • baka_baka99

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 11:37 am GMT

    I'mgetting this for 360 but I hope there is a way to filter for 360 only servers because I don't want to play against pc opponents....they will easily own up.

  • jknight5422

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 11:30 am GMT

    "Nice one Microsoft, screwing up what could have been such a great action RPG." ---axia_777

    I've yet to see any modern or futuristic RPG made for a PC or current consoles. Neverwinter Nights did have some folks working on a Modern mod, but it never went anywhere & was kind of kludgy to work with. I think the last RPGs that have been made for anything even close to modern was the Fallout series. I would've liked to have played the old SNES Shadowrun game. I had a friend trying to find an emulator for it and the game, but it hasn't turned up yet. Mass Effect may fill this looming, half-decade void, that we've had for modern/sci-fi RPGs.

    I'd say that cashing in on an existing franchise might be a good thing for FASA. Perhaps they can use the money to create other Shadowrun games in the future that are rpg-based?

  • axia_777

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 11:24 am GMT

    The messed this game all up!!!! it is an RPG Microsoft, not a FPS!!!! SO LAME!!!! Anyone here play the pencil and paper greatness that is ShadowRun? This game is great. Cyberpunk Street Samurai's fighting Orcish Mages. Nice one Microsoft, screwing up what could have been such a great action RPG.

  • FoamingPanda

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 11:04 am GMT

    Lol, thanks microsoft for completeing screwing over and commercializing one of the great aspects of online FPS games -- if you can support a server; it's a free service.

  • jknight5422

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 11:01 am GMT

    Lastly, no one will want to upgrade to Vista just to play this game. It would be far cheaper to just buy an Xbox 360 and go that route than it will be to upgrade all your hardware, or buy a new box, just to run Vista on it. Those buying new machines right now, and inheriting Vista (so to speak), will be the only people that might be interested. I guess Mr. Softy is worried that Vista won't fly unless they can make the PC an attractive gaming machine for Xbox games. Man, this is a weird integration. It seems like Softy's Vista is going to compete against itself via the Xbox 360.

    I join the others in fearing what the kb/mouse folks can do against me in the game. Although it might not make them experts, I suppose it's simply easier to play since they didn't have to learn how to use a controller. There is a learning curve to using them you know.

  • jknight5422

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 10:57 am GMT

    "If I wanted a FPS version of Shadowrun I could just make it in the UT2004 Editor & play it online now for free. This game should aleast have some RPG elements or it's not the Shadowrun fans love." ---Kiaininja

    And who is going to market your work or find it anywhere? And who has the time to go out & make their own game for free & just give it away to the world & think they will actually find a large group of people to play it? You're talking pretty big, but that's all it is. Talk. Your idea is about as useful as a hair on the butt of the Shadownrun FPS developers.

  • Rickettsz0780

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 10:57 am GMT

    i believe that pc gamers are going to dominate they have the ability to move faster with a mouse and plenty of other advantages....as cool as this is I think the the 360 is a disadvantage

  • jknight5422

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 10:55 am GMT

    "what are you talking about? You can play PC multiplayer without a paid subscription. You just can't play 360 owners." ---gothicdragon216

    Well for openers, you won' t get the large list of people to play against without gold. Someone will have to provide a server list somewhere for games that are being played, unless you have a large group of friends and only plan on playing against them on your PCs. I'd say the incentive to get that $50 a year XBLA for Shadowrun will be strong.

  • comthitnuong

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 10:44 am GMT

    I am scared to get it for the 360. I am sure PC gamers will dominate the online play.

  • ghsacidman

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 10:42 am GMT

    @Kuruption84: Your all fan boys... You have to be un-bias to avoid being called a fanboy... fanboy.

    Halo 2.... PC vs. 360... No one is going to dominate. I play both PC and 360 all the time. I'm fantastic at both the controller and the mouse. If the controller and keyboard/mouse are even.... (FASA said it is very balanced) no one is going to dominate. Plus, there are naturally good and naturally bad players at every game... People are going to win and loose regardless of they're control scheme, just like every other game, this will be no different in that aspect.

  • perfect-dank-0

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 10:41 am GMT

    If something is easier does that make it better?
    If something is less challanging is that better?
    If something makes the game unfair is that better?

    I don't get why you think mouse/keyboard is better. You probably enjoy using gamegenie and gameshark and that sort of thing. If something gives you an unfair advantage over someone else does that make the game more fun? Or perhaps it helps your self esteem to win, even if it's done in an unfair manner. Bragging about playing a game with a keyboard and mouse against people who are using controllers is like bragging about beating a game using cheats to access unlimited health, amo, etc.

  • Kuruption84

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 10:29 am GMT

    perfect-dank-0 "PEOPLE WHO USE KEYBOARD AND MOUSE JUST CAN'T WIN WITHOUT IT. THEY ARE NOOBS WHO CAN'T HANDLE PLAYING WITH A CONTROLLER."

    Why would PC gamers use an inferior control scheme if they don't Have to?

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