Shadowrun: Hong Kong (2015)

I knew nothing about the IP and was just with a depressive adhd-pi and autistic crisis.

Playing the first bunch of missions I thought it was some XCOM-esque product; but later one realized it isn't as tight or punishing gameplay wise, but more narrative-driven.

The writing surprised me (although probably taking much from the original releases). But as someone that doesn't has English as their first language, being tossed at many overly elaborate dialogue lines (and descriptive written context blend with dialogues) is really, really taxing.

It gets better on the last 2 missions because it is more fluid, with momentum and urgent, and less random.

2 big letdowns from the gameplay and RPG elements. There are points enough basically only to max one stat/branch, and only one. There is no farming/grinding.

The hit chance percentage is totally broken. The most baffling instance was with a minigun showing 91% for me to hit the foe. 14 bullets sprayed, only 3 hit.

The deck stats are really dull, because decking is no more than hacking mini-games that have little to medium importance and usage. It is sine qua non to be used only on the second to last mission (which actually is the hardest mission). So, no reason for a decking branch so detailed with multiple unlocks, draining all your points.

Whilst not really improving on Dragonfall (the previous Shadowrun game), Hong Kong still provides an enjoyable and lengthy campaign. The game is slightly lighter in tone than Dragonfall and is centred around a more colourful area of this gritty Cyberpunk world.

The story and characters are all good (gobbet in particular) and the turn based combat remains enjoyable, if not particularly strategic. The matrix has been improved visually but the added ‘stealth’ sections don’t work in this engine and are a step backwards.

For the next campaign (or full sequel) I’d like to see a graphical step up and some improvements to combat. Some voice acting would also be nice but in truth, I’d probably still play a new campaign in the same engine.

Very early in but I dig the characters and the writing so far.

But man I hate these kinds of games because it is far too easy to mis-click and then completely ruin a battle by moving out of cover or wasting a crucial turn. Basic quality of life improvement I wish existed was that move actions had an undo function.

The first game takes places in Seattle (but also other places like chicago as missions take you there) the second mostly Germany, the third Exclusively HK. I like the focus on a specific area in each game. Hong Kong was a nice setting and the backstory and mythos they put into the game. It fits well into the world of Shadowrun as well.

There are a few things that make this one the best:

Party/NPCs, definitely shine here. Not only do they feel like real people as you talk to them and develop relations, but some of them are just brilliantly conceived characters. Oh and you can make friends/recruit NPCs on missions to that help and come back in different ways. Nice touch.

Matrix: is definitely better. It's more visually enthralling and has a minigame (though i often opt to skip that minigame) I wont post a picture of it. But there is a scene in the Matrix that is incredible showing off of art. (wish there were more)

Missions: are pretty good. and some explore clever ideas and writing. Unlocking 'optional' missions is a nice touch. I thought this game had the best ideas explored in each mission, and that they felt very module like as you solve them.

I also liked the portraits the most in this one.

Many of the things could improve all these games.

Money/in game usage of items/skills/favors/karma: sometimes it feels like there just isnt much to add onto your character, or really guide the way you handle situations and you just 'go do things' Some of the cyberware really is cool, (like the arm that throws back grenades. though that is an NPC perk). It seems you can either 'do things' or 'cant do things' if you meet the basic requirement.

Combat, it doesnt change much. There arent really that many kinds of enemies. Gunner, shaman, mage, sniper, grenadier and rare supernatural entites/boss types. Combat getting interesting is more in regards to difficulty (and numbers of enemies) rather than how you go about it. Aside from longer range rifles. AOE weapons, or other special effects (the sliver gun) there arent that many tactical options to explore in Shadowrun that i've noticed. Weapon descriptions/characteristics are simple and vague. This isn't some classic XCOM TBT trilogy.

Consequences: For someone who is more or less a fugitive, criminal and has a sordid past, you dont feel much consequences. There are decisions you can make that help you later, but I dont think you can really experience the [i]consequences[/i] of your actions..