The first game to support Microsoft’s “Games for Windows – Live” thrust has hit store shelves in the form of Shadowrun, a multiplayer first-person shooter developed by FASA Studio that combines magic and modern weaponry with strategy and real-time action. Shadowrun is available for both Xbox 360 and Windows Vista, and enables cross-platform multiplayer gaming with folks who have Gold accounts on either Xbox Live or Games for Windows – Live. We doubt the game will settle any debates on which is the better gaming platform (console versus PC), but at least no adherents of both camps will be able to shoot it out amongst themselves.
In Shadowrun, players take on the role of a human, elf, dwarf, or troll in a futuristic version of Santos, Brazil…and, of course, its nearby ancient Ziggurat. The first-person shooter includes nine unique maps, three map variations, and six training chapters which lets players get their own mix of high-tech, mystical mumbo-jumbo, and modern firepower worked out by taking out AI opponents. Once they’re up and running, players can take on AI bots at for levels of difficulty on every map and in every game type, or go online to challenge other Shadowrun players—and, of course, talk trash.
Shadowrun is available today at North American retailers at a suggested price of $49.99 for the Windows Vista edition, and $59.99 for the Xbox 360 edition. A downloadable Xbox 360 demo will hit the Xbox Live Marketplace June 6. Shadowrun is rated “M” for Mature by the ESRB.
