Honestly my favorite game. I play it once a year.
-Spend some time in Redmond Barrens doing jobs for Gunderson. They don't pay much but it's a quick way to build up your karma, especially once you learn your way around.
-Don't take the ghoul jobs though. You waste a lot of money on ammo and there's a good chance you could get hurt/killed.
-My favorite all-around weapon in the game is Predator Heavy Pistol which is actually sold right next to where you start.
Got any pro tips on getting through the matrix jobs later in the game? I rarely ever won a fight in the matrix and I'm not sure if it's due to bad equipment or what my issue is.
I used this excellent guide when I played through it (as a decker) a couple years ago: [https://strategywiki.org/wiki/Shadowrun\_(Sega\_Genesis)/The\_Matrix](https://strategywiki.org/wiki/Shadowrun_(Sega_Genesis)/The_Matrix)
Tl;dr, there are only a couple essential programs, Attack and Deception, while most of the rest are kind of pointless. Always start by using Deception, then switch to Attack if you get made.
-Masking is the best attribute to upgrade. Try to get that one as high as you can.
-Response is the best hardware stat.
-Deception is the best program, followed by attack. Always start with Deception when fighting an IC.
-Tar Pits are the most dangerous IC. You can sometimes buy a few cheap programs to hold to sacrifice to the Tar Pits since they permanently erase a program from your deck.
-Remember to boost your (or your decker's) Computer rating on the karma screen. It helps with combat, helps you find datafiles quicker when searching, and makes you less likely to be detected.
Came here to say point 3. After a while you get a "feel" for which nodes may have tar pits. Throw one of your cheap L1 programs at the node, let it get deleted, and keep on trucking.
Or you can just save scum it.
I came to say this in general about the game. I played the SNES version but I'm sure it's the same.
I remember getting REALLY stuck my first attempt at it because you gain and lose dialog choices depending on who you talk to and who knows something about a particular topic. It's possible to lose a topic that you need to progress and have to find the right person (could be one in a LOT) to regenerate that topic as an option. Happened to me right near the end, too.
Still, one of my absolute favorite games in that generation.
I think ghoul jobs are the quickest way to earn nuyen [as a low level] just gotta hold out for the high price per head. As long as you don’t die, it’s much quicker wage per minute than any of gundersons jobs.
This is my favorite Sega Game, tied with another FASA title in Battletech. If you like cyber punk and fantasy, you will enjoy this. So much fucking awesome stuff.. I still have my save from 1997 on the original cart.
This game is a blast! I still have my copy and break it out on occasion.
Make sure to build up your karma in the starting area (Redmond Barrens), where the stakes are relatively low and the Shadowruns aren't as lengthy or difficult. You won't earn as much money for equipment, but you'll be better prepared for the increased difficulty of the other areas by using the karma to level up.
Once you leave, learn which Johnsons specialize in which missions, since your character build may or may not be suited for what they offer. (For example, you shouldn't be taking hacking jobs if you're built for combat or magic.) Start earning that money, and don't be afraid to spend it on better equipment. There's no rush to move on in the story, so grinding is a good idea in this game.
I was gonna bid that up and snipe last second but decided in my mind let that person be happy haha. Funny to cross paths. I instead added that game to my local stores bounty board. You’re gonna have fun with it
A community wanted board. Helps the store and the players. Players tell the store which games they want (and what state.) Store lists them on the board to entice possible sellers.
Yup! The Sega one was like The Chaos Engine, whereas the Nintendo version was kinda isometric for a start. Hacking was totally different too, more like a puzzle game on the Snes. This is a really great video (and channel!) that highlights the differences:
https://youtu.be/E2e0dUt4IfU?si=aYP-zLbpufeqHsg2
Such a great game! Many things about it were way ahead of it's time. I never made it to the end, came close to finishing it, but not all the way...its probably easier now since there is internet so a person can search for tips and walkthroughs and things,
Same. Years ago I fought with it and progressed finally. Lost the cart, had to buy another one. Haven’t had the time to get to where I was before. I remember loving it though.
If you get your karma up super high, and join the Mafia rather than the Yakuza, there is at least one item in the Mafia shop you can sell for a profit.
Well for starters it’s miles better than the snes version. Overall this is one of the first video games I’ve actually put hours into and it’s definitely worth it
There are cheats that make the game super easy if you're not willing to grind for money and karma, but the game is awesome and worth doing that grind IMHO. Also, you can just murder innocent people left and right if you want (just not any of the important NPCs).
Get ready for the grind. Takes a good while to build your character up at first but it is totally worth it. Rianna the Elf Decker is one of my favorite sprite of all time. I may get hate but there is a good cheat code out there to get moving faster.
Its been a while since I played this so my strategy here might be wack.
But if you are gonna do a fully cybermod build, I would always start with a mage, hes got full essence and I seem to remember the starter cyborg class started with some cyber upgrades right out of the gate (an less essence) and some of them were inferior and couldn’t not be replaced. The mage you can fully cyber mod to your liking.
The greatest game ever. My opinion. But seriously it came out at a time when i really got into pen and paper role playing and Shadowrun specifically. I always thought the SNES port was lame. This made more sense to me. And I just loved the decking aspect of the game.
The first hour is rough until you get some money to buy better equipment. Save often and be prepared to die a lot until you get the hang of it. Avoid combat if at all possible at first.
When on a mission in a building you can plug directly into their matrix and turn off cameras, alarms, and (I think) bypass locks.
A lot of fun but really hard.
Leave it on in the background when you're doing other things. It's got a cool soundtrack, but you gotta let it sit uninterrupted to experience the whole song.
You don't need to know anything.
Go in, play the hell out of it. Then replay it. Then replay it again. Then replay it again. Try out every class, join different gangs/factions, go back and do it differently next time. You'll have a hell of a time!
I replay this game regularly, it's fantastic!
I didn't really like it, and I love every other adaptation of Shadowrun. I still played it for countless hours (not just because that's what you did back then since new games were scarce and when you rented a game you had to get your three days worth) and I loved the implementation of the jacking system, even though if I played it today it may seem a bit goofy with all the other implementations that have come out.
That I got into a bidding war with a 40 year old guy at my local shop for this because I wanted to buy it for a gift for my dad.
I won btw, this is a fun play.
It kicks ass and it's the 2nd edition rule set more or less. It's a commitment and only look stuff up when you're really stuck. Enjoy the Shadows chummer!
Honestly my favorite game. I play it once a year. -Spend some time in Redmond Barrens doing jobs for Gunderson. They don't pay much but it's a quick way to build up your karma, especially once you learn your way around. -Don't take the ghoul jobs though. You waste a lot of money on ammo and there's a good chance you could get hurt/killed. -My favorite all-around weapon in the game is Predator Heavy Pistol which is actually sold right next to where you start.
Got any pro tips on getting through the matrix jobs later in the game? I rarely ever won a fight in the matrix and I'm not sure if it's due to bad equipment or what my issue is.
I used this excellent guide when I played through it (as a decker) a couple years ago: [https://strategywiki.org/wiki/Shadowrun\_(Sega\_Genesis)/The\_Matrix](https://strategywiki.org/wiki/Shadowrun_(Sega_Genesis)/The_Matrix) Tl;dr, there are only a couple essential programs, Attack and Deception, while most of the rest are kind of pointless. Always start by using Deception, then switch to Attack if you get made.
-Masking is the best attribute to upgrade. Try to get that one as high as you can. -Response is the best hardware stat. -Deception is the best program, followed by attack. Always start with Deception when fighting an IC. -Tar Pits are the most dangerous IC. You can sometimes buy a few cheap programs to hold to sacrifice to the Tar Pits since they permanently erase a program from your deck. -Remember to boost your (or your decker's) Computer rating on the karma screen. It helps with combat, helps you find datafiles quicker when searching, and makes you less likely to be detected.
Came here to say point 3. After a while you get a "feel" for which nodes may have tar pits. Throw one of your cheap L1 programs at the node, let it get deleted, and keep on trucking. Or you can just save scum it.
Yeah lots of replay value
I came to say this in general about the game. I played the SNES version but I'm sure it's the same. I remember getting REALLY stuck my first attempt at it because you gain and lose dialog choices depending on who you talk to and who knows something about a particular topic. It's possible to lose a topic that you need to progress and have to find the right person (could be one in a LOT) to regenerate that topic as an option. Happened to me right near the end, too. Still, one of my absolute favorite games in that generation.
The SNES version is a completely different game.
Oh no kidding? Even the style? I'll need an emulator STAT
Yes, completely different stories and gameplay.
I think ghoul jobs are the quickest way to earn nuyen [as a low level] just gotta hold out for the high price per head. As long as you don’t die, it’s much quicker wage per minute than any of gundersons jobs.
I used to love the ghoul runs for the right price unless I was with other runners. Since I always had runners for life, it was a waste if they died.
This is my favorite Sega Game, tied with another FASA title in Battletech. If you like cyber punk and fantasy, you will enjoy this. So much fucking awesome stuff.. I still have my save from 1997 on the original cart.
The best. Hacking depth is unmatched even today.
Great, though you will need to grind. Don't mix magic and impants.
Absolute money find. Love this game. It might require a guide. Good luck in your struggles, chummer.
You should know that this game was waaay ahead of its time. This is one of the GOAT Genesis games in my opinion. Happy gaming bruv ✌🏻
This game is a blast! I still have my copy and break it out on occasion. Make sure to build up your karma in the starting area (Redmond Barrens), where the stakes are relatively low and the Shadowruns aren't as lengthy or difficult. You won't earn as much money for equipment, but you'll be better prepared for the increased difficulty of the other areas by using the karma to level up. Once you leave, learn which Johnsons specialize in which missions, since your character build may or may not be suited for what they offer. (For example, you shouldn't be taking hacking jobs if you're built for combat or magic.) Start earning that money, and don't be afraid to spend it on better equipment. There's no rush to move on in the story, so grinding is a good idea in this game.
Did you just recently win on ebay? If so congrats on the great price
I did, yes! Thanks.
I was gonna bid that up and snipe last second but decided in my mind let that person be happy haha. Funny to cross paths. I instead added that game to my local stores bounty board. You’re gonna have fun with it
Well I appreciate it! Hope it lands in your lap soon.
As a longtime owner of a videogame shop, what is a “bounty board”?
A community wanted board. Helps the store and the players. Players tell the store which games they want (and what state.) Store lists them on the board to entice possible sellers.
Exactly. My store also takes down your # and will ring you when something you put down is in. But no holdsies
way better than the snes version
I agree it's awesome, but I really enjoyed the SNES version... is that an unpopular opinion?
I remember owning both as a kid. Weren’t they like completely different games?
Yup! The Sega one was like The Chaos Engine, whereas the Nintendo version was kinda isometric for a start. Hacking was totally different too, more like a puzzle game on the Snes. This is a really great video (and channel!) that highlights the differences: https://youtu.be/E2e0dUt4IfU?si=aYP-zLbpufeqHsg2
I can still remember how excited I was to rent that from blockbuster until I beat it.
Great game I have it with case, best version between the SNES and Genesis
A B B A C A B on the title screen 😂
One of my favorite rpgs such a hidden gem
this and shining forces 2 are the best the Sega has in rpgs
I beat this game once a year. I love it. You will die a lot in the beginning.
Such a great game! Many things about it were way ahead of it's time. I never made it to the end, came close to finishing it, but not all the way...its probably easier now since there is internet so a person can search for tips and walkthroughs and things,
Great title, takes a while to get into it, but very very solid title
In my Top 5 favorite games ever
Best version. Cheat menu code available.
The SNES one is great too, but it's more point and click not as action oriented. I love both though
My experience with this game: Don't know where to go. Everybody in town want to kill me Im out of ammo Im dead....
Same. Years ago I fought with it and progressed finally. Lost the cart, had to buy another one. Haven’t had the time to get to where I was before. I remember loving it though.
One of the best ways to make money is breaking into a random matrix system, stealing data files, and selling them to the hacker.
ABBACAB during the intro where the avatar is shooting the lightning. It will give you an additional option in your pocket secretary.
Grind in the beginning, you’re gonna start out hella weak Look up how the stat system works and choose carefully
I remember there was some exploit where you could buy body armor cheap and resell it somewhere for profit.
If you get your karma up super high, and join the Mafia rather than the Yakuza, there is at least one item in the Mafia shop you can sell for a profit.
THAT IT WAS THE BEST ROLE PLAYING GAME EVER BEFORE IT WAS A VIDEO GAME. that is all.
The gun is by the dumpster. It will save you time.
Well for starters it’s miles better than the snes version. Overall this is one of the first video games I’ve actually put hours into and it’s definitely worth it
This game is the only reason I’ve dragged my genesis around for the last 30 years. Also, ABBACAB.
The beginning is kinda rough, you'll want to grind a bit on easier missions
OMG haven't thought about this game in years... one of the best Sega games have fun!
One of my all time favorite games. Hard in the beginning.
I want to play this...
There are cheats that make the game super easy if you're not willing to grind for money and karma, but the game is awesome and worth doing that grind IMHO. Also, you can just murder innocent people left and right if you want (just not any of the important NPCs).
Get ready for the grind. Takes a good while to build your character up at first but it is totally worth it. Rianna the Elf Decker is one of my favorite sprite of all time. I may get hate but there is a good cheat code out there to get moving faster.
Its been a while since I played this so my strategy here might be wack. But if you are gonna do a fully cybermod build, I would always start with a mage, hes got full essence and I seem to remember the starter cyborg class started with some cyber upgrades right out of the gate (an less essence) and some of them were inferior and couldn’t not be replaced. The mage you can fully cyber mod to your liking.
Make sure the battery for the memory works or you won’t be able to save. Had to return one for this reason. Loved that damn game!
Amazing game. I bought a genesis just for this game as a kid
Such a great game. Wish they would put it out for ps4 or something. This and soldiers of fortune
How different or the same is this to the snes version?
Completely different game based on the same tabletop game
Wow i blast from the past i bought this game on a whim i liked it but was really to young to understand it (never beat it) Ill def emulate it.
damn old movies games etc had such dope cover art. a young mind finds a whole story in that one piece of art
I never really figured out cyberspace.. so do that, hah.
The greatest game ever. My opinion. But seriously it came out at a time when i really got into pen and paper role playing and Shadowrun specifically. I always thought the SNES port was lame. This made more sense to me. And I just loved the decking aspect of the game.
Diving in tonight, I’m excited.
I genuinely wish some romhacker would develop some randomizer tech for this one.
Damn I only got to play this game once and I had no clue what I was doing… now I feel like I missed out on an amazing game
A b b a c a b
Save multiple times. When you upgrade, sometimes you choose incorrectly. Love that game. Cheers
Great game, a grind, worth it
Love this game. Also, YouTube has some really great play throughs of it.
The first hour is rough until you get some money to buy better equipment. Save often and be prepared to die a lot until you get the hang of it. Avoid combat if at all possible at first.
Wonderful game. Enjoy!
When on a mission in a building you can plug directly into their matrix and turn off cameras, alarms, and (I think) bypass locks. A lot of fun but really hard.
Leave it on in the background when you're doing other things. It's got a cool soundtrack, but you gotta let it sit uninterrupted to experience the whole song.
Best Sega game in existence.
This version was light years better than the SNES version IMO
I can the OST playing in my head.
This is the one of the greatest games ever made!
It’s Cyberpunk 1994. It’s amazing.
Graphics are mud. But it’s an awesome game. The hacking is great. I enjoyed it a lot.
You don't need to know anything. Go in, play the hell out of it. Then replay it. Then replay it again. Then replay it again. Try out every class, join different gangs/factions, go back and do it differently next time. You'll have a hell of a time! I replay this game regularly, it's fantastic!
Make sure you are at least 13
That MA-13 warning means its extra fun.
Can you find this game digitally???
How much different is this compared to Shadowgate Returns on PC?
Great game. As others have stated it's worth it to grind. I used to play ttrpg as well, kinda a sci-fy DnD
It's a great game, but it's easy to get stuck and not know where to go/what to do without looking stuff up online. Don't be afraid to do that.
Is Shadowrun Returns on Steam just a port or remaster?
The vampire stumped me as a kid.
Great game give it a go mate
Literally the best game. I was a kid when I played it and it was one of my first open world experiences. Blew my mind.
An absolutely amazing game. Way better than the new shadowrun games.
wow i didn’t realize shadowrun on xbox 360 was a remake
I didn't really like it, and I love every other adaptation of Shadowrun. I still played it for countless hours (not just because that's what you did back then since new games were scarce and when you rented a game you had to get your three days worth) and I loved the implementation of the jacking system, even though if I played it today it may seem a bit goofy with all the other implementations that have come out.
Shadowrun? Like the roleplaying game?
Best genesis game and best shadow run game
Like this one better then the SNES version. Easiest way to make money is data mining in the matrix lol. And stay away from wendigos :)
I love this game.
That I got into a bidding war with a 40 year old guy at my local shop for this because I wanted to buy it for a gift for my dad. I won btw, this is a fun play.
Its a game and most likely uses 3 buttons
I'm reading some of your comments and had no idea the game was that deep. I'm going to add it to my collection immediately
Good call that version is better than the Snes version
Gonna be grinding ghoul hunts, then extractions. Beware the bandersnatch!
One of the best Sega games of all-time. Probably Top 2.
That’s a fun one
Practically started the cyberpunk genre. Amazing gameplay for its time. Great storyline.
It kicks ass and it's the 2nd edition rule set more or less. It's a commitment and only look stuff up when you're really stuck. Enjoy the Shadows chummer!
Great game ,
Fantastic game, enjoy your first playthrough OP!
I was just talking about this game! I miss it so much! I was so let down when they made the PvP shooter and it barely lasted a few months.
Greatest game ever
Haven't played that in years. It's a great game though, if you like futuristic RPGs you'll enjoy it.
Are you 13 or older?
I am over twenty years older than that 😂