Shadowrun Chronicles: Boston Lockdown

 PC
User Score
7.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 54 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 54
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 54
  3. Negative: 12 out of 54

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  1. zombiechan
    May 11, 2015
    7
    Enjoyable game. I am a fan of the Shadowrun universe, so I had to pick this one up. I already own plenty of other Shadowrun games that give me the single player rpg, I now want something to play with my friends online, and this game delivers.

    It has a few issues here and there and I do think $40 is pretty expensive for the game, but I'm enjoying none the less. Hopefully the developers    Enjoyable game. I am a fan of the Shadowrun universe, so I had to pick this one up. I already own plenty of other Shadowrun games that give me the single player rpg, I now want something to play with my friends online, and this game delivers.

    It has a few issues here and there and I do think $40 is pretty expensive for the game, but I'm enjoying none the less. Hopefully the developers plan to add more to the game like the matrix and other skills to go with it.    … Expand
  2. orog218
    May 15, 2015
    3
    I backed SRC for 1000 on Kickstarter when what they planned was a very different game. When they were in alpha the game was so brutal it was unplayable for me for several months of the over 2 years of development time for this game. Eventually they came out with a beta where it seemed they were trying to keep their promises of fun character creation and the ability to not be locked intoI backed SRC for 1000 on Kickstarter when what they planned was a very different game. When they were in alpha the game was so brutal it was unplayable for me for several months of the over 2 years of development time for this game. Eventually they came out with a beta where it seemed they were trying to keep their promises of fun character creation and the ability to not be locked into choices to be able to play anyway you wanted and experiment with everything. A month before release they removed it because reasons. Its not that they didn't have a winning formula they just did not like letting you play the game the way you wanted to. Then their was the lag that required server restarts all the time. They haven't fixed that completely but ti is much better, With the last update they decided to for the most part remove your ability to gain Karma because players who beat the game could not play the game without playing coop and still cant, which increased coop play and the ability to find groups, but without real Karma the gain the Devs kicked the player base in the balls once to often. Without reward their Iis no reason to play coop anymore to grind 1-3 karma for skills that keep costing more and currently cap at 26 Karma ie tier 10 which only works if you have that weapon equipped if its a passive ability. They've padded the game to such extent that the grind is too brutal again. These devs obviously do not know what makes a successful shadowrun game fun for players. They know they can do anything they want they have my money and have reneged on their promises which you can see on kickstarter , unfortunately their actions are ruining the game they created and killing the online component which is necessary for the mid to high level missions, npcs wont cut it in high level solo play.... So until they release more storyline content their is no reason to play this game anymore. You just cant trust their decision making ability.… Expand
  3. Wizard1200
    May 31, 2015
    6
    The progress of Shadowrun Chronicles during the early access was great and it could be an amazing game with an interesting character development and challenging turn based combat, but Cliffhanger Productions released the game too early. This results in unbalanced skill trees and unpolished content.
  4. SmileyCyrus
    May 2, 2015
    5
    Right now, I have to say that I would not buy the game. Now granted I am a hopeful backer, so I am still playing and trying to influence development and changes in the game for the better. I feel no real depth or connection to my character in the game.

    The game is a very simple move and attack game. It IS fun to a degree to play with others, especially when someone flubs and makes a    Right now, I have to say that I would not buy the game. Now granted I am a hopeful backer, so I am still playing and trying to influence development and changes in the game for the better. I feel no real depth or connection to my character in the game.

    The game is a very simple move and attack game. It IS fun to a degree to play with others, especially when someone flubs and makes a mistake.

    Since launch there has been game breaking lag in the game and multiple updates have not been able to fix it. I have to say they pushed for a release date, yet we are honestly at this point paying to beta the game..

    The devs do communicate with the community VERY, VERY well. They really seem eager to get things on track. And I for one have faith.

    That being said, I unlike others, do not rate on hopes, dreams, and promise but on actuality. If I did, I could easily give this game a 7.5+.    … Expand
  5. Lazerus101
    May 31, 2015
    4
    Backed this game on kickstarter as a fan of Shadowrun. The game that was originally promised is a far cry from what now exists. The dev team had some serious hiccups along the way and the game has been the victim.

    From the start you create your character. Let me say the diversity on offer is pretty weak. Those familiar with the setting will recognise the metatypes on offer but they make    Backed this game on kickstarter as a fan of Shadowrun. The game that was originally promised is a far cry from what now exists. The dev team had some serious hiccups along the way and the game has been the victim.

    From the start you create your character. Let me say the diversity on offer is pretty weak. Those familiar with the setting will recognise the metatypes on offer but they make very little difference to your character barring a few stat ups and downs. What Cliffhanger have created rather than a vibrant array of characters is a "Choose your own brown simulator" all classes feel the same whether you are slinging spells or firing a gun it all feels the same.
    For experienced tabletop Shadowrun players those of you that love the build up to a job, the meat and potatoes of what makes the universe immersive and interesting, you will be sorely disappointed. There is nothing in the way of legwork, no stealth options, no casing. You go in; shoot, punch or blast anyone that gets in your way and that's about it.
    Voice acting is emotionless and inconsistent. Character advancement is a boring affair with linear trees and little variety.

    The mission variety is lacklustre and you will be grinding the same missions over and over to get the required XP to level up your (as previous mentioned, boring) skill trees.

    Server problems and lag have been an issue from the start.

    You may see a lot of positive reviews crop up, let it be known that Cliffhanger has filed for bankruptcy and their team has put out a request to fanboys to "Go out and recruit anyone you can to support us"

    I am of the personal belief that there are a lot of people here defending mediocrity simply because they have dropped a not insignificant amount of money on it and hate the idea that they may have bought a lemon.

    Suffice to say chummers, give this one a wide berth. If you haven't bought Shadowrun Returns, or Dragonfall yet I highly recommend you try them.    … Expand
  6. MetaviraVet
    Jul 24, 2014
    8
    Still early access (so a lot of features are still missing, or not finished), but shows great promise. Combat is similar to Shadowrun Returns, but faster-paced and with more different skills. Can't wait to see proper character creation, and more guns - once they add co-op this will be great fun!
  7. fumbel
    Apr 28, 2015
    8
    Played several weeks in Early Access. Now the game has launched. If you like a good tactical and turnbased stuff, you can crab this one easily. If you like the Shadowrun Setting.. go ahead. The runs are very interesting and the storyline will unfold slowly. You can also play in co-op with up to 4 buddies. This is the real tabletop feeling with firiend. Nicely done!
  8. Battleunit
    May 9, 2015
    0
    (1) This is not a Shadowrun MMO. It is a turn based linear combat game with a Shadowrun skin.
    (2) The game is linear - there is no way off the treadmill, and the treadmill can be exciting but it can also be puzzling.
    (3) Characters are soft shooters, no reason to love you character. (4) Lag and login problems make the game unplayable at many cases. Lag is not solved except on    (1) This is not a Shadowrun MMO. It is a turn based linear combat game with a Shadowrun skin.
    (2) The game is linear - there is no way off the treadmill, and the treadmill can be exciting but it can also be puzzling.
    (3) Characters are soft shooters, no reason to love you character.
    (4) Lag and login problems make the game unplayable at many cases.

    Lag is not solved except on Developer's thread. Deserves a 4, I have to give it a 0 to counteract 10s given without logical merit.    … Expand
  9. Checksum
    May 15, 2015
    2
    First off, a buggy release with a developer team working very hard and professionally to fix things. Second, do not expect a great game experience, here is why:

    You will get a limited character skill set, a limited story line that is completely linear (and woe to you if one proves impossible to complete, because you are done), and a world experience that consists of five or six vendors    First off, a buggy release with a developer team working very hard and professionally to fix things. Second, do not expect a great game experience, here is why:

    You will get a limited character skill set, a limited story line that is completely linear (and woe to you if one proves impossible to complete, because you are done), and a world experience that consists of five or six vendors and four quest givers.

    The online feature allows you to group but since it is unlikely your group members will be able to stay logged on that long, it is more a frustration than a useful feature.

    The entire game reminds one of a noob area rather than a finished game. You get near the end (unless you have one of two builds you will not complete the series) and you think - this is it, I can now explore the world. Only there is no rest of the world. The one thing that keeps you away from this is that the final adventure is impossible - again unless you have one of two builds.

    Crashed mid game make you start to have many scenarios.

    The universe wants a Shadowrun MMO, but this is not it. It is a turn based replay of the old Microsoft Shadowrun team shooter.

    Ignore the comments by others about lag and unreliability, except for crashes that knock your modem off line and take an hour to recover from, you won;t have lag and the game started reliable, and will be again. The issue is the developers did not have the resources to make a compelling story or an interactive world. In an age of sandboxes, handing someone two grains of sand for the price of Ipanema beach and then declaring that is the nature of beta is a poor market strategy.    … Expand
  10. Aditu
    Apr 28, 2015
    9
    Simply love it!
    It totally is Shadowrun, it is fun to group with friends, setting, characters and graphics are awesome and what is really important for me when it comes to a great gaming experience:
    No gamebreaking bugs for me!
    Had some difficulties with the control of the camera, but, well if that's the only thing...
    Thumbs up!
  11. quorum
    Apr 28, 2015
    9
    Cool game, I like it. It's like XCOM, but faster and at least as difficult. The Shadowrun setting is a nice surplus to have. Also like you can add NPCs if your friends aren't online to play. It's an awesome game for casual gamers!
  12. Eldryr
    May 27, 2015
    9
    Now because they fixed the bug and perma server restart problem I can give a higher rating.
    Game is good and goes better and better. Devs are nearly 24/7 on steam, which is outstanding. I have a lot of fun grouping with friends and looking very forward to learn more about the story.
  13. Obsidianman
    Apr 28, 2015
    10
    Shadooooooooowruuuuuuuuuun :)
    Nuff said - it's Shadowrun and it feels good. Nice turn based game with a lot of charakter options. I really like the co-op mode and the feeling you get when you are on a run.
    I'm very curious what we will see ingame on new stuff now that the game is released. Not too complicated good for beginners and well balanced for people who are not that familiar with    Shadooooooooowruuuuuuuuuun :)
    Nuff said - it's Shadowrun and it feels good. Nice turn based game with a lot of charakter options. I really like the co-op mode and the feeling you get when you are on a run.
    I'm very curious what we will see ingame on new stuff now that the game is released.
    Not too complicated good for beginners and well balanced for people who are not that familiar with the Shadowrun pen & paper ruleset.    … Expand
  14. TheJayKay
    May 2, 2015
    3
    The game has some great potential but I can't give it a positive score with how bad the lag is right now. It is literally worse than anything I've ever played in terms of lag.
  15. Aldur
    Apr 28, 2015
    9
    Interesting game, a lot of possibilities, and it become even more interesting more you play... The graphics are cool, the gameplay is pretty enjoyable and the storyline is amazing, the ambience, the universe...
    Look forward this game!
  16. Arkterus
    May 1, 2015
    0
    Great setting, **** game. Lag makes it unplayable. Less overall character development choices than in Returns/Dragonfall. Voice over work is dreadful. Did I mention the lag? Camera during attacks likes to give you a face full of a random wall. Hired help can get killed during mission but can be hired next mission. Uninspired cover system. Can't even tell if a character has cover orGreat setting, **** game. Lag makes it unplayable. Less overall character development choices than in Returns/Dragonfall. Voice over work is dreadful. Did I mention the lag? Camera during attacks likes to give you a face full of a random wall. Hired help can get killed during mission but can be hired next mission. Uninspired cover system. Can't even tell if a character has cover or not unless I move them away from one spot, then mouse over the vacated spot to see the shield. Turbo-clicking to skip horri-bad dialogue causes you to move. Also, lag.

    No this isn't a beta, either. Good job, guys.    … Expand
  17. Elrath
    May 1, 2015
    8
    The game is ok to good. If you are a Shadowrun Fan it's a must have. As may have said the limited budget can be felt in it though not in a bad way just don't expect a multimillion dollar game here. It has a good principle, so far the community is very good, and most of the maps are challenging. I agree with the one critic though. Without no end game or pvp. Long term duration maybeThe game is ok to good. If you are a Shadowrun Fan it's a must have. As may have said the limited budget can be felt in it though not in a bad way just don't expect a multimillion dollar game here. It has a good principle, so far the community is very good, and most of the maps are challenging. I agree with the one critic though. Without no end game or pvp. Long term duration maybe problematic for the game though.… Expand
  18. RumblefishGames
    May 8, 2015
    10
    Full disclosure ... the game is currently an 8, but I'm giving it a 10 to balance against the people who prematurely rated it down due to lag issues.

    So, first, let me address the lag. IT HAS BEEN RESOLVED. Like many games at launch, especially from small companies, Shadowrun Chronicles (SRC) had some problems. But one week and many patches later, the game is running smoothly. So I hope    Full disclosure ... the game is currently an 8, but I'm giving it a 10 to balance against the people who prematurely rated it down due to lag issues.

    So, first, let me address the lag. IT HAS BEEN RESOLVED. Like many games at launch, especially from small companies, Shadowrun Chronicles (SRC) had some problems. But one week and many patches later, the game is running smoothly. So I hope no one who takes the time to read this will condemn the game because others have claimed it is unplayable. Reviewers who rated the game low because of lag aren't really rating the game. Those reviews are knee-jerk reactions to what was, admittedly, quite horrible lag; but to actually rate the game fairly, it would make more sense to wait until the lag is fixed and then rate the game based on its actual quality. So I would not make a purchasing decision based on anyone who rated it poorly because of lag. If you do, you will be missing out on a very fun Shadowrun experience.

    Now about the game! It is like a cross between Shadowrun Returns (SRR) and XCOM. Fans of the PNP RPG might be disappointed in the character creation process as it is not a literal translation of those rules. At this time there are no traditional PNP attributes like strength, dexterity, etc. They are reflected instead in broader categories such as Body (which encompasses health, strength, and dexterity), which is labeled as a "skill" along with traditional skills such as Blades, Pistols, Automatics, etc. As you spend karma in a skill set (I'll use Body as an example) you have to make decisions at each purchasing point whether you want to increase your health or dexterity, dexterity or accuracy, health or reaction time, etc. I'm not in love with this method, because I'm one of those who would have preferred to see a literal translation of the PNP rules. However, I understand the realities of creating a game, and I understand that compromises have to be made based on aesthetics and resource limitations. Harebrained Schemes had a significantly larger budget to make every iteration of SRR, and even Jordan Weisman (the creator of the Shadowrun IP) decided to alter their approach in making SRR because the PC game version did not need all the elements of the PNP rules to be a good game. Cliffhanger has taken a similar approach with SRC, and while it might serve as a turn-off to diehard fans of the PNP game, frankly all those differences are forgotten once you start a mission. Once inside, one's only care is completing the run, getting out alive, and collecting that sweet karma and nuyen to prepare your character for the next run.

    I have not progressed far enough to know how long the initial campaign is, but I know Cliffhanger's vision for the game is to do much more with it. The online/coop nature of it lends itself to the possibility of frequent updates, so my *hope* is that new missions will be added on a regular basis rather than using the SRR model of spending a year or more to craft an entire campaign-type story before adding new content.

    Bottom line ... if you like turn-based tactical combat that's almost identical to XCOM, this is for you. Everything else is just icing on the cake.    … Expand
  19. Chabbawouk
    Apr 29, 2015
    8
    It's a round based game where you can choose between different kind of species and "professions" with many options to individualize your own character. After a short tutorial the game and the missions become more difficult so that i had to restart some missions again and again to find the right way to solve the missions. For every completed mission you get points you can use to specializeIt's a round based game where you can choose between different kind of species and "professions" with many options to individualize your own character. After a short tutorial the game and the missions become more difficult so that i had to restart some missions again and again to find the right way to solve the missions. For every completed mission you get points you can use to specialize your character. If you become a mage or a pistoleer or.... - it's your choice. Nice game with many options to play it the way you prefer most. Thumbs up!… Expand
  20. Distope
    May 6, 2015
    9
    This game is simply a tremendous amount of fun for turn based tactical action in either singleplayer or Co-Op.

    Plays a lot like X-Com but with more emphasis on maneuver and melee rather than missile fire - but the glass cannon gameplay of high damage/high accuracy fire from units with low HP remains, creating a very tense experience that punishes bad decisions quickly. Its fully    This game is simply a tremendous amount of fun for turn based tactical action in either singleplayer or Co-Op.

    Plays a lot like X-Com but with more emphasis on maneuver and melee rather than missile fire - but the glass cannon gameplay of high damage/high accuracy fire from units with low HP remains, creating a very tense experience that punishes bad decisions quickly. Its fully optimized for Co-Op as well as a good team of 4 players can bang out turns in 30 seconds, making a turn based game actually fast paced.

    Just pure fun and loads of potential.    … Expand
  21. Longrod
    May 15, 2015
    0
    Unfinished, unpolished. A true beta and stress test were never done. They pushed this game to meat deadlines and empty budget with hopes that enough people would buy on the name alone to hopefully clean it up. To me that is not how sales and the seller/buyer relationship is supposed to be.

    Like many online games this one has a tremendous amount of bugs and lag. Again a beta could have    Unfinished, unpolished. A true beta and stress test were never done. They pushed this game to meat deadlines and empty budget with hopes that enough people would buy on the name alone to hopefully clean it up. To me that is not how sales and the seller/buyer relationship is supposed to be.

    Like many online games this one has a tremendous amount of bugs and lag. Again a beta could have helped smooth the launch.

    Lets assume you white knights have come to expect that. Accepting unpolished turds on release day. Ok.

    The game is very simplistic and limits are being put on classes because the devs cannot work around the abilities. For balance issues some classes get to be 1/2 what they are supposed to be depending on a group setup.

    The chat and UI are abyssmal.

    There is a certain amount of simplistic fun to the game. However, it should be a $3.99 app on tablets and phones. If I remember correctly the devs even stated they were designing it to be multiplatform and at the time many players were indeed upset as they knew without a doubt that would indeed dummy it down. Well the game is dummied and would easily be played on a tablet.

    In no world should this game be $40+. Such a price grab it is scary. $14.99 basic and $19.99 is more realistic for this release and even that is being most favourable. TO be honest, after playing this, if I could change things I would do without it at all. I am pretty sure they would have to pay me $12 an hour to play it and beta it for them as it is.

    These rating of 8+ REALLY are fanbois of the Shadowrun franchise and white knights hoping to take your money and advance this drek because the fell for it already.

    I can fault them for that in a way. As Shadowrun is AWESOME! It is hard for anything with Shadowrun in its name to be bad. But these guys did it. In that, they succeeded!    … Expand
  22. markelphoenix
    May 30, 2015
    10
    Had a wicked lag bug that hurt it early on, but once that was fixed, the experience was great. I feel it nailed the Shadowrun 'flavor' pretty well. While it isn't going to please any purist that are looking for a direct port of PnP rule-set to online play, those who are looking for a good game that jives well with the spirit of Shadowrun will find it as a blast.
  23. artoldtonelic
    May 22, 2014
    7
    Shadow-run online is comparable with return but not better than dragon fall because is still much of the familiar game-play and similar graphics from it's predecessors but still a great improvement of multi-player online or against each other. Is something new to the table my sincere review 7.01.
  24. Kitjan
    May 30, 2015
    9
    For fans of tactics video games, this is a gem. It's worth a play through solo, but it really shines when played with other people. I've been playing this game with coworkers at lunch for weeks now, and it's still fun despite having done every mission several times. The last mission, in particular, is great. When playing at home, I never have trouble finding folks in global chat toFor fans of tactics video games, this is a gem. It's worth a play through solo, but it really shines when played with other people. I've been playing this game with coworkers at lunch for weeks now, and it's still fun despite having done every mission several times. The last mission, in particular, is great. When playing at home, I never have trouble finding folks in global chat to invite me along with them.

    The lag mentioned in the older, excoriating reviews has been completely gone for weeks. It is a shame for this fine game that its score is still dragged down by reviews that no longer reflect the state of the game.

    Really looking forward to the challenge modes they're adding soon (eta 2015/06/03)    … Expand
  25. Conduit
    Jun 2, 2015
    10
    It's a co-op CRPG where you don't need other players set in the Shadowrun universe. While the game has a strong multiplayer element, it's also possible to hire bot runners and easy to completely ignore the chat rooms. Play by yourself or play with other people, Shadowrun Chronicles: Boston Lockdown is a fun game either way.
  26. Mechaphantom
    Jun 2, 2015
    10
    backed this game for 1505 and well known in the game. To me it nearly perfect with only some minor problems I don't regret my buy at all. It has a lot to prove and each update gets just a little better.
  27. Telamoont
    Oct 25, 2015
    4
    The game actually still in the body building phase. The developers are adding stuff and even against all odds they are making it happen.
    The game is not any true to Shadowrun PnP, let's be honest, its very generic.
    The good is, at least the developers hear the community and looks like they pretend to convert the current game into a more true to 5th edition pnp product. We hope so.
  28. PhanlaxTurret
    May 21, 2016
    8
    It's a fun multiplayer Shadowrun game. If you have friends try getting four copies, will make the game much better. It's a shame that this game probably won't grow into something great, but still can give you a weekend of entertainment.
  29. Ringlerum
    May 28, 2016
    0
    GAME SUCKS. Turned based, Really? What where they thinking. Who approved some idiots idea to do this? With skill tree to instead of stats? OMG enough with the retarded people creating games. This is why STEAM owns it now, they always buy up FAILED GAMES. They took Shadowrun and crapped all over it.
  30. Phelan
    Jun 27, 2017
    2
    Imagine if someone made a new Patrician game. You've got a "base" screen where you can buy various ships, equip them with armaments, buy cargo - and then click on a "Start" button, which gets you into the battle with some pirates, and depending on how many of your ships and how much cargo survives that battle, you'll have more money to buy some new ships and get better equipment and cargoImagine if someone made a new Patrician game. You've got a "base" screen where you can buy various ships, equip them with armaments, buy cargo - and then click on a "Start" button, which gets you into the battle with some pirates, and depending on how many of your ships and how much cargo survives that battle, you'll have more money to buy some new ships and get better equipment and cargo for them.

    Sure, it could be a fun little tactical game, but what would it actually have to do with the Patrician series? Where would the setting up of trade routes be, the politics, the complex economy - the actual depth of the game that people have come to expect?
    It's the same with SR Chronicles. This game format is okay - not good, but okay - for Jagged Alliance, but it's deeply disappointing for Shadowrun.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

85
#85 Most Discussed PC Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
61

Mixed or average reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 21
  3. Negative: 2 out of 21
  1. GameCritics
    Nov 6, 2015
    50
    If the online multiplayer had modern social features and an engaging story worthy of the IP, Shadowrun Chronicles: Boston Lockdown would be as essential as other recent entries in the series. Unfortunately, the fundamental issues leave it hard to recommend. In lieu, I'd suggest replaying Shadowrun Returns and Dragonfall instead.
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  2. PLAY! Zine
    Jun 29, 2015
    75
    Might not offer something particularly new and exciting to the genre, but fans of Shadowrun universe will find enough here to enjoy. It’s a good tactical turn-based game, especially if you play together with other players.
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  3. games(TM)
    Jun 27, 2015
    40
    Boasts little to enthral any but the most diehard of fans. [Issue#162, p.100]
    Read full review
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