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Posted by: Crimson Jack Dec 20 2003, 10:47 PM

Remember these games? Shadowrun came out for each system about the same time. At the time, there weren't any sci/fi RPGs out there. Which do you think was the better 16-bit game?

Posted by: Ancient History Dec 20 2003, 10:51 PM

Genesis. If I ever found a translation of the Nipponese Sega CD, things might be different.

Posted by: Crimson Jack Dec 20 2003, 10:59 PM

Why, what was up with that one?

Posted by: Voorhees Dec 20 2003, 10:59 PM

The genesis one was way better. It had more of a shadowrun feel.

Posted by: Casazil Dec 20 2003, 11:09 PM

Posted by: Nion Dec 20 2003, 11:58 PM

Yeah, the genesis one was better.

Posted by: Ancient History Dec 21 2003, 12:08 AM

Genesis was better, but the Sega CD looks pretty awesome, even without trolls.

Posted by: Doctor Funkenstein Dec 21 2003, 12:13 AM

Which one had the troll sammy named something like Winston Marrs? I think you could hire him at the Big Rhino. That's the only one of the two I enjoyed, but I haven't played either of them in forever and can't remember which was which.

Posted by: Ancient History Dec 21 2003, 12:50 AM

Winston was in Genesis. The most excpetional characters in the SNES were the fox shapeshifter mage, Jamagician, and the little pyro dwarf merc.

Posted by: Mr. Man Dec 21 2003, 12:51 AM

Posted by: Sahandrian Dec 21 2003, 01:27 AM

Genesis for flavor, though the SNES one had better gameplay and a smoother difficulty curve.

Posted by: Logo Dec 21 2003, 01:46 AM

Well, the SNES game got me interested in Shadowrun, so I'll have to vote for that one

Posted by: mfb Dec 21 2003, 03:42 AM

the SNES game had better gameplay? man, you're hogging the kind shit.

Posted by: Dogsoup Dec 21 2003, 03:48 AM

SNES, love almost every part of the story. While the Genesis version perhaps sported real SR mechanics, I found it rather unplayable.

Posted by: Ancient History Dec 21 2003, 04:11 AM

There were benefits to both versions.

In the SNES version, there were a number of characters, critters and lcoations that were pretty cool. Actual face-to-face conversations with people, including street docs, was fun! Besides, who can forget waking up on a slab in the morgue and going to a Maria Mercurial concert?

The big pain most people had in the SNES version was that the rules (hit points, magic points, attributes over 6 unaugmented, etc) were way away from SR rules. In addition, it was the "point and click" system, combined with keyword-based conversation. The Decking, many felt, was especially lame.

The graphics were not incredible (except the headshots, which were generally nice)...and this was a system that gave us Chronotrigger, so you expected a tad better. On the other hand, it had a nice soundtrack.


The Genesis version was much truer to the plot and rules of Shadowrun as a whole, includign a number of already-established characters (Harlequin, Jane "Frosty" Foster, Julius Strouthers, Rikki Ratboy, etc) and locations (the Renraku Arcology mall, Tarislar, Underworld 93, the Rat's Nest, the Jackal's Lantern, Glow City, Sinsearch, etc)

Most people disliked the game because the plot was much more convoluted than in the SNES version, with both a number of sub-quests, actual shadowrun, and random encounters that could be serious setbacks. You might not have a cortical bomb ticking away in your skull, but you will likely lose at least one program to tar pits. Another beef people had with the system was that a lot of locations and pictures were reused (with different color schemes), and character death didn't happen. Let me repeat: there is no way to die in the Genesis version of Shadowrun.

Most people agree that aside from re-used pics, the game contains the best graphics of the two, and compares favorably to other Genesis games (hey, how many people loved to use the Invisibility spell and just blend right in?). The soundtrack, again, is pretty good.

Posted by: Sahandrian Dec 21 2003, 04:11 AM

Better in the sense that it took more than a random street guy punching you a couple of times to die.

Posted by: mfb Dec 21 2003, 04:23 AM

i spent ten minutes trying to get used to the crazy controls before i deleted it in my blind fury.

Posted by: Traks Dec 21 2003, 08:55 AM

Yeah, genesis SR ruled, although I am stuck with stupid finding of Feathered Serpent and am too lazy to create the whole map of catacombs. Does anyone have any hints how to get that thingy without wandering for 12 hours?

Posted by: Casazil Dec 21 2003, 09:34 AM

Posted by: DV8 Dec 21 2003, 10:53 AM

Though the SNES version got me interested in Shadowrun, having an awesome atmospheric feel to it, and an enjoyable storyline, I think the Sega version was it's superior, simply because it was far truer to the game and didn't suffer in playability because of it.

I have the Japanese Sega MegaCD game, and I've managed to run it, but I have no clue what's going on, sadly, because it looks to beat the pants of both the SNES and Sega Genesis/Megadrive game.

http://www.wiredreflexes.com/sr/shadowrun/downloads/

Posted by: Moonstone Spider Dec 21 2003, 11:24 AM

Posted by: Shadow Dec 21 2003, 11:50 AM

Posted by: Diesel Dec 21 2003, 10:47 PM

If you press A - B - B - A - C - A - B at the title of the Genesis one, then open your pocsec, there'll be a blank line under Save/load. Open it and cheat away.

Posted by: Slamm-O Dec 21 2003, 10:56 PM

dv8, did you get that japanese version to work? the one i grabbed a few months ago never did work, always froze up with i think a crc error or equivalent, was taht a bad copy? i tried all sorts of differetn emulators, and even emule to download it. no luck.

if it did work, can you tell some of us other gaijin what impressions you got?

Posted by: Ancient History Dec 21 2003, 11:15 PM

Slamm-O, you might have problems if your emulator's not set on Japanese. I suggest you check the settings and try it again.

Posted by: Shadow Dec 21 2003, 11:23 PM

Posted by: Slamm-O Dec 21 2003, 11:48 PM

yeah

Posted by: Slamm-O Dec 21 2003, 11:51 PM

ancient history: i have it set to japanese and i have tried many different bios and emulators (including different versions) it gets to the first interactive scene, then if i pick any of the 3 options aside from the options menu option it freezes up, ive heard that the error code i get prolly means a bad rip, but i got it from dv8 so if his works then i must have a bad copy, methinks.

Posted by: Ancient History Dec 22 2003, 02:05 AM

Well, there goes my idea then. Good luck.

Posted by: DV8 Dec 22 2003, 02:52 PM

Slamm-O, I think I had the same problem as yourself. There are about three or four menu items that you can go through, one of which will lock up the game, the others make way too little sense to me, though I think I did find out how to save a game.

Posted by: DV8 Dec 22 2003, 02:53 PM

Posted by: Fortune Dec 22 2003, 10:06 PM

Posted by: Doctor Funkenstein Dec 22 2003, 10:31 PM

Isn't that a song by Genesis?

Posted by: Fortune Dec 22 2003, 10:42 PM

Only one 'B'...ABACAB! Interestingly enough, the title comes from the chord progression used in the song.

Posted by: Ancient History Dec 22 2003, 10:50 PM

The code allows access to a hidden cheat menu in the pocket secretary, with some handy stuff for the terminally lazy.

Posted by: mfb Dec 22 2003, 11:55 PM

the hidden menu can only be used once per game, though--that is, you have to save your game, restart, enter the code again, then reload your game to use it again. the best way to do it (with an emu) is to enter the code, then save your state. next, load your game, use the hidden menu, get your 10 karma or 10,000 nuyen or whatever, then save your game (game, not your state), then load your state. from there, load the newly-saved game and use the hidden menu again.

Posted by: Fortune Dec 23 2003, 01:38 AM

I'm somewhat new to emulators. What's the difference between saving your 'game state' and saving your game? Would I need to start a whole new game to incorporate these cheats?

Posted by: Shadow Dec 23 2003, 02:18 AM

Ok, when exactly do you type in the code? I have tried when the Genlogo comes up, when the FASA logo comes up, when the game starts...

I am using Wgen as the emulator so maybe that makes a difference. Can someone help me out here?

Posted by: mfb Dec 23 2003, 02:25 AM

i believe you type the code in after the 'Push Start' line comes up. check http://www.gamefaqs.com if that doesn't work.

saving your state creates an image of the game as it is right then. it's like an external savegame, basically. saving your game is something you do within the game. you can save your state at any time--for instance, inside a building, in the Genesis game. that way, if you screw up and set off an alert, you can reload your state and not do whatever it is.

in the Genesis game, you have to be careful with save states. for instance, the game rolls the die in advance--if you fail your Electronics roll to open a maglock, then reload your state, you'll fail it again every time. if you walk around for a few seconds, or fiddle with other stuff, you'll get a 'new' roll. you also have to be wary of alerts going off right after you save your state--that's really, really annoying. your best bet is to hide somewhere no guards or hellhounds are likely to show up before saving your state.

Posted by: Fortune Dec 23 2003, 02:50 AM

But can't I do all that with just a 'saved game'? What makes the actual 'state' different, and more advisable?

Posted by: mfb Dec 23 2003, 03:13 AM

well, you can save iterative states, for one thing--you can have up to 10 or so saved states per game. for another thing, you don't have to worry about save points or no-save zones. you just do it. it's also handy for saving in games that don't have a save feature--fighting games, say, or side-scroller beat-'em-ups. you can also use them to skip the machine startup stuff, if you're using an arcade game emu like MAME. or you can use it to automatically start with a certain code entered--like, say, you want to play Contra with the 30 lives code. you start the game, enter the code, then save your state. thereafter, to use that code, you just have to load that state.

Posted by: Fortune Dec 23 2003, 05:44 AM

So it's not really necessary in the Shadowrun game then?

Do you actually have to get beat up and fail a shadowrun before you can get out of the first area? Or is there some other way to do it without 'dying'?

Posted by: mfb Dec 23 2003, 05:46 AM

er? i don't think i had to do that. been a while, though. as i recall, once you get the deck and nuyen from the hotel, you can go other places.

Posted by: Fortune Dec 23 2003, 05:50 AM

Oh, ok. I haven't actually tried to go anywhere since getting the deck. I guess I'll have to explore some.

Posted by: mfb Dec 23 2003, 05:54 AM

i think you can call a taxi from the telcomm. don't remember.

Posted by: Shadow Dec 23 2003, 07:49 AM

Hey Fortune, since you are so good at http://db.gamefaqs.com/console/genesis/file/shadowrun_a.txt, I got some for you. It's a extensive FAQ and walk through of the game. My understanding of the game (I am just starting to play it) is that the plot is the secondary part of the game, the primary part is just playing it!

Posted by: mfb Dec 23 2003, 07:54 AM

oh, definitely. most of the time, i just work my way up to a fairlight and hack all the live-long day. that's the best part of the game.

Posted by: Fortune Dec 23 2003, 08:05 AM

Posted by: Mystery Mantis Dec 26 2003, 04:31 AM

The Genesis definately was more like SR, but as far as games go, it was very tedious and got boring after a while. The plot was to generic (you were trying to find out what happened to your brother).
The SNES version was more story based, and the opening was much better (you wake up in a morgue with no odea what is going on or who you are).

i guess it depends on what you are asking. like, better in terms of enjoyment, gamestyle and play, or sticking to the original mechanichs. really, the two games or only in common from the name.

Posted by: DV8 Dec 26 2003, 10:55 AM

The Genesis version had Harlequin. Enough said.

Posted by: Mr. Man Jan 25 2004, 06:32 PM

GameSpot has selected the SNES version as a http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/remakes_032902/9.html.

Posted by: LoseAsDirected Jan 25 2004, 06:53 PM

I liked the fact that you could actually go on runs in the Genesis version, but the SNES definitely had the better story. I liked the Genesis system and control scheme, I just wished that it had the SNES' conversation system. I prefered the fact that you could hire runners for life, and actually improve their stats in the Genesis version. I liked how you got more than 3 pieces of ware, more than 6 guns, more than 5 pieces of armor, and more than 6 spells in the Genesis version.

It's a shame you couldn't initiate or project in the Genesis version..

I'd love them to remake SR.. I think it'd be cool to play a rigger for a change.

Posted by: BullBear Jan 26 2004, 02:04 AM

Hey fellas, I'm new to emulation, and can't figure out what to download on the SNES9x page.
Help!

Thanks

Posted by: Diesel Jan 26 2004, 02:19 AM

www.zsnes.com

Posted by: DamienKnight Jan 26 2004, 05:23 AM

I seriously loved both games and played both through a few times. I tossed my vote at SNES version though. Genesis was great, I loved the accuracy to the rules, the use of real SR settings, the developeable NPC buddies and the AWESOME matrix (totally Pwned the SNES matrix). The thing is, the snes version was a better rpg all around...it flowed well, there werent action pauses, it had a great story and awesome atmosphere (music r0x0r t00). The flow of the genesis version completely sux when you have to spend hours and hours doing the same mission over and over to build up karma.


as a side note:
I just loved towards the end of SNES version when you get to the vampired lair. You can get 3 powerful NPCS, stand behind a coffin just near the entrance, and just walk away from the controller. The coffin keeps the goulies back whiles your d00ds slaughter em for lots of karma. If you are playing on an emulator, just turn the speed up to 20x and watch the karma roll in.

Posted by: DV8 Jan 26 2004, 08:31 AM

Posted by: BullBear Jan 26 2004, 01:35 PM

I owned the SNES version back and the day, and played the Genesis version for the first time yesterday via emulation.

Now, I have limited experience w/ the Genesis one, and we usually see the past through rose tinted glasses, but still I voted for the SNES version. Though this Genesis one is really neat due to the actuall rules, places, personalities, etc. The SNES was, well, just more 'fun'. Damienknight, I know what you're talking about with the ghouls

Regardless, even though I swore my GC would be my last console, I'll probably pick up the next X-Box if there's a shadowrun game...

Posted by: Omega Skip Jan 26 2004, 02:44 PM

Gamespot did indeed nominate SR-SNES as a game that should be remade, and I for one would go completely stone-cold crazy with glee if they did that. They, of course, being the people who hold the license for a shadowrun game - and I don't need to tell you who that is.

Engage "My two cent" Mode

Actual fact of the matter is, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that the possibility of an upcoming Shadowrun game is somewhere around 95%: http://www.fasastudio.com, the people who've brought us MechAssault and Crimson Skies for the XBox, have already cranked out two really awesome games, so it seems likely that they'll try their hand at "the third license" as well. The only "problem" with that is, both other titles have been XBox exclusives, which seems to me like a strong indication that when and if (big WHEN, big IF) a new Shadowrun game comes out, it'll be an Xbox exclusive title. Which may suck for some. (not for me though )

Summarizing, it seems to me like it isn't a question whether "if" a Shadowrun game will come out, but rather "when" - taking FASA studios' owner's love for $ into consideration, we might actually see a "MechAssault 2" before we see "Shadowrun".

Disengage "My two cent" Mode

Posted by: BullBear Jan 26 2004, 02:47 PM

Well seeing how Jordan Weisman (owner of Wizkids and all things FASA) works for Microsoft as well, there's no question it'll be X-Box only.

In fact I hear Sahdowrun is being developed by Bungie (makers of Halo) as a possible launch title for the X-Box 2.

(I pray it's not a FPS!)

Posted by: Omega Skip Jan 26 2004, 03:09 PM

And the award for trashiest FPS concept goes to... nah, I don't think they'd do that. But where did you hear that, if I may ask?

[Edit]
Also, I seriously doubt that Bungie has any people available for anything else besides Halo 2 right now. They're even looking (quite urgently, it seems) for http://www.bungie.com/jobs/jobs.htm#fa!

Posted by: BullBear Jan 26 2004, 04:09 PM

Well, it's been on quite a few videogame boards, and even here at dumpshock

http://invision.dumpshock.com/index.php?showtopic=2281

Posted by: DV8 Jan 26 2004, 05:02 PM

I'll believe it when I see it.

Posted by: Panzergeist Jan 26 2004, 11:53 PM

Nintendo Shadowrun < Star Wars Force Commander < Most Games < Genesis Shadowrun


That clear things up?

Posted by: Slamm-O Jan 27 2004, 01:55 AM

ive heard that bungie thing thrown around a lot, though i think the best formula for a SR game is party based rpg, maybe some strategy, like vampire redemption (kinda) or like deus ex, i guess mmog would be ok, but not preferable by any means, and halo style fps would blow-ass (my 2cents)

i wish if they made a game it would be for pc (i know it wont...) and mix the story of the snes with everything else from the genesis, a remake of either of those games would be grand, especially the genesis. Heres to hoping!

Posted by: Herald of Verjigorm Jan 27 2004, 02:35 AM

A "Halo style fps" could fit into the Shadowrun setting, but you probably wouldn't be playing a shadowrunner. If you could have some influence in the character design, it might make a good merc game.

Posted by: DV8 Jan 27 2004, 08:38 AM

I think everyone will agree with me that a FPS set up will lose a lot of the classic RPG elements in a game. Personally, I think they are incredibly important to Shadowrun. I presume that some people on the boards who play a more combat oriented game might not agree, but if you want to keep combat, strategy and roleplaying elements in a game, a Fallout style game would be preferable.

Posted by: Omega Skip Jan 27 2004, 09:13 AM

IF there's anything to this rumor, then my bet is that they're using the Halo engine (probably a heavily updated version), but are still making a role-playing game. Man, a halo-powered live action third person roleplaying game with vehicles and a Soul-Reaver like astral plane would be so cool... I know it ain't happening, but one may dream, right?

Posted by: Traks Jan 27 2004, 11:31 AM

Posted by: PuyallupSquatter Jan 27 2004, 05:35 PM

How Id do a SR FPS:

(assuming Xbox/PC)

First and foremost, make it 4 player split screen/syslink co-op. Rather than having a one man gunning crew, you and three teamates can tackle the big, evil megacorp together. Part of the P&P game is about teamwork, no?

Let people build their characters Deus Ex style. While some things may not translate well to a game (say, astral space) and some skills would probably have to be axed, having a simplified sort of character creation and skill growth ingame would keep the RPG feel to it. I dont like the idea of picking from 4 different archtypes, personally, Id rather create the character I wanted, but having a sort of "class" might make it more familiar for non-SR gamers.

Id set up the game world similar to the Genesis version. Several basic areas characters could travel between freely to in order to get new contacts, new gear, and find new runs. Have one set of runs that comprised the main plot, with plenty of optional/fluffy runs that would net the runners unique gear, phat lewt, or whatever. Maybe have multiple endings depending on what runs the characters take/fail at/whatever. I could also see downloadable runs and gear off of live/internet. Maybe take the free roam approach some games employ as to the main area (I suppose your runners could jack cars too if they wanted), with a more traditional scripted FPS level in the actual runs.

Id also like very distructable environments. When I shoot up a corprate office, daycare, sewage treatment plant, whatever, I want tons of glass shattering, wood splintering, poo splattering, whatever is called for. Thats frosting, tho.

Posted by: BullBear Jan 27 2004, 07:00 PM

Though I cringe at it being a FPS, I absolutely DO NOT want it to be a MMORPG. 4 player split screen what be ok, as I can play with my friends. I don't wanna have to play with every Tom, Dick and Harry who live solely for online games (ie no social skills).

As for play style, again I'd prefer it to control like Freedom Force, but with a 'character creation' mode.

Posted by: Samoth Jan 27 2004, 10:09 PM

I think it would have to be like a mix of GTA and Max Payne.

Posted by: Panzergeist Jan 28 2004, 01:42 AM

A FPS-RPG could be great. Vampire: Bloodlines is coming out for the PC in a few months, and it is looking great.