Shadowrun: Dragonfall - Director's Cut

Shadowrun: Dragonfall is an expansion for a tactical RPG released in 2013 under the title Shadowrun Returns. The add-on was developed by Harebrained Schemes studio. Half a year after its release, the authors gave players its polished and content-enhanced Director's Cut version. At the same time, this release made the described game a standalone title, which does not require the base version of Shadowrun Returns to function.

Plot

Shadowrun: Dragonfall takes us to the Shadowrun universe, which combines elements of fantasy and cyberpunk. In 2012, when magic reappeared in the world, the mighty dragon Feuerschwinge emerged from the German mountains, spreading chaos, death and destruction. After four months, the German army managed to shoot down the winged reptile.

In 2054, Germany is a mess, and the capital, Berlin, is under the control of the anarchist Flux State. Our team arrives in search of easy money, but when a new threat is on the horizon and rumors swirl of Feuerschwinge's return, the team finds themselves involved in a massive intrigue.

Game mechanics

In Shadowrun: Dragonfall we observe the action from an isometric view. The game is driven by missions, during which we command a small group of Shadowrunners. We are talking about soldiers with individual skill sets, but also unique characters, biographies, motivations and outlooks on the world. Among them the leader is the character we created. At the start we decide on its archetype, and thus - the initial set of skills (for example, Street Samurai specializes in close combat, Shaman and Mage can cast spells, while Decker uses advanced technology such as drones). However, as we progress we can develop it in any direction, choosing skills that interest us.

An important role in Shadowrun: Dragonfall is played by fighting with enemies. On our way there are, among others, lizards and gargoyles, which are absent in the basic version of the game. Skirmishes with them take place in turn-based mode, and during them the key to success is working out the right tactics (it's worth looking carefully at the surroundings in order to find a cover or a place to attack enemies from the flank) and skillfully using the combat skills of the characters and the weapons they wield. Speaking of weapons - on the battlefield, our subordinates can use over 200 weapons and spells; they can blast their enemies with sniper rifles, grenade launchers or stun guns, as well as fireballs.

Director's Cut

Shadowrun: Dragonfall - Director's Cut introduces a number of improvements and new elements. This version of the add-on includes, first of all, five completely new missions, alternative endings, modernized combat system with improved damage and shield mechanics, as well as an improved interface. In addition, the developers leaned on the AI, expanded the character development system, and introduced the ability to choose the equipment of individual team members before starting the mission. The list of novelties is closed by ten additional music tracks.

Technical aspects

Graphics in Shadowrun: Dragonfall add-on does not stand out from the rest of Shadowrun Returns graphics. The whole thing is in a dark, comic book style.

Last updated on 05 September 2024