Shadowrun Trilogy Review

August 9, 2026 - 04:43

At the crossroads between cyberpunk and fantasy exists Shadowrun. Originally a tabletop RPG from 1989, the setting has survived multiple editions and a messy video game history. But in 2013, developer Harebrained Schemes took a bold swing at it, and the result was a trilogy that finally got the digital adaptation right. Now collected in one package, the three games offer a dense, text-heavy experience that still holds up.

The first entry, Shadowrun Returns, is a linear but solid introduction. Its story about a murdered partner and a mysterious artifact sets the tone. The real star, though, is the engine. The isometric view, the turn-based combat, and the deep character building all feel true to the tabletop source material. You are not just picking a class; you are picking a lifestyle. A street samurai with cybernetic arms plays completely differently from a shaman who talks to spirits.

The sequel, Dragonfall, is where the series finds its voice. Set in a Berlin that feels lived-in and dangerous, it trades the road-trip structure for a hub-based campaign. The companions are the highlight. Each one has a personal quest that ties into the main plot, and their banter during missions adds a layer of warmth that the first game lacked. The writing is sharp, and the moral choices are rarely black and white.

Hong Kong, the final chapter, refines everything further. The combat gets more tactical with new enemy types, and the story digs into the darker corners of corporate greed and body horror. The cast is smaller but more memorable, and the ending sticks with you.

The trilogy is not for everyone. The combat is slow, and the interface feels dated. But for those who love a good story and a world that rewards careful reading, it is a gem. The package includes all the DLC, so there is plenty to chew on. If you have ever wondered what it would be like to hack a dragon, this is your chance.