Shadowrun Returns – Dead Man’s Switch Playthrough [VERY HARD]

Alright, I think there was enough Elvenar-related content on our YouTube channel, and it is time to branch out a bit. I happen to like RPG games, especially if these are set in post-apocalyptic / cyberpunk world. Well, Shadowrun games happen to have all of that, and more! So today we’re presenting playthrough of the first campaign in the trilogy – Shadowrun Returns: Dead Man’s Switch.

Setting

MAN MEETS MAGIC & MACHINE. The year is 2054. Magic has returned to the world, awakening powerful creatures of myth and legend. Technology merges with flesh and consciousness. Elves, trolls, orks and dwarves walk among us, while ruthless corporations bleed the world dry. You are a shadowrunner – a mercenary living on the fringes of society, in the shadows of massive corporate arcologies, surviving day-by-day on skill and instinct alone. When the powerful or the desperate need a job done, you get it done… by any means necessary.

In the urban sprawl of the Seattle metroplex, the search for a mysterious killer sets you on a trail that leads from the darkest slums to the city’s most powerful megacorps. You will need to tread carefully, enlist the aid of other runners, and master powerful forces of technology and magic in order to emerge from the shadows of Seattle unscathed.

The unique cyberpunk-meets-fantasy world of Shadowrun has gained a huge cult following since its creation nearly 25 years ago. Now, creator Jordan Weisman returns to the world of Shadowrun, modernizing this classic game setting as a single player, turn-based tactical RPG.

Character Development

So this is a story of a highly charismatic decker who had to pick up some decent weapon skills. His name, of course, is Neo. Neo and his companions went through the whole Shadowrun Returns – Dead Man’s Switch (SR:R DMS) campaign playthrough, on very hard difficulty.

Neo was never physically strong (low Strength) or particularly wise (low Wisdom). Over time, he did developed pretty high Intelligence and Decking skills (eventually acquiring the ultimate cyberdeck – Fairlight Excalibur). His charisma also grew over time and he picked up several etiquettes along the way (Academic, Shadowrunner and Corporate) and even a little bit of shamanism. Even with his own totem!

Despite low strength, Neo always had decent constitution (mid-grade Body stats). But the really unexpected development was his quickness and ranged weapon skills – in particular with assault rifles. He never got to fancy skills specific to ARs beyond full auto – but his extremely high ranged skills at the end of the campaign made him deadly accurate. And with the firepower provided by assault rifles Neo became a force to be reckoned with – and not only in the Matrix, but in the meatspace as well!

Videos

So here is a playlist with the complete playthrough:

I started a bit rusty (haven’t played it in quite a while), but got into the groove rather quickly. The focus is on the story – I am not skipping any fluff, so if you’re interested in the story this might be a playthrough for you.

If you’re not into the story, you can check out character development and combat. If you played the game before you’ll know where to fast forward.

Let’s just say that the final boss went down in 2 turns, with 1.5 more turns for a cleanup. No damage taken. Not too bad for a decker & co on very hard! 😉

Happy to hear any feedback, questions or comments!

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In the meantime, you can check out the rest of our Playthrough content. Till next time!