“When Fate taps your shoulder, you’d best pay attention.” ~ Harlequin, Shadowrun Returns: Dead Man’s Switch

Seattle, 2054. What starts as a hunt to find your drinking buddy’s killer for a sweet reward ends with a race to stop hordes of giant killer bugs from invading Earth. While the Dead Man’s Switch scenario is light on combat, it’s heavy on the details and atmosphere. Dated visuals don’t prevent the game from weaving a complex narrative about the people living in a dystopian world of magic and technology. From scents, sights, and smells to morality choices, the DnD-esque feel of the game draws its players into the world and never lets go. Players can create their own unique character based on the available six races and archetypes. Turn-based battles rely more on strategic use of weapons, items, perks, abilities, and classes than brute force. It’s endlessly replayable, despite the campaign’s short length. And if you have the know-how, you can build your own campaign too! Fun times, chummer.