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Shadowrun Returns similar games & best alternatives

Shadowrun Returns

PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Android, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Linux • 2013

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Quick resume

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.

Global score

88/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie, Role-playing (RPG), Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS)

Similar games

    Pros

    • Engaging story and well-written dialogue
    • Tactical turn-based combat
    • Rich cyberpunk-fantasy setting
    • Character customization and progression
    • Built-in editor and community content

    Cons

    • Linear gameplay with limited exploration
    • Short base campaign
    • Lack of voice acting
    • Limited companion interaction
    • Some combat imbalance and repetitiveness

    Motivations

    • Autonomy

      Game with the same Autonomy vibe

      2

      "Players can choose characters freely and switch team composition mid-fight, but story progression and exploration are somewhat linear and restricted."

      Capsule for ONE PIECE ODYSSEY ONE PIECE ODYSSEY

      "Players can customize characters and choose team composition freely, but the game is largely linear with limited exploration and story branching."

    • Competence

      Game with the same Competence vibe

      3

      "Turn-based tactical combat with skillful use of abilities and strategic planning, though some find it repetitive."

      Capsule for The Banner Saga 3 The Banner Saga 3

      "Turn-based tactical combat with skill progression and strategic use of abilities offers a satisfying challenge, though some find it easy or repetitive."

    • Competition

      Game with the same Competition vibe

      -3

      "Focus is on single-player experience with no online multiplayer or ranked modes; emphasis on personal progress and story."

      Capsule for Nexomon: Extinction Nexomon: Extinction

      "Focus is on single-player experience with no multiplayer or ranked modes; gameplay centers on personal progress and story."

    • Continuation

      Game with the same Continuation vibe

      2

      "Players report engaging combat and story that encourages continued play, though some mention the game is relatively short."

      Capsule for Immortals of Aveum™ Immortals of Aveum™

      "Players report engaging story and tactical combat that encourage extended play sessions; community content and DLC add longevity."

    • Cooperation

      Game with the same Cooperation vibe

      1

      "Players can hire mercenaries who assist in combat, but no multiplayer or team play."

      Capsule for Rebel Galaxy Rebel Galaxy

      "Players manage a team of mercenaries with different skills, but companions are mostly hired NPCs with limited interaction."

    • Creativity

      Game with the same Creativity vibe

      3

      "Players can customize character skills, develop various builds, craft items, and choose different playstyles."

      Capsule for Gothic® 3 Gothic® 3

      "Character creation and skill customization allow varied playstyles; built-in editor and workshop enable user-created campaigns."

    • Domination

      Game with the same Domination vibe

      -4

      "Interactions emphasize shared experience and cooperation; no evidence of dominance or power over others."

      Capsule for PANICORE PANICORE

      "Interactions emphasize narrative and cooperation; no evidence of dominance or power assertion over others."

    • Escapism

      Game with the same Escapism vibe

      4

      "Immersive cyberpunk world and story provide strong escape from real life"

      Capsule for Dex Dex

      "Immersive cyberpunk-fantasy world and engrossing story provide strong escape from real life."

    • Expectation

      Game with the same Expectation vibe

      -4

      "Players engage voluntarily driven by interest in story and gameplay; no indication of obligation or pressure."

      Capsule for American Arcadia American Arcadia

      "Players engage voluntarily driven by interest in story, setting, and gameplay; no indication of obligation or pressure."

    • Experimenting

      Game with the same Experimenting vibe

      3

      "Players try different jobs, gear sets, and strategies; game encourages experimentation with builds and tactics."

      Capsule for FINAL FANTASY® XI: Ultimate Collection Seekers Edition FINAL FANTASY® XI: Ultimate Collection Seekers Edition

      "Players experiment with different classes, skills, and tactics; game encourages trying various builds and strategies."

    • Exploration

      Game with the same Exploration vibe

      -3

      "Game is mostly linear with limited side quests and no open-world exploration."

      Capsule for The Huntsman: Winter's Curse The Huntsman: Winter's Curse

      "Game is mostly linear with limited side quests and no open world; exploration is constrained to mission areas."

    • Expression

      Game with the same Expression vibe

      2

      "Some character customization and stat allocation, but limited cosmetic personalization."

      Capsule for YIIK: A Postmodern RPG YIIK: A Postmodern RPG

      "Character customization in stats and appearance is possible but limited; no extensive cosmetic personalization."

    • Fantasy

      Game with the same Fantasy vibe

      5

      "Strong fantasy elements blended with cyberpunk setting including magic, spirits, and mythical races."

      Capsule for Shadowrun: Dragonfall - Director's Cut Shadowrun: Dragonfall - Director's Cut

      "Strong fantasy elements blended with cyberpunk setting, including magic, mythical races, and supernatural themes."

    • Fellowship

      Game with the same Fellowship vibe

      -3

      "Primarily single-player experience with minimal social interaction; some community sharing but limited."

      Capsule for Mister Furry: Hot Muscles Mister Furry: Hot Muscles

      "Primarily a single-player experience with minimal social interaction; community content exists but social play is limited."

    • Growth

      Game with the same Growth vibe

      4

      "Skill trees and character progression provide learning and development opportunities"

      Capsule for Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition

      "Skill trees and character progression provide meaningful learning and development opportunities."

    • Health

      Game with the same Health vibe

      -4

      "Typical sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

      Capsule for CODE VEIN CODE VEIN

      "Typical sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

    • Idle

      Game with the same Idle vibe

      -4

      "Requires focused attention during combat and story; not designed for casual or background play."

      Capsule for Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy

      "Requires focused attention during tactical combat and story progression; not suited for casual or background play."

    • Intimacy

      Game with the same Intimacy vibe

      -4

      "Limited social or emotional connections; interactions mostly with NPCs and companions."

      Capsule for Caribbean Legend Caribbean Legend

      "Limited emotional or social bonding; companions are hired NPCs with minimal personal interaction."

    • Leadership

      Game with the same Leadership vibe

      2

      "Players lead and manage a squad of mercenaries, making strategic and tactical decisions."

      Capsule for Cyber Knights: Flashpoint Cyber Knights: Flashpoint

      "Players lead a team of mercenaries tactically, making decisions on team composition and combat strategy."

    • Progression

      Game with the same Progression vibe

      4

      "Character leveling, skill upgrades, and equipment collection drive progression."

      Capsule for Breath of Death VII Breath of Death VII

      "Character leveling, skill upgrades, and equipment acquisition drive player progression."

    • Relaxation

      Game with the same Relaxation vibe

      2

      "While challenging, the turn-based nature allows for thoughtful pacing and moments of flow."

      Capsule for Fantasy General II Fantasy General II

      "Turn-based combat and story pacing provide a measured, thoughtful experience with moments of flow."

    • Sensation

      Game with the same Sensation vibe

      2

      "Atmospheric music and art provide sensory enjoyment, though graphics are simple and functional."

      Capsule for Ostranauts Ostranauts

      "Atmospheric music and art style create immersive sensory experience, though graphics are modest."

    • Status

      Game with the same Status vibe

      -4

      "No social recognition or ranking systems; focus is on personal story and gameplay."

      Capsule for The Banner Saga The Banner Saga

      "No social recognition or ranking systems; focus is on individual story and gameplay."

    • Story

      Game with the same Story vibe

      5

      "Strong narrative focus with immersive storytelling and voice narration."

      Capsule for Oknytt Oknytt

      "Strong narrative focus with well-written dialogue and immersive storytelling driving the experience."

    • Strategy

      Game with the same Strategy vibe

      4

      "Turn-based combat with positioning, skill synergies, and tactical decision-making requires strategic thinking."

      Capsule for Galaxy of Pen & Paper +1 Galaxy of Pen & Paper +1

      "Tactical turn-based combat requires planning, positioning, and skill use; strategic thinking rewarded."

    • Thrill

      Game with the same Thrill vibe

      1

      "Combat can be tense but overall gameplay is slow and methodical rather than thrilling."

      Capsule for X: Beyond the Frontier X: Beyond the Frontier

      "Combat can be tense but overall difficulty is moderate; suspense builds mostly through story rather than risk."

    • Value

      Game with the same Value vibe

      3

      "Good value especially on sale; offers hours of gameplay, replayability, and community content."

      Capsule for Aragami Aragami

      "Good value especially on sale; base game plus DLC and workshop content provide many hours of entertainment."

    • Violence

      Game with the same Violence vibe

      3

      "Combat involves attacking and defeating enemies with weapons and magic; violence is a core gameplay element."

      Capsule for Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch

      "Combat involves shooting, melee, magic attacks, and destruction; violence is a core gameplay element."

    • Survival

      Game with the same Survival vibe

      2

      "Combat requires managing health and resources; some threat of failure but not extreme survival focus."

      Capsule for Black Geyser: Couriers of Darkness Black Geyser: Couriers of Darkness

      "Combat requires managing health and resources to avoid defeat; survival is a tactical concern."

    Analysis

    Broadly representative of its motivational profile, with a few distinct shifts. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Leadership, Survival, Violence, Strategy. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Cooperation, Story. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Exploration.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Where to buy

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    Last update: 30/04/2026