Shadowrun Hong Kong is a fantastic follow-up to Shadowrun Returns and Dragonfall (the latter being my favorite game of 2014). Hong Kong refines just about every aspect of this RPG series' formula in some way. Even the writing has improved, pulling away from broader plot points to spend more time on the small, weird details that bring games to life.

As always, though, when faced with the character creation screen you might find yourself paralyzed by indecision. With so many stats, skills, and class combinations at your disposal it's difficult to narrow things down. Why not go with one of these characters I've planned out for you?


The Obvious Kickstarter Backer

Male Human

Body: 1, Quickness: 1, Strength: 1, Intelligence: 1, Willpower: 1, Charisma: 1

Choose the "Corporate" etiquette. As soon as you make credits, spend them. Stand around in town for extended periods, hoping lots of people see your face and the hair surrounding it.


M'Lady

Male Human

Body: 1, Quickness: 1, Strength: 1, Intelligence: 1, Willpower:1 , Charisma:1

Tip your e-fedora to every female you encounter. When forced to converse with another male, either clam up or try to change the topic to cyber-libertarianism or your favorite tv show.


The Something Awful Goon

Male Human

Body: 1, Quickness: 1, Strength: 1, Intelligence: 1, Willpower:1, Charisma:1

Choose the Decker archetype to specialize in computers. Take the "Gang" etiquette. Make a beeline for the nearest pile of trash. Stay put, limiting your adventures to the matrix. Spend all your time arguing with and making fun of other Deckers who are exactly like you, employing varying levels of irony and unnecessary bitterness.


White Man

Male Human

Body: 1, Quickness: 1, Strength: 1, Intelligence: 1, Willpower:1, Charisma:1

Wander around the city aimlessly until a police officer asks if you need any assistance or a stranger offers you a job. As you take in the sights of this bleak, oppressive future, do your best to hide your excitement.


White Guy

Male Human

Body: 1, Quickness: 1, Strength: 1, Intelligence: 1, Willpower:1, Charisma:1

A variation of White Man, White Guy is for role players who wish to explore the ramifications of future collars.


Mister MRA

Male Human

Body: 1, Quickness: 1, Strength: 1, Intelligence: 1, Willpower:1, Charisma:1

Take the "Academic" etiquette, and spout nuggets of wisdom you've learned from dystopian pickup artist samurai. Never allow a female character on your team.


Cyber White Guy

Male Human

Body: 1, Quickness: 1, Strength: 1, Intelligence: 1, Willpower:1, Charisma:1

Like a White Man or White Guy, but better with computers. This is for advanced players only. A delicate balance must be struck between the number of glowing facial accessories and neckbeard length.

Shadowrun: Hong Kong
Any RPG fan would have a great time cyberpunking it up, even if they made the terrible mistake of not using one of my premade characters. 9/10

Galak-Z: The Dimensional
I don't know if I spent more time dying or needlessly worrying about running into walls but I loved every minute. 8/10

– Dennis "Corin Tucker's Stalker" Farrell (@DennisFarrell)

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