RPG Haven

This is a game that debuted back in the 1980s, and actually had a video game too, if I'm not mistaken. I haven't had an opportunity to play it (the video game), but I have had a chance to play both the 4th (20th Anniversary) edition and 5th edition of this game.

You're basically a criminal, running around in 2070. Corporations own everything (how'd they know?) Your team members, make up a squad, kinda like the A-Team. Each person has a specialty. Oh, and you don't have to be a boring human either. They've got Elves, Orcs, Trolls, and more! Anyway, you'll pick up a high tech weapon, maybe a few cyber-implants and go meet a Mr. Johnson for a much needed paycheck. (I forgot to mention there's also magic in this setting too!)

To play, you'll need a crap load of d6's. I recommend at least 30, so go raid every board game you've got in the house. Your parent's house too, and possibly the neighbor's. Eh, they don' t need to play Yahtzee anyway. The way the rolling mechanism works, is that you're counting the number of 5s and 6s you roll. Be mindful of the 1s too, as they can cause glitching to occur!

I love playing the fourth edition of this game. I've got all six? expansion books, and the list of Qualities is impressive. I've built the most fun characters I've ever played using this game system-- a truly unhinged goth girl who was Uncouth and deadly with a sword--or she'd just get pissed off at you and blow your head off with her Smartgun-X. Unlike the real version of me, Lindsey had zero patience.

Another thing I love about this game (found in one of the expansion books) is the Random, on the fly mission generator. Roll a handful of dice, and you're ready to play in about five minutes! It's great for running one-shots, and I've actually managed to link a bunch together to form a rather lengthy campaign!

I thought this sounded familiar, I immediately thought of the Sega Genesis game lol so you're right about it getting a few video games! Crazy to think you need that many six sided dice though lol. Also the 1s causing glitches sounds awesome too! I wonder if it was somewhat influenced by the Cyberpunk series? That series came out a year before Shadowrun did.

I wouldn't be surprised. After all, Shadow Run clearly falls within the Cyberpunk genre.

On a side note, today I was pondering creating a smartphone app using Java to help facilitate the Dice Pool mechanics that I really don't care for. Of course, I'd have to relearn Java first, but I can see a finished app in my head. Totally expandable to encompass a multitude of game systems.

Sounds pretty good, always looking for some simple one shots to do with friends who can't come to multipal sessions.

Shadowrun has some sort of uniqueness among the genres. I love the way it marries magic and corporatism with futuristic technology.

It's a tabletop RPG that's been around since the 80s, blending cyberpunk and fantasy elements. There have been several video games based on the franchise over the years, including Shadowrun (2007) and Shadowrun: Dragonfall (2014). The tabletop game has a dedicated fan base, and it's great you got to play the 4th and 5th editions! The 20th Anniversary edition is a fan favorite.

I'll be running a game eventually, might look into this.

ＯＭＮＩＶＯＲ wrote: Mon Sep 15, 2025 1:48 am It's a tabletop RPG that's been around since the 80s, blending cyberpunk and fantasy elements. There have been several video games based on the franchise over the years, including Shadowrun (2007) and Shadowrun: Dragonfall (2014). The tabletop game has a dedicated fan base, and it's great you got to play the 4th and 5th editions! The 20th Anniversary edition is a fan favorite.

That is a nice insight. Shadow Run probably stands out amongst other games because of its mixed genre. It brought something entirely new to tabletop RPGs and that's why it was unforgettable.