Ok, since there seem to be quite a few new people crossing over from the dark side and coming into the light that is playing the FPS known as Shadowrun, I thought that I would post a general support thread for it.
I strongly suggest using the Search bar at the top of your this page if you are looking for a specific solution. (or the built in page search function built into your browser)
First and foremost, the system requirements for Shadowrun:
Shadowrun requires a computer that meets the requirements that are listed in the following table.
It also requires Windows Vista to play, there is a known hack to get it to play on Windows XP, it is not supported, nor does it allow online play (meaning you can't play it online). This will be the extent of information on the subject of the XP hack, so do not ask about it here.
To determine whether a computer meets the minimum system requirements, use the DirectX Diagnostic Tool (Dxdiag.exe).To start the DirectX Diagnostic Tool in Windows Vista, click Start, type dxdiag in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER. If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type the password, or click Continue.
If you want to find out whether a computer will run Shadowrun, visit the following Game Advisor Web site:
http://gameadvisor.futuremark.com (http://gameadvisor.futuremark.com)
You can use the Game Advisor to download a small piece of software that scans the system. This software will help you determine whether a computer has the correct hardware for the game that you want to play. If you do not have the hardware that you need, the Windows Game advisor provides links to hardware providers that can help you upgrade the system.
YouGamers Game-O-Meter
Can You RUN It?
Operating system
Here are some basic links to get you going in case you are having problems with running the game:
First of all for some reason, all of the Shadowrun updates do not install automatically for everyone, which will not allow the game to start, not sure why, but:
Here are all three patches that came out for Shadowrun (You should only need the third, but here they all are anyway), it's so sad there won't be anymore [:'(]):
First
Second
Third
This way you will know if it's the game or your LIVE installation.
If this doesn't work and the game still doesn't start you will need to look at making sure your LIVE is current, which the latest version can be gotten HERE. Details on this update are HERE.
Now you will need to create a LIVE account if you don't already have one. Look HERE for step by step instructions.
Make sure you are running the latest drivers for your graphics card. I suggest going to the card manufacturer for drivers instead of the GPU manufacturer for drivers. The reason is simply this; the card manufacturer will have tested the drivers on your card model before releasing them, the GPU manufacturer does not.
Here you can find the major suppliers of hardware:
Hardware & Software Vendor Contact List
(Please note that ATI is contacted via AMD)
Some other performance improvement tips can be found HERE, though how much benefit will vary by system.
Make sure that you have the proper firewall and port settings to allow your game to access the internet:
If you do not use the Windows Firewall program, you can still open the ports that are used by the game when you configure the network. To make sure that these ports are open, or to open these ports, contact the network administrator or the Internet service provider (ISP). If you are the administrator of the network, see the documentation that is provided with your networking software to determine how to open these ports. The following list explains the port configuration specifications for the game:
More on this subject can be found HERE
Full list of other Ports that you may need to open:
TCP 80UDP 88TCP 3074UDP 53TCP 53TCP 443
Other MULTIPLAYER PROBLEM information can be found HERE
^^ Visit this thread by our own GFWModerator for more specific connectivity issues for LIVE games.
If you have game activation problems, you can resolve them HERE, If you have an error stating "The product key is not valid", click HERE Also HERE is an FAQ about GfW activation. For some rare issues of a product requesting REACTIVATION or TRIAL LIMIT HAS EXPIRED look HERE.
To adjust the volume for your microphone in Windows Vista, follow these steps:
For random CRASHES, you can look HERE
For general GAMEPLAY PERFORMANCE, see if it's background applications, find out HERE
Shadowrun Game Guide - Excerpts from the PRIMA game guide, the full version can be ordered HERE or HERE or any of THESE
I have this guide myself, and for the backstory for this game and artwork alone it is worth it. It also gives you some decent tips as well.
Published June 6, 2007
After a couple dozen hours of hardcore, soda-infused gameplay, we have developed a series of need-to-know strategies for all things Shadowrun™. No doubt these tactics will see revision and refinement after further play, but these tips will put you well on the way to competing for victory every round.
Teamwork works in Shadowrun.
Job DefinitionSuccess in Shadowrun is largely tied to a well-balanced group of players willing to take on defined roles.
Running with Scissors, or MinigunsRunning at top speed is a must when tracking down an artifact carrier or hauling butt to the drop spot to help escort your own runner. Luckily, the weight of your gun correlates directly to your run speed, so if you're sporting a pistol or submachine gun in your arsenal, press Y and switch to it before taking off. This is especially useful for the already sluggish trolls carrying miniguns, which slow them down even more.
You're not listening.
Strangle PriorityIt's common to see folks tossing Strangle down directly on top of the artifact, and while there's nothing wrong with that, you'll find Strangle even more effective placed along the pathways leading to the artifact. When defending a drop location, place Strangle several meters away along the path that leads up to the location. This gives you the time to spot, slow down and annihilate the artifact carrier.
The Tutorial—Use It!After several hours of consecutive play, a friend of mine piped up with the following question, "Hey, how do I use the special abilities?" After I laughed myself onto the floor, I realized the importance of the Tutorial chapters. They cover the benefits and weaknesses of every race, every Tech and Magic power. It's a must for new players, and hey, you get achievements for completion.
Crouch and ShootThough it is counterintuitive for most first-person shooter players, it's often safer to crouch, stay still, and shoot your enemy, instead of run-and-gun. Shots are far more accurate from a crouched position. But, and it's a big but, only employ this tactic when you're embroiled in one-on-one combat. Otherwise, you're a sitting target to nearby enemies, and their combined fire will cut you down in short order. Note that this doesn't apply to the shotgun, so strafe and blast away to your heart's content with the street-howitzer.
Crouch I say!
Ping AlertIf you hear a sharp-noted "ping" sound, you've been spotted with Enhanced Vision. Time to change your position. If you have Enhanced Vision, it's worth using it even when you don't have time to closely examine your surroundings. The alarming "ping" often causes confusion among the enemy.
Situational AwarenessThere are already an alarming number of players ignoring the Situational Awareness commands provided in Shadowrun. Tap up on the D-pad to let your comrades know your location, and that you've spotted an enemy. The A.I. may actually identify more enemies that you haven't seen. That kind of intelligence can sway a battle.
Katana BaneElves sporting katana are already a popular choice, but there's an easy out if you find yourself consistently set upon by hack-happy players. Get a few shots in first, wait until they're nearly in melee range, then surprise them with the Gust ability to knock them away. Many a would-be melee assassin can be eliminated this way.
Katana TacticsSpeaking of the katana, its proper use requires more than just hacking and slashing at an enemy. Consider the following katana-specific tactics:
Target acquired.
Ability AdjustmentBuild your character to your team's specifications, but make sure to react to your enemy's tech/magic builds in between rounds as well. For example, if you notice a player using smoke consistently, it's worth buying Gust to damage or kill them when they're in ethereal form. If the enemy is using Strangle or Tree of Life, surprise them with an extra player or two sporting Anti-Magic Generators. Each round of play represents a strategic adjustment, so pay close attention to your enemy's abilities.
Artifact DropDon't settle for getting shot in the back when running with the artifact. If there's an enemy behind you, try dropping the artifact after rounding a corner and ambush them. The average runner just keeps on going, so you can score plenty of surprise kills by turning the tables this way.
Spread the WealthIt's not uncommon to find yourself with a few extra credits after buying your gear and upgrades. Choose the Team option in the pre-round menu, and then choose Gift to give teammates any extra cred. This is especially useful when outfitting your heavy-hitters in the first round. A bit of extra money can outfit your team's troll with both a minigun and Smart Link, which is a devastating combo in early rounds.
Alright, now with all that in mind, it's time to get back into battle and show 'em what you've got!
Article by Ryan Treit - Originally posted HERE
- RESERVERED for updates
Sticking this - thanks for a great thread for new Shadowrun players, Capt.
no, thank you, I was hoping you were going to do that.
I know how hard it is to sift through the many posts.
But for anybody just now looking, I suggest using the Search bar at the top of your this page, it will help immensely!
Hey Mod, can you move exodus' post down a nudge.. you konw to keep the capn's post together?
I just deleted it because I can't move it, you can re-post your appreciation exodus!
GFWModerator: I just deleted it because I can't move it, you can re-post your appreciation exodus!
lol, good post sparrow!
Of course, if I missed anything please let me know...
I was going from what I recalled seeing most commonly, but there were a few obscure problems, that I know I missed.
OK lol reposting Appreciation
Great Post !
GFWLevents Video Team
lol , thank you very much...
Great job on this! One question though, in your post it said a Troll with a minigun was even slower? Is this true?
Every race with a minigun is a bit slower.
It is true as far as I know, but really it's just the least noticable with the troll because his strength compensates for it the best, I've heard some people say they can not tell the difference, who knows, could be slower (remember I am quoting an article here), or it could be wrong (though in my opinion the Troll is slightly slower witht the minigun unless he's got wired reflexes mapped), it may be a perceptual thing for some, without the physical parameters to read on each race I can not be positive either way, I don't know if you've noticed, but all weapons except the pistol Katana and SMG slow you down in varying degrees.
So if you are carrying one of the lighter weapons, if you are in a hurry, just switch to it, then back to your heavy guns to do your damage when you get to where you wanted.
Very awesome introduction/guide thing.
Picking up this game for $15 tomorrow. Hope to see you online Jack.
Also known as lukemat
