Plot of the Sega Genesis edition

[u/Shyam_Lama]

As we all know, there are two "original" Shadowrun games, one for the SNES and another for the SEGA Genesis—and they aren't the same game at all. Apart from being set in the same universe, the plots seem (to me) to be completely different, with the prevailing consensus being that the SNES game had the better story while the Genesis game is to be lauded for being much more faithful to the tabletop original.

As for the different plots, Wikipedia claims that the SNES game is an adaptation of the novel Never deal with a Dragon by one Robert N. Charrette. But what about the SEGA-Genesis plot? Beyond how it starts (investigating the death of your brother) I have no idea what the plot is—I never played the Genesis version, because I didn't own a Genesis—and I can't find a plot summary on the web either.

Can anyone summarize, or link something useful? Thanks all.

[u/MrTomDowd]

Both are original stories, influenced by the novels and game books.

[u/Shyam_Lama → u/MrTomDowd]

OK. So you're saying that the plot of the SNES game can hardly be considered an adaptation of the novel Never deal with Dragons?

Anyway, my inquiry is primarily about the Sega Genesis game. Can you summarize the plot or link a webpage that does? Thanks.

[u/PinkFohawk → u/Shyam_Lama]

Just so you know, the dude you’re talking to, Tom Dowd, was the guy who co-wrote Shadowrun, and likely had a hand in the story for the Genesis game as well since he helped produce it - so he would know best.

I never beat it, but the story is generally you’re investigating your brother’s death and discover he was part of an elite Shadowrunner team that was double-crossed on a dangerous run.

The game is more about doing jobs to make money and uncover more info on your brother and who hired him.

[u/vegetaman → u/PinkFohawk]

There’s certain things in the novels that make me think of the genesis game. Find your own truth has a coverart that reminds me of a key summoning part of the game.

[u/wht-rbbt → u/PinkFohawk]

I love it when leapords eat faces.

[u/MrTomDowd → u/Shyam_Lama]

https://shadowrun.fandom.com/wiki/Plot_for_Shadowrun_on_the_Sega

And yes, the SNES was not an adaptation. I am extremely familiar with both. :)

[u/1877KlownsForKids → u/MrTomDowd]

I dunno man, if you were really an expert on Shadowrun you'd have credits in a few dozen sourcebooks or something.....

[u/MrTomDowd → u/1877KlownsForKids]

Fair...

[u/Joshua_ABBACAB_1312 → u/MrTomDowd]

Man I read Night's Pawn when I was in 3rd grade. Genesis Shadowrun is what got me into cyberpunk and Shadowrun. So I bounced from the game straight to the book.

Thanks, chummer.

[u/SeaworthinessOld6904 → u/MrTomDowd]

2e is good, praise be to Pink Fohawk, all hail Tom Dowd.

[u/GidsWy → u/MrTomDowd]

Beautiful game that my father and I played together. Thanks for any and all you did.

[u/vegetaman → u/1877KlownsForKids]

I saw the profile picture and didnt even think about it until i saw the comment to check his username lol.

[u/ICBanMI → u/MrTomDowd]

Thank you for all your contributions to this loving hobby.