FindAlternative
Back to Rifts: Promise of Power

Rifts: Promise of Power vs Shadowrun Returns

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

Compare
Rifts: Promise of Power
Rifts: Promise of PowerTurn‑based tactical RPG set in the Rifts universe.
Shadowrun Returns
Shadowrun ReturnsTurn‑based cyber‑punk RPG set in a magic‑infused Seattle, 2054
Overview
Description

Rifts: Promise of Power adapts the pen‑and‑paper Rifts system to a turn‑based, action‑point combat engine for single‑player play. Players choose a proto‑class—Mercenary, Psionic, or Magic User—and later specialize into paths like Borg, Burster, or Ley Line Walker. The game introduces the exclusive Elemental Fusionist class, later incorporated into the Rifts Ultimate Edition core rulebook, and offers a shallow but broad sampling of the series' hundreds of classes, delivering strategic depth within a sci‑fi setting.

Step into the shoes of a down‑on‑their‑luck shadowrunner in a world where magic and megacorporations collide. Explore a gritty Seattle, hunt a serial killer, and shape your own story with deep tactical combat and rich narrative choices.

Pricing
Paid (One-time)
Paid (One-time)
Category
CRPG
CRPG
Best for
Fans of tactical sci‑fi RPGs
Tactical RPG fans and cyber‑punk enthusiasts
Specifications
Specifications
developer
Backbone Entertainment
Harebrained Schemes
publisher
Nokia
Harebrained Schemes
age rating
ESRB T
PEGI 12, ESRB M
multiplayer
Single player
Single player
critic score
—
73/100
General
release date
2005-09-10
2013-07-25
msrp
—
$29.99
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Rich Rifts setting adapted for video games
  • Clear turn‑based action‑point mechanics
  • Variety of class and specialization options
  • Unique Elemental Fusionist class
  • Deep tactical combat with cyber‑magic options
  • Robust mission editor encourages community creativity
  • Rich lore and atmospheric setting
  • Cross‑platform availability
Cons
  • Limited to single‑player experience
  • Shallow depth compared to tabletop source
  • Outdated graphics by modern standards
  • Linear main campaign limits replayability
  • Steep learning curve for new RPG players
  • Occasional UI scaling issues on mobile devices
Community & Metrics
Upvotes
0
0
User rating
Not enough data
Not enough data

More alternatives & similar tools

Alternatives to Rifts: Promise of Power

View all →
Shadowrun Returns
Shadowrun Returns

Turn‑based cyber‑punk RPG set in a magic‑infused Seattle, 2054

Compare
Future Tactics: The Uprising
Future Tactics: The Uprising

Turn‑based tactical combat meets sci‑fi action in a gritty mutant showdown.

Compare
Rebelstar: Tactical Command
Rebelstar: Tactical Command

Lead the rebellion against alien overlords in turn‑based tactical combat.

Compare

Alternatives to Shadowrun Returns

View all →
Shadowrun
Shadowrun

Cyber‑magic mashup RPG where you hack, slash, and explore a 2050s open world.

Compare
Shadow Hearts: From the New World
Shadow Hearts: From the New World

Explore 1920s America with Judgment Ring battles and demon fusions.

Compare
Shadow Hearts
Shadow Hearts

A turn‑based RPG where a Harmonixer battles fate in pre‑WWI Europe.

Compare
Deus Ex: The Fall
Deus Ex: The Fall

A cyber‑punk stealth RPG where augmented mercenaries fight a global drug conspiracy

Compare

The Verdict

AI-generated from listing data

Shadowrun Returns offers deeper tactical combat, cross‑platform support, and a mission editor, while Rifts: Promise of Power provides a simpler, Rifts‑focused experience with limited depth.

Key differences

  • •Combat depth: Shadowrun Returns includes cover, line‑of‑sight and cyber‑magic; Rifts uses a basic action‑point system.
  • •Platform reach: Shadowrun Returns runs on ~10 platforms; Rifts lists only single‑player with no platform details.
  • •Replay value: Shadowrun Returns has a mission editor for user‑generated content; Rifts lacks such features.
  • •Learning curve: Shadowrun Returns is noted as steep for newcomers; Rifts is described as shallower and easier.
  • •Price transparency: Shadowrun Returns costs $29.99; Rifts' price is not specified.
DimensionWinner

Gameplay & fun factor

Shadowrun Returns offers cover, line‑of‑sight, cyber‑magic and a mission editor, providing richer tactical options.

Shadowrun Returns

Platform availability

Shadowrun Returns is released on ten platforms including PC, consoles, mobile and Linux; Rifts lists no platforms.

Shadowrun Returns

Pricing & value

Shadowrun Returns price is $29.99; Rifts price is not specified, preventing a clear comparison.

Tie

Multiplayer / co‑op

Both titles are single‑player only.

Tie

Content & replayability

Shadowrun Returns includes a mission editor and multiple narrative choices; Rifts has a single campaign with limited depth.

Shadowrun Returns

Difficulty & accessibility

Rifts is described as having shallow depth, making it easier for new players; Shadowrun Returns has a steep learning curve.

Rifts: Promise of Power

Graphics & performance

Rifts is noted for outdated graphics; Shadowrun Returns, released later, is presumed more modern.

Shadowrun Returns

Choose Rifts: Promise of Power if…

Fans of the Rifts universe who want a simple, single‑player tactical RPG and don’t need many platforms.

Choose Shadowrun Returns if…

Players seeking deeper combat, community‑created missions, and broad platform support, even if the learning curve is higher.

Common questions

What is the price of each game?

Shadowrun Returns costs $29.99; Rifts: Promise of Power price is not specified in the provided facts.

Which game offers more replayability?

Shadowrun Returns, thanks to its built‑in mission editor and multiple narrative choices.

Can I play either game on a console or mobile device?

Shadowrun Returns runs on consoles, mobile, PC and Linux; Rifts: Promise of Power lists only single‑player with no platform details.