Rifts: Promise of Power vs Shadowrun Returns
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
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.
- 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
- 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- Outdated graphics by modern standards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
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Rifts: Promise of Power
View all →
Turn‑based tactical combat meets sci‑fi action in a gritty mutant showdown.

Lead the rebellion against alien overlords in turn‑based tactical combat.
Alternatives to Shadowrun Returns
View all →
Explore 1920s America with Judgment Ring battles and demon fusions.

A cyber‑punk stealth RPG where augmented mercenaries fight a global drug conspiracy
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataShadowrun 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.
Gameplay & fun factor
Shadowrun Returns offers cover, line‑of‑sight, cyber‑magic and a mission editor, providing richer tactical options.
Platform availability
Shadowrun Returns is released on ten platforms including PC, consoles, mobile and Linux; Rifts lists no platforms.
Pricing & value
Shadowrun Returns price is $29.99; Rifts price is not specified, preventing a clear comparison.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Both titles are single‑player only.
Content & replayability
Shadowrun Returns includes a mission editor and multiple narrative choices; Rifts has a single campaign with limited depth.
Difficulty & accessibility
Rifts is described as having shallow depth, making it easier for new players; Shadowrun Returns has a steep learning curve.
Graphics & performance
Rifts is noted for outdated graphics; Shadowrun Returns, released later, is presumed more modern.
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.



