Alright, so it isn't a series that came from japan, nor is it mainly a video game series (though there are entries) but it is quite a unique RPG series, as it's a fusion between magic, technology, and a dash of the post apocalyptic.
Before you continue on reading, let me assure that there was a recent Shadowrun game that GREATLY misinterprets the series of RPG books, and I would love it if you were to hold your thoughts on it...if you must, mention it, but please give a shout out to the old school style, because Shadowrun really is, more than just magic meets machines.
Shadowrun, for some who don't know, is a table top RPG, that takes place in the year 2060 (2070 if you own 4th edition). A lot of bad stuff has happened during those years, such as magic being reborn into the world, ordinary joe's transforming into races of mythology (AKA meta-humans), a huge advancement in technology, and the world being trashed by multi million dollar corporations.
In this game, players take on the role of a Shadowrunner, best described as bounty hunters (though sometimes, Shadowrunners won't work for money, depends on who you meet), Shadowrunners will take the most illegal, most nasty, and most messed up jobs available.
The game is hailed for it's interesting blend of magic, machines, and cyberspace. It's also known for having a ridiculously powered character creator options. You can play the game as just about anything imaginable. You can either min-max your character, or play a multi tasker. You can be a hacker, cyborg warrior, shaman, or even a combination of the three, there really is no limit.
I could go on and on about the game, but I'll just mention one of my favorite aspects of the series in general...the artwork.
No matter what edition, all of the artwork is fantastic, and a lot of talented people have portrayed the dynostopian world perfectly. Heck, even though 4th edition's world looks a lil cleaner, the artwork still looks badass.
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They're a site with mainly third edition illustrations, plus a few second edition stuff in there as well.
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The official site for 4th edition Shadowrun, just thought I throw it in there for any curious peoples out there.
That's all for now, take care peoples.