Variety

Based on our hands-on time with the beta, Shadowrun 's best trait, by far, is its variety. Variety in movement, variety in tactics and variety in play styles can lead two gamers to have two totally unique experiences within the same match. When comparing our favorite tricks with others in the office, we're usually surprised to discover that our strategy was the exact opposite of our coworker's.

The diversity goes even deeper. Before you even get a chance to sample the magic or violence, you must choose a race. The Humans, Elves, Dwarves and Trolls aren't just skin swaps - their body types range from miniscule to towering and from wispy to hulking. Joining a match can sometimes feel like participating in a wild circus sideshow.

They have diverse skills as well. The Elf heals itself automatically, the Troll takes damage slowly, the Human uses less mana and the Dwarf absorbs others' mana. Combine these talents with your favorite tech-and-spell combo and, presto, you have yourself a very personalized combatant.

That's what we like most about the Shadowrun beta... and, hopefully, the eventual full game itself. You don't have to mold yourself to it... it molds itself to you.