Remember that action RPG,Shadowrun from the Super Nintendo? Well don't cling too tightly to those memories because what originated as a pen-and-paper game, Microsoft is ready to beta test as a full-on FPS. Xbox 360 owners will be the first to immerse themselves in this magical, cyberpunky vision of the future. Microsoft hints that Windows Vista users may not be far behind in terms of the beta program - and playing together with Xbox 360 users.

Shadowrun 's genre-bending motif hopefully sets the tone for a unique multiplayer experience.  Magic spells and teleportation will collide with heavy artillery and hangliders in hopes to stretch your strategic intllect, in addition to your trigger finger. So if you're sick of slaughtering elves and dwarves exclusively in Middle-Earth, and you have an online-capable Xbox 360, Shadowrun is ready to give first-comers' reflexes and wits a run for their money.

We've copy and pasted Microsoft's instructions below verbatim.  So don't blame us if things don't come out rosy.

1.  Visit our Web site at http://connect.microsoft.com.
2.  Click on "Invitations " on the left-side menu.
3.  You will need to sign in using a valid Windows Live ID before you can  continue to the "Invitations" page. (If you have already registered for the Connect site, skip to Step 5.)
4.  Please read and accept the Terms of Use Agreement then follow the instructions to register for the Connect site.
5.  Enter your Invitation ID in the blank field. Your invitation ID is: SHBS-6YMT-YKHC
6.  Click "Go."
7.  Complete and submit the short questionnaire. Please enter 106 for the beta code when asked at the beginning of the questionnaire.
8.  If you are not redirected immediately to the “Shadowrun” Beta Selection homepage after completing the questionnaire, click the My Participations link on the left hand navigation bar then click the “Shadowrun ” program link. This will redirect you to the “Shadowrun” Beta Selection Homepage.
9.  Once you are on the “Shadowrun” Beta Selection Homepage, you will need to complete the rest of the registration process by signing up for the forums by clicking the Join the Forums button then click the Welcome to the Official “Shadowrun” Community Forum Sign In button.
10.  Wait patiently for us to contact you with further instructions. Check back at http://connect.microsoft.com for further beta announcements.

November 27, 2006