As part of the Xbox 360 Spring Update released today, online-enabled owners of Microsoft's console can now chat with Vista users via Windows Live Messenger. And by month's end, they will also be able to settle the controller-vs.-keyboard-and-mouse debate like men...and trolls, elves, and dwarves.

　　That's because on May 29, the first shooter that will allow PC gamers to directly do battle with Xbox 360 owners will go on sale. The date was set in stone today, when Microsoft Game Studios confirmed that Shadowrun has gone gold. Rated M for Mature, the game will cost $49.99 for the PC and $59.99 for the Xbox 360.

　　Based on the classic role-playing game from FASA, Shadowrun was developed by the pen-and-paper RPG company's game development descendant, the Microsoft-owned FASA Studio. Though it isn't an RPG, the new game is set in the same fantasy-cyberpunk future that sees spellcasters face off against high-tech weaponry. Though it does have a six-mission single-player "training mode," the title's emphasis will be on the aforementioned online multiplayer combat.

　　Shadowrun also has the distinction of being the second PC game to offer Windows Live achievements. The first will be Halo 2, which is now set to arrive on May 22. For more on the game, check out GameSpot's previous coverage.