The Cyberpunk Revival Project is complete and we have a winner. A big well done and thank you to all those that took part on the 1KM1KT Forum and to the mastermind of it all, Gordon McKerrel. I think you'll agree that the outpouring of imaginative re-imagining of Cyberpunk hails the competition as a great success. The 1KM1KT judges of Gordon, Jason, Elliot and I fought for our favourites and Metropole Luxury Coffin stood head and shoulders above the others. For the other authors needing feedback, I'll be reviewing a few of the entries and will pass on my notes to the others.I urge you to peruse the entries below and please do download the wonderful Metropole Luxury Coffin.
Winner: Metropole Luxury Coffin by Graham MacLean
Set in a capsule hotel, Metropole Luxury Coffin is the home for the dregs of society. As players, you plan to escape the cramp boarding house. A focused game that is beautifully presented. I'll say no more because I will be reviewing it soon!
Cyberpunk Remix by Justin Margulski
A near future game where all the technology we were promised in the 1950s comes true. The majority of the population are boring carbon copies of each other whereas player characters are important and different. Superb writing and ideas forthing with ideas such as "where mutant rats build temples to Mickey Mouse in the sewers".
Disgensia by Aldo Ojeda Campos
Set in an enormous utopian Mega-complex, Disgensia substitutes mutations for Cyber. Imperfections and malformed humans are hated by normal society and the corporations. As characters you either fight against or for corporations. There's a slick system picked out with superb graphics created by the author. Doubly impressive as English is not Aldo's first language.
FUBAR by Michael Wenman
Although not laced with Cyberpunkitude, FUBAR is a focussed game of betrayal and revenge. The art layout is bold and atmospheric, it has grit and is very well written. You could take the principles of FUBAR and apply it to any genre. The ideas are big and broad, the final PDF beautiful.
Ghettopocolypse by Jonathan Janssen and Otis Johnson
Akira as an 1970s exploitation film, Ghettopocolypse is delightful roleplaying filth set in a gritty underworld. A pulp, tongue in cheek setting a few notches more gritty than Neuromancer. The writing is immersive, graphics evocative and although somewhat familiar, it offers a new take.
Last Res0rt by Rachel Keslensky
Based on the Last Res0rt web comic, this lite roleplaying game encapsulates the Last Res0rt in a charming package. Interesting races and wonderful graphics feel more Sci Fi than Cyberpunk but as a game wrapper for the comic, it does a great job.
Nanopunk by Kris Green
Sinister corporations have stepped in after an economic and ecological global collapse. Their solution was technological: infusing every human with nanobots that keep us healthy. Your characters play a few generations on where nanobots are part of humanity. You operate in or against the all powerful corporations. Great descriptions of nanotech and its feels a lot like the film Equilbrium.
Technogrammaton by Andrew Peregrine
The world is dominated by the Islamic faith, having branched from our history two thousand years ago. Although not complete, there is enough setting to play. A thoughtful take on Islam creates a believable and fascinating projection. I can only hope Andrew finished it.
Truth Inc. by Jason Petrasko
A blend of near-future technologies wraps the single powerful corporation of Truth Inc. The aim of is for the characters to uncover one of the evil plots Truth Inc. is up to. Lively and humorous writing gives the game a fresh and welcome attitude.Where have you been hiding, Lang?
Hospital to have my gallbladder out (never very serious but just protracted) and then I moved house! Everything is settling down so I can start creating again. Good to be back? You betcha!
