Cyberpunk 2077 and a Rabbit Hole

Dear Readers, as you may have gleaned from the title, I recently upgraded my computer and purchased the game Cyberpunk 2077. Firstly, may I say that this is an amazing game. The gameplay is outstanding (think Skyrim/Fallout except in a dystopian cyberpunk future!), the story is just nothing short of amazing, and the graphics…oh, the graphics. I have the settings turned to the max and it is an absolutely stunning and gorgeous game. Keep in mind that I have it now, and far after the bugs have been worked out and resolved.

Then I remembered: there is a TTRPG named Cyberpunk!

It was this point where I went down one heck of a rabbit hole. I found the original game. Found out that there were several editions that have come out since, leading us to the edition out today, called Cyberpunk RED. Then I discovered the core rulebook and the starter box. So I bought them. Then I discovered a module book. And more dice. And other items to aid in gameplay, like a companion app, an online character sheet creator, and so much more.

Then I found the website. Holy smokes! The sheer number of resources!

And more books!

Then I had another idea: how would I go about finding a group of suckers players to run a game with?

My mind went directly to Roll20.

The rabbit hole went down…SO far.

Roll20 searching found that they do support and have content for Cyberpunk RED! Then I started looking at those prices!

Needless to say, I’ve begun building myself a Cyberpunk RED collection. I don’t know where in the world I’ll store it (I barely have enough space for my D&D stuff (don’t look at me like that…everybody has hobbies; mine just happens to be playing and collecting D&D stuff!), but I’ll figure that out later!

So my current “shiny” is Cyberpunk RED. I’ve been reading up on the rules ad nauseam, practicing making character sheets, reading the examples they have in the books, and so on and so forth.

This rabbit hole has taken me here today, begun on…I want to say Thursday or Friday of last week? Something like that. Maybe as early as Wednesday. Probably Thursday though. Maybe.

I digress.

The point of the matter is that I have discovered something of a lost gem in the TTRPG community.

Of course, I have something to say about it…

My Review

Cyberpunk RED, the latest installment in the Cyberpunk franchise, is an immersive role-playing game that thrusts players into a dark and gritty dystopian world. Developed by R. Talsorian Games, this game successfully builds upon its predecessors and offers a thrilling experience filled with complex narratives, deep customization options, and an engaging combat system. With its intricate world-building and attention to detail, Cyberpunk RED manages to capture the essence of the cyberpunk genre and delivers an unforgettable gaming experience.

World-Building and Narrative

One of the standout features of Cyberpunk RED is its extremely detailed world. Set in the year 2045, the game presents a believable and immersive dystopian setting known as Night City. The city comes alive with its neon-lit streets, towering skyscrapers, and a diverse cast of characters. The lore of the game is meticulously crafted, providing players with a deep understanding of the social, political, and economic aspects of this futuristic world.

The narrative is captivating and keeps players engaged throughout their journey. The main storyline, along with numerous side quests and missions, offer a wide range of choices and consequences that impact the world and its inhabitants. The game master’s guide (found at the end of the core rule book) provides a wealth of information and tools to help game masters create their own compelling stories, making each playthrough a unique and personal experience.

Character Customization and Progression

Cyberpunk RED offers an extensive character creation system that allows players to build their own unique protagonists. From choosing their character’s background, skills, and attributes to customizing their appearance, players have ample freedom to shape their virtual personas. The lifepath system adds depth to the characters, providing different starting points and storylines based on their chosen background.

As players progress, they can further specialize their characters by investing in specific skills and abilities. The game offers a diverse range of character classes, such as Netrunners, Techies, and Solos, each with their own unique playstyles and abilities. This depth of customization ensures that players can create characters tailored to their preferred playstyles and tactics.

Gameplay and Combat

The gameplay in Cyberpunk RED strikes a balance between role-playing and action. Exploration is a key aspect of the game, as players navigate the sprawling Night City and interact with its inhabitants. The open-world environment encourages players to uncover hidden secrets, take on side quests, and immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of the world.

Combat in Cyberpunk RED is fast-paced and exhilarating. Whether engaging in gunfights, melee combat, or hacking encounters, players are presented with a wide array of tactical options. The combat system is intuitive, with rules that are easy to grasp yet offer depth for strategic decision-making. The inclusion of cyberware upgrades and futuristic weaponry adds an extra layer of excitement to the combat encounters.

Artwork and Presentation

The visual design of Cyberpunk RED is nothing short of stunning. The artwork captures the cyberpunk aesthetic flawlessly, with its vibrant neon colors, gritty cityscapes, and detailed character illustrations. The rulebook and supplementary materials are beautifully crafted, providing a visually pleasing and immersive experience. The layout and organization of the rulebook make it easy to navigate, ensuring that players can quickly find the information they need during gameplay.

Conclusion

Cyberpunk RED is a remarkable addition to the cyberpunk genre, delivering a captivating role-playing experience in a dystopian future. With its intricate world-building, engaging narrative, deep customization options, and thrilling combat system, the game successfully immerses players in the dark underbelly of Night City. Whether you’re a fan of the genre or new to the cyberpunk universe, Cyberpunk RED is a must-play title that will leave you craving more of its exhilarating and immersive gameplay.

So, all that said, my verdict? I SO desperately want a chance to play this. Like…I cannot describe how much I want to play this. Even just a few sessions.

*sigh*

Oh, well. Maybe one day.

Until next time, Dear Readers…