Cyberpunk Red: Jumpstart Kit - RPG Review

[@davewire87]

I was just skimming through the full rule set and I noticed that it’s full of advertisements for in-universe products and utilities and I kept thinking I’d turn the page and find an ad for Scott Brown.

[@SSkorkowsky]

In the Corebook, check out the "Popular Keywords" on page 26 for a small Scott Brown nod. I squealed with geek joy when I saw that.

[@davewire87]

@@SSkorkowsky HOLY CRAP! That’s amazing! You’re canon now!

[@Kataki1987]

@@SSkorkowsky I know this was a year ago but thats fucking rad. Got one of your dudes in the actual canon. Nerds would die for this.

[@darrenp9454]

@@Kataki1987 I was literally reading that page while listening and decided to check the comments, was not disappointed.

[@CharlesMacpacattack4]

Get the fuck out I’ve got a showing

[@basileosalexios9200]

Found your channel a few days ago when I first started studying Cyberpunk Red (one of the many fans of the franchise that were reactivated when Edgerunners came out) and I gotta say, it's a very very good channel. You're clear in your explanation, you keep all your jokes tied to the franchise, your opinions about the game are relevant to the discussion... Gotta say I was just gonna watch your cyberpunk stuff but you earned a subscriber, friend :)

[@SSkorkowsky]

Welcome to the channel.

[@tazmokhan7614]

Time to get Scott Brown's opinion at this boxset..!!!!!!

[@douglascolquhoun8502]

I've got a showin'!

[@Joe.Bodie.Official]

Gunshot: (BAM!) (BAM!) "GET THE FUCK OUT!"

[@Vroomerz]

ThAnKs. I sPiLlEd My DrInK.

[@nicholaswallen8147]

Its HARDCORE!!!

[@littlemisspipebomb4723]

Seth: R Talsorian has always had incredible art CP 3rd edition: it's probably better you don't remember me actually

[@grape9306]

My interest in the cyberpunk universe was recently reignited by Edgerunners and after completing my second play through of the video game I ordered a copy of CPR. It just got here today and I’m excited to learn about the game and your videos on Red and 2020 have been very insightful! Keep up the good work!

[@rodneykelly8768]

03:35 War Story-Back when I was in the National Guard, I was in the same unit as my primary game master. One drill weekend he was giving a class on the garrote to a platoon of infantrymen. Long story short, he ended up having to explain what “GEEKING” someone meant. (Shadow Run)

[@richmcgee434]

Huh. Weird, I'd heard the term used well before the 90s. Always assumed it was a widespread idiom in American English way back then, but maybe not. Certainly didn't originate with Cyberpunk, regardless.

[@SuperRoboPopoto]

Geek the mage, chummer.

[@SSkorkowsky]

For me it was the term "Bombshell". It was from one of the old Solo of Fortune books for "Solo-Speak". It meant when a job goes sideways and everything goes wrong. We still use it all the time. So I was running a meeting at my old office job and dropped that little word in in front of my office while answering a question. In the context, they knew what I meant, but I instantly saw a flicker in everyone's eyes of, "That's a strange word to use."

[@richmcgee434]

Heh. For me "bombshell" is and always will be "a stunningly attractive woman" as a primary definition, something that's been around since WW2. Secondary would be the more common "a shocking event, statement, or piece of news" which dates back to the American Civil War era. I can see why your co-workers might blink at that one either way.

[@francisdoherty5580]

Geek, and Geeking was used on sideshow people. From Wikipedia: "In 19th century North America, the term geek referred to a performer in a geek show in a circus, traveling carnival or travelling funfair sideshows (see also freak show).[8] " It was only used for computer/Fandom enthusiasts after the 1960s.

[@marklerny3149]

Looks like me and my roommates found something to do while being locked down lol. My copy comes in a week

[@Danmarinja]

Not to be a conspiracy theorist or anything, but the first trailer of Cyberpunk 2077 was released in 2013 - the year of the first edition of the RPG. The video game is being released in 2020, the year of the second edition.

[@Wolfsspinne]

Also Cyberpunk 2077 is created by CD Project Red an the new Edition is called Cyberpunk Red.

[@strappedwithkrylon]

@@Wolfsspinne Also... Cyberpunk RED is created together with CD Project Red, which is obvious when you look at the index page of the booklets that comes with the starter kit. Not only is Cyberpunk now a trademark of CDPR (I honestly don't know how anyone could trademark Cyberpunk, given the fact that the genre was created before Pondsmith but that's another question), its (CDPR) logo is also in the booklets as well as on the box itself.

[@Godzillaaaaa11]

And in the year 2077, Cyberpunk2077 will be fully bug free xD

[@LordVader1094]

@@strappedwithkrylon Not going to lie, I don't like that at all. Lol

[@aiden_macleod]

No conspiracy involved. The most successful iteration of the RPG was 2020, so it only made sense that the vidgame be released that year.

[@azunthewise4914]

Me: ok I need to start saving money Seth:uploads rpg review Me:I need this

[@BoWhitten]

As always, your honest opinion on these things is always helpful. You always point out the issues clearly, even when you have a solution for them. Thanks, Seth.

[@KuyVonBraun]

There’s some fantastic Cyberpunk games out there these days but IMO CP2020/Red captures the feel of the genre like no other. I simply *cant wait* for the full rules to become available and I will be buying everything they release for this game. Great video as always Choomba 😎

[@lbpews9919]

Thanks to you I not only got my group to play Cyberpunk2020 (Cabin Fever was a smashing success) but now we're all diehard fans of the system and other related Interlock system games like The Witcher Pen and Paper. Our friend got his hands on the jumpstart kit and while we had a blast with it we had the same criticisms as you. My group wasn't too big into splitting the stats up either, although we understood why it was done (except for splitting Cool and Will when Will only covers a single stat in the jumpstart but hopefully that gets expanded with a core book later on). While we're waiting for R. Talsorian to release the full rules for Red my group has decided to mix the Red and 2020 rulesets and that's been working out way better than we anticipated. It's great hearing some other people's thoughts on the Red kit, especially people that are familiar with 2020. Great review and keep up the good work!

[@dimitriid]

I think I have a *great takeaway* from this video which I am implementing immediately: all Leather Armored characters in my game will be provided with a Gimp mask as part of the set.

[@StephMcAlea]

Great video as ever, Seth. It has made up my mind on whether I pick it up. X

[@ashafloki]

A shame they didn't include the Scott brown add on in this box

[@luckyowl1681]

Darn it, Seth. I see your vids, you got me into Call of Cthulhu (I even ordered the recent Berlin supplement and before that got the Old West setting books), and you've been showing off game systems other than it and there's only so much I can keep up with personally. I mean... I would LIKE to try all these out, including this Cyberpunk Red when it comes out, but right now I have technically five systems at home. ICONS, Zweihander, Starfinder, 7e Call of Cthulhu (plus Pulp), and 5e DnD. I WANT to try the Conan RPG and Delta Green, and even this newer Cyberpunk. You present everything as so thrilling! I'm glad you got me into brainstorming adventures involving the Cult of Yig, glad to hear your stories and thoughts on certain topics. XD Just... whew. Good vid. Glad you seem excited for this system. Hope the full rules have no issues for you when it's all released.

[@adamp4046]

Hey Seth, Just wanted to say I picked up the offical Cyberpunk Red handbook, and cannot wait for you to cover it soon. Glad to note that Scott Brown made the final cut in one of the in-book ads!

[@CatMandiano]

Looking forward to more cyberpunk reviews/game diaries. Please keep them coming.

[@VanillaSkyCrawler]

I wasn't sure if I wanted to give Cyberpunk 2020 or Red a try, but since Red is so new I think I'm gonna grab 2020 for my buddy and I since there will be a lot more online help for us to reference while learning. Awesome video, man!

[@BusyBadger]

Diggin' the Arasaka Security shirt, never figured Seth for a heavy though. I'm more of a Raven Microcybe guy myself.

[@FiuranBand]

Great review, thanks!

[@TheMerrox]

Great video as always Seth! =) We also had a blast with the Red Jumpstart, but there was many things thas was unclear and missing that soiled its experience a bit. For example, my players missed the ability to make more then just one action, like shooting with 2 pistols or shooting a couple of bursts or shots and the like. We tried to use the minus mods for splitting actions from the cp2020 but found it wasnt that compatible with the Red system. And the things that Seth mentioned, there should have been some basic prices and we also had a bit difficult to figure out movement in Netrunning. It felt like the Red Jumpstartbox was built around just the mission that comes with it and lacks the important details you need to play and make own adventures with the jumpstart rules until the real rules is realesed especially if you dont have the old cp2020 books to borrow things from.

[@dapperloser3025]

i'm just surprised they didn't put a 2077 ad in this box, 2077 might bring a lot more people to this RPG like bloodlines did for vampire the masquerade

[@KSGClive]

Can’t wait to run this! Keep up the great vids my man

[@CultureFiendMedia89]

Been waiting for your take on Red!

[@konberner170]

Great review! After watching many of your uploads, I have a feeling you might like the Savage Worlds system. Why? It fits these criteria that you have pointed-out that you like in a system: 1) it is not wedded to any setting (you mentioned this is a strong suit of D&D, but really D&D is fantasy for the most part, so SW is even more so), 2) It is a skill based system, 3) Anyone can use any skill for the most part with the exception of special skills and magic, where there are good reasons that not just anyone can use them, 4) it has a wounds system that has a bit of a death spiral without too much, something you mentioned, I believe in your Conan review, that you like, 5) the system is made to be customized, for heavy house rules folks like you should enjoy that, 6) cover and other modifier rules are excellent and easy to add or change. The only thing you may not like is the exploding die, because you have complained about too much RNG being unwelcome. However, having run it a lot, due to the "bennies" (hero points) that you can hand out, that largely fixes this potential problem. I find the RNG to be lower in this game than for nearly any system I have played. I am currently running both a 5e and a Symbaroum campaign, so I am no SW fanboy... just thought it may play into some of your stated preferences and noticed that you said you never tried it.

[@johnnysizemore5797]

@Kon Berner -- Hi, quick question 'bout SW(since you obviously know more about it than i do): I'm planning on getting the corebook and a Setting for it(as i like to have a place to work off of as a DM). Which would you recommend i get? SW tends to have a LOT of settings(from what i saw on Amazon, at least)....

[@meatguyf1375]

@@johnnysizemore5797 I would personally lean towards something action or pulp oriented. SW is technically a generic system but handles modern or near modern settings the best. I would avoid fantasy and horror for it.

[@konberner170]

​@@johnnysizemore5797 As you probably know, the core book is super cheap and the framework for the system. Amazingly, this is all you need. The source books mostly just give you ideas, but you can do anything yourself instead. Adapting any NPC from any system takes a matter of minutes. If you do grab an official SW supplement, from what I can seen, they are mostly high quality and pretty cheap, so you probably can't go wrong. My last big campaign using SW was modern zombie apocalypse that had Lovecraftian evil behind it. I used Fantasy Grounds, which is expensive but has very good support program for SW. Someone had coded in a special zombie mode that guarantee that the zombies always moved on low initiative, which was really useful (I believe you can also get that setting at drivethroughrpg under "War of the Dead", but I only used the setting rules, and the very beginning of the plot (which was excellent!), then redid all the rest. But the fun part was creating the NPCs, for which I had all sorts of very unusual weirdos to help the group out. So most of the fun was creating the NPCs and the plot, which took the player from a cruise ship, to New Orleans, to Little Rock Arkansas, doing the Lovecraft thing of searching for clues, finding the problem, and rooting it out with only days to spare before the final arrival of an Elder God. The players were friends from Austin Texas, New York City, and Thailand! This may not be too helpful, but I have never purchased any of the SW support materials. I focused on creating my own survival sandbox (made super easy by the powerful tables function of Fantasy Grounds) and story based on just having read Lovecraft, watching zombie movies and especially The Walking Dead, and having run campaigns since 1979.

[@johnnysizemore5797]

@Kon Berner, @meatguryf(nice Monarch thumbnail, too bad i can't tell where Kon's comes from) -- Thanks for the recommendations/suggestions gang! I'll let you know what i pick for supplement(since i'm Definitely buying the core book regardless!)....:D

[@konberner170]

@@meatguyf1375 Worked great for horror (worked even better than Call of Cthulhu for me! I did have to create my own madness system, but it was easy and someone else probably did one for it already in some supplement). I tend to agree that fantasy is not a strong point, but it does work fine. I think it is better than most fantasy systems and certainly more flexible. Features like being able to run lots of "extras" along with your wildcards takes the only good idea from 4e and allows you to use it anywhere.

[@kalebrowland5891]

Thanks for the review. I was on the fence about buying this.

[@matthewmccloud4777]

great review! Im using the Jumpstart Kit to do your favorite Screamsheet, Open Highway in a few weeks.

[@SSkorkowsky]

Have fun with it. Please tell me you'll be using some hotwheels cars and a mac truck. Toy cars make any game better.

[@matthewmccloud4777]

@@SSkorkowsky you already know it!

[@sjhhej]

For me, the big upgrade is to actually make netrunners a playable option. Looking forwards to finally having them at the table

[@williamdegrey]

Best rpg channel! Thanks for the review Seth!

[@1stPCFerret]

Dang it, Seth! You made this so appetizing that I gotta get a copy!

[@DuonDRaven]

Woo glad I refreshed KZbin one last time before jumping back into Warframe.

[@ncrtrooper1782]

Dude everyone is obsessed with Warframe now, is it really that good?

[@ithasanumber]

I was just about to go to bed and decided to refresh one more time.

[@Eradose]

I just stopped playing Warframe for the night when I saw this video.

[@DuonDRaven]

@@ncrtrooper1782 If you like third person looter shooters and sci-fi universes you can easily burn hundreds of hours (or thousands) in it with a minimal investment if any in real world cash. Everything but a handful of cosmetics can be farmed out through play, including the games premium currency "platinum". The Developers have made a point of not putting the screws to their players which is definitely a refreshing change. They have even made item creation tools available to everyone through their "TennoGen Program" where you can make cosmetics and submit them for the community's judgement, if enough players like it not only will they add it to the game they'll give you like a 30% cut of all future sales of your item. Couple people have paid off their college debt thanks to the popularity of the items they've made.

[@LPDani123]

@@ncrtrooper1782 it's mindless grinding with braindead enemies, but it's pretty

[@HandOvDoom2112]

So glad to see this! Last night I just bought the PDF off of DriveThruRPG. I have no experience with this system other than your videos and that really made me want to check it out! I don’t think I am gonna be disappointed! I might have to have a “Scott Brown” moment when I run this for my friends. Ha ha. Great video!

[@SSkorkowsky]

You want Scott Brown? The included scenario is all about a corporation that's trying to get the PCs out of an apartment building. So instead of sending in solos and netrunners or all that like the scenario suggests, have them hire the toughest real estate agency of the Dark Future to get everyone out of that building.

[@HandOvDoom2112]

@@SSkorkowsky Perfect! I have yet to read the scenarios but thanks for the advice! This is gonna be great. I shared that War Story video with my friends. Can't wait!

[@erazerhead99]

The picture at 4:13 on the right shows a character with a clearly identifieable Kitanica Mark V jacket. It's kinda cool to see an official Cyberpunk Red character wearing MY jacket!

[@antytrend]

Hey, thanks for reviewing this! Definitely the biggest line I saw at Gencon was for this box! I have highlighted a few critiques of what otherwise seems fantastic. One cardboard standees printed too dark and look like silhouettes. To the NPC’s are only outlined on the quick reference sheet this is counterintuitive. Three the one page adventures called scream sheets only involve combat in counter and there is no hacking in any of them.

[@Tony-dh7mz]

Wow, the art looks amazing, I agree those dice are way to busy for quick intuitive reading, pain in the ass to try to focus on what you roll, I really like 90% of what you've said, i don't like the lack of hit location, etc, but maybe that's just a part of this intro package, looking forward to this a lot, not only for its current setting, but also as a system to build games based on Appleseed, Alitia, Ghost in the shell, etc

[@aiden_macleod]

About the dice. They're a collectors item. Use your own dice if you want legibility.

[@smegskull]

Hmm dice explode in both directions... I like it, it could be very interesting.

[@KyleHarrisonRedacted]

18:47 That hit a little close to home. /me: *looks at my character in 2077, with the empty head slot... always. No exceptions.

[@docartemis2878]

Glad to see the new edition coming out. Only had one game of Cyberpunk 2020 first, set in the battletech universe, but my group enjoyed it, just haven’t had a chance to get around to it through everybody’s schedules.

[@pattyviggers3581]

I am so glad Cyberpunk Red is so close, I checked on the store but sadly is sold out, I will have to wait, Hey Jack sexy as always by the way Jack, dropped any shotguns lately ?

[@SSkorkowsky]

No shotguns, but he did drop an autopistol after a failed Facedown.

[@aidenwheezy7128]

It’s funny, because I’m about to run a cyberpunk 2020 2nd edition game

[@randalthor6670]

This video makes me think about doing the same.

[@LddStyx]

Tracking precise ammo could be replaced by a fumble result of "Your gun clicks empty, you need to reload before you can fire again." or something like that.

[@OptimusOmega6]

I think I'll be holding off on Red until the full game is released, but I am certainly looking forward to it. I'm going to be starting a Cyberpunk 2020 game with my group next week, and I'm very grateful to Seth for introducing me to the game through his videos. I probably would have learned of the tabletop version eventually thanks to 2077, which I am also very excited for, but now I'll get to guide my players through some classic retro sci-fi distopia ahead of 2077's release.

[@SSkorkowsky]

Have fun.

[@Coretalless]

Since I'm new to Cyberpunk, I order the Jump Starter kit to get a feel for the game before going all in and building an RPG Book library.

[@boblukasik323]

Cant wait to watch your review of the core rulebook.

[@evilhobocheeky1280]

I can't wait for this to come out to the public!

[@mistaecco]

Heck yeah, been waiting for this one!

[@THRILLSON2183]

I'm running my first cyberpunk game: I'm adapting cabin fever to Cyberpunk red, and your videos have been a wealth of information. I'm curious what your thoughts on the full ruleset are!

[@kgadventuresttrpg]

I would love to see you cover the new cyberpunk edgerunner mission kit!

[@smjsuperscott]

I ran this a couple weekends back after running 2020 for comparison. I wholly agree on the combat nuances and hit location rules being borderline essential for fun. I could tell as my crew was fighting the hired mercs in the apartment that it was devolving rapidly into DND "I hit you you hit me" turns with RAW (did have a fun part where my solo blindsighted an unaware merc and double foot dropkicked him along the side of his head), but yeah, I think I they don't add the nuances to hitting targets, from running to limb randomness, it at least would be easy to add it. I also felt like the solo had it too easy for the adventure. With a 15 armor and none of the baddies being listed having armor piercing rounds, he waded into them taking almost no damage (if I were running it in 2020, I'd have known better how to handle that and use alternative forms of damage like corrosives or microwaves). All in all I love the additions, feel I can sew the detractions back in if needed, so it's good. I especially like netrunning and the differences now between melee, unarmed, and grappling being this kinda rock paper scissors of non gun combat. (Melee though needs to do more dmg, maybe adding half of what unarmed adds to dmg, as even with 2 attacks and halving armor, a knife doing 1d6 dmg on everyone is harsh)

[@randalthor6670]

I absolutely agree with you on the combat stuff; I get real bored of the basic 'back-and-forth until someone drops' style of RPG combat. Give me real tactical choices any day. So, a game like CP where getting shot even once matters, is a good thing to me, it means that you have to use your brain, and not the boring slug-fest of just waiting to see who's HP last longest.

[@allenlindenberg3732]

mate, seriously good video. Informing and entertaining.

[@artistpoet5253]

Nice vid. Was just looking for info on 2077 but now that there's gonna be a new edition to the pen/paper game, I'm all in. Playing the original way back in the 90's was a lot of fun but we ran a lot of house rules to let the narrative move the sessions with die rolls just for 'those moments'.

[@squeethemog213]

This looks right up my alley. I'll have to check it out when I get some extra credits :)

[@garfusa2]

The old cyberpunk was the first ttrpg I ever played. I have fond memories of it.

[@Chit569]

9:00 I think its perfectly fair that only one class can use that. Its no different than only Wizards being able to cast Wizard spells and such from any other RPG.

[@EvilSandwich]

So to draw a parallel to the Vampire the Masquerade system, Dex is like Dexterity and Ref is like Wits in Vampire?

[@cdgonepotatoes4219]

Well, a way to say a person has high reflexes is "he's quick on his wits" so yeah

[@strappedwithkrylon]

Not really, no. Wits in oWoD is entirely and solely about quickness of the mind, in lack of a better term. As described by the booklets in CP:RED, reflexes is about - and this is a direct quote "Your response time and coordination, as used in aiming, throwing, juggling, etc. A stage magician, for example, would have a high Reflex Stat. Most importantly, this is the Stat that affects your ability to hit things." Dexterity on the other hand revolves around things like balance, jumping/leaping, and other athletic abilities. Dexterity in oWoD is essentially reflexes and dexterity combined.

[@RTL2L]

Good review, thank you! And great cosplay!

[@devinanglin7116]

I can't wait to run this!

[@manugarcia3578]

Seems cool and interesting. I'll wait for the complete version tho.

[@twossock]

Hey Seth, hope you get to do more Cyberpunk RED soon.

[@juddgoswick2024]

I would suggest making and using a scaled ruler with the various guns and mode difficulties for quicker use.

[@wylde_hunter]

Good review. Thanks!

[@robshowers7274]

Looking forward to trying it.

[@drsatanrx]

I think there are different pregen characters in each box. I got 2 forty's in my kit and no fixer.

[@MarvelX42]

I can certainly understand why "Jack the NPC" would be in black and white, to get that feel of the old movies, but why was this character in black and white? I mean he should have been in full vivid color with neon highlights, etc.

[@nerzenjaeger]

Love your channel, Seth.

[@assassinred426]

Just got my cyberpunk Red jumpstart kit couple days ago been reading through the rules and such I've enjoyed the changes especially the hacking, but I don't particularly like Marksmanship kind of like having handgun, SMG, rifles, heavy weapons all separate but have yet to do the the apartments narrow yet and in waiting to get my final judgment until after, so depending on how I feel I'm going to try and build a a custom character sheet using the skills from cyberpunk 2020 and converting them over to red time will tell.

[@aiboffin295]

Dead is dead, parts is parts, dead guys is parts!!

[@AlluMan96]

Funny how it goes. I start playing CP2020, you come out with a video about it. While we were all a bit unsure on a handful of rules (I am only passingly familiar with CP and the DM was a first-timer), we were still having a good time playing. I am glad they shopped around the hit point system a bit. I was worried about how this edition would go about changing the rules in terms of trying to over-simplify the modifier-economy that really made CP what it is to me, but the way damage is handled is one of those elements that I do not mind getting made simpler. What I'll more than likely end up doing is when Red's core book comes out, I'll pick it up and see what works the best in that, what works best in 2020 and run a merged system. Like, playing 2020 with Red's health system and the like.

[@AzureIV]

Hey Seth, I would like your opinion on the new edition (6th) of Shadowrun and how it compares to Cyberpunk.

[@MidnightSnackx]

Love the double meaning of the johnny walker reference.

[@nikkibrowning4546]

Have you ever looked at "Powered by the Apocalypse" games? There is a subsystem called Sprawl (perhaps Sprawl 2.0) that is a fast paced cyberpunk game. It would be cool to see how you think it compares to Cyberpunk.

[@ncrtrooper1782]

Finally yesssss!!! He reviewed it! Any tips on making characters from scratch? Moving rules from 2020?

[@SSkorkowsky]

No rules on making characters from scratch. Those will be in the full CP Red rules when they're released. The Jumpstart Kit only gives the 6 (x6) pregens. Moving rules?

[@liambrewerpowerlifting]

Do you watch the act man? Because patrolling the Mojave almost makes me wish for Why is Fallout New Vegas so Awesome?

[@ncrtrooper1782]

@@SSkorkowsky I mean converting. I probably forgot the word at the time lol. I heard it comes November, cant wait for it.

[@madsam7582]

7:40 I like that system, I'm still trying to understand the shock system in 2020

[@lordzaboem]

I just finished reading the Jumpstart Kit (mine is PDF version), and I love it. Although Seth is awaiting extended combat rules, I think that I will likely stick with this easy-to-learn Thursday Night Throwdown version version for my players even after the full rules get released. I would have preferred that some of these rules been left out like how characters woth a DEX of 10 have the option of dodging gunfire because this is optional and most edgerunners cannot do it anyway. The sample adventures are diverse. The world info is engaging. I also would have liked some prices on the gear, especially the few pieces of features cyberwear, but I appreciate that some stuff is beinf held back for the complete version. I do have one big complaint. I hate these character sheets. The kit comes with no blank character sheets, & none are available for download from R. Talsorian's website. These pregen character sheets don't have room for either thr Reputation stat nor the Cultural Learning stat. These are cool rules that I would encourage my players to use. There's also no room for reducing armor from ablative damage, a significant part of the combat. Instead, we have six sets of stats, five of which will go unused by the player holding this character sheet. Oh yeah, they also left out a printer-friendly version of these sheets. Overall, it's just design. Recently, a Reddit user posted his own fan-made and much better character sheet. Overall, I'm giving the Red Kit about 8.5 / 10.

[@SpectralRedshift]

Seth, I would love you doing a Red game with the guys from the Cyberpunk 2077 community podcast!!!

[@PH_Dungeon]

I like this review, but there's some wonkiness I've noticed when reading the rules that wasn't addressed in the review, and I'm wondering if anyone else feels that way or has had issues with this in play. For example, damage ratings seem to be all over the place. A guy with 9 body does 4d6 damage when brawling, but a monowhip does only 2d6 damage, as does a submachine gun round. A knife is a lowly d6 damage, and so is smashing someone with a cyberarm. A very heavy pistol is 4d6. A lot of armor has around 11 or 15 stopping power (SP), which means a lot of firearms aren't going to do any damage. Apparently brawling attacks do 0 damage against an armored location, but SP is halved against other melee attacks like a knife (which would still be pretty useless at 1d6). For some reason, you can make 2 melee attacks in a round, but you can only fire a gun once. There are some rules for 3 round bursts and suppressive fire, but no rules for a long burst or full auto burst. I really want to like this game, but on paper some of the rules (particularly damage values) just seem a little random. I'm interested to see how the final version will look. I feel like the Jumpstart really only scratches the tip of the iceberg with this game, and I wish they had added a bit more of the meat of the game into it because, as it stands, it doesn't quite give me enough that I want to run it as is. I feel like it's too incomplete, and I won't feel comfortable giving it a shot until I have the full rules.

[@wendigo1619]

what about hand-to-hand? there was an incredibly in-depth system for that before

[@edmundhudson]

Cyberpunk RED, full version, now available at DriveThruRPG! www.drivethrurpg.com/product/333585/Cyberpunk-RED

[@seb24789]

Can i still use the Mekton Zeta Plus conversion rules to add giant stompy death robots?

[@RPGImaginings]

Can anyone describe the key differences between Cyberpunk and Shadowrun? I don't know either system, but they look similar on face value. I prefer simpler systems with rich worlds, and Cyberpunk seems to do that better?

[@МихаилВолков-м1к]

Shadowrun has magic and elfs, if you want fantasy in your game play shadowrun.

[@RPGImaginings]

Ah, ok. No thanks. Cyberpunk it is!

[@AxelLeJeff]

I think the head armor is to pay homage to the GIANT popped collar on the video game protag.

[@AdamMcCulloughMerlin]

That closing joke caused an audible groan, Seth.

[@SSkorkowsky]

Don't look at me. Jack writes all of his own jokes.

[@thereviewman1834]

Hey Seth I find it hard to work the initiative in this how dose it work and do you think you can do a video series for cyberpunk red when it comes out like you did call of cthulhu

[@ArchangelMiniatureGaming]

I'd love to see a call of cthulhu/traveller instructional series on cyberpunk red!

[@royhuson7115]

Do you ever plan on reviewing the core rule book for Cyber Punk Red?

[@SSkorkowsky]

Eventually, once we start playing it and once I've had enough playtime with it to have a solid opinion and suggestions. But we're deep in a year-long Traveller campaign.

[@Sam-shushu]

I just got the full book. do you have a video for that yet? :)

[@SSkorkowsky]

Not yet. We're still finishing up Traveller before we dive into CPRed. And then it'll be a few months of playing it before I'll be ready to begin compiling a review.

[@Sam-shushu]

@@SSkorkowsky looking forward to it :)

[@ReedyRainbow]

Now that red is fully released id love too hear your thoughts on the game. Id also love too know how well the older edition splat books like Blackhand's guide or what have you interface with red. Like how 7e CoC has tables too help you convert older edition investigations too current edition.

[@SSkorkowsky]

I'm torn on Red. There are massive improvements to 2020. Much has been streamlined for speed and ease. The art is beautiful. I have a lot of great things to say about it. I'm also underwhelmed. While they did steamline it up, I feel they might have streamlined it to the point that many of the things I loved about 2020 were lost. Some parts are too simple. Such as, there's no Half-Cover. You are either 100% behind cover and they can't see you, or you're 100% out in the open. That's weird to me. I mean the game gives rules for Called Shots like Head or Arm, but if I'm peeking up from behind a wall with only my head and arm sticking out, that gives no penalty to hit me. Why don't we just use Called Shots? There's a lot of rules like that. Much of the equipment has been stripped down to generic "Medium Autopistol," rather than a wide assortment of slightly different Medium Autopistols, each with their own aspects. Once, we referred to our weapons by brand name. Now we just call it Medium AutoPistol, or whatever type of gun it is. There's no rules for silencers. How are there no silencers?! We've played some. That game has been (hopefully) temporarily put on hold due to real life reasons with the GM. Hopefully we can start up again soon. I've had fun playing it, but I'm not passionate about it. Problem is that I need more playtime and to get some GM time in before I'm ready to give a proper review. I fully realize I'm biased. Cyberpunk 2020 was massively influential on me, and I don't know if my issues with it are actual issues with the game itself, or that I'm simply a grognard who is grumpy that the edition changed. Once I have more playtime I can really assess what the game is, versus what it isn't, and I can review it off what it is. But when I'm looking at games I want to run me and my players through, I always find something else I'm more excited to play. I don't hate it. I don't love it. I'm mostly indifferent.

[@ReedyRainbow]

@@SSkorkowsky Thank you very much for the reply, My group and I are currently shopping around for a new game besides 5th edition DnD so this input really helps narrow it down for us. Its a shame too hear about the over streamlining, something i am all too familiar with being a guy who started DnD back in 2d ADnD. Perhaps it just needs more time too bake? Either way perhaps i should look at 2020 over Red. I've never played Cyberpunk and my only experience with it is your channel and the videogame. I must admit its slightly daunting an idea too broach 2020 as the catalog is quite extensive but perhaps it is the better choice. Thanks Again from a long time fan!

[@SSkorkowsky]

Like I said, there is a lot of great stuff Red introduced, and they did fix a lot of things (especially Netrunning), it's just many of the other changes I'm not a fan of. One game you might want to look in to is Mongoose Traveller 2e. It did a pretty good job of scratching my Cyberpunk itch. Much more far future than near-future, but has many of the same tones like solid combat system, no magic, skill-based, and cybernetic enhancements.

[@ReedyRainbow]

I will for sure! I watched the series you did on it both the review and the campaign diary and it looks worthy of looking into at the very least. Ill have too bring it up at our next gathering.

[@d20revolt57]

Hey, will you be reviewing the full rules?

[@SSkorkowsky]

After I've had significant play/run time with it. We've played a few sporadic sessions, but it's far back-burner because we have 2 other campaigns I'm running in different and there's only so much time.

[@coryvandamme3590]

Hey, so here's to hoping you can help me out with this. In the jumpstart kit, does it actually mention where abouts the Hammer nightclub is situated in NC? Like Watson, center etc.. I'm attempting to put together a group, and I know full on that's a question these gonks will be asking..

[@briancline7349]

It seems to me like if you buy one of these jump start boxed sets with incomplete rules you should get a significant discount on the final version of the rule books when they come out. To me not getting that would make me just want to save my money for the full version since I’m going to have to buy that anyway (assuming I’m pretty sure I’m going to want to keep playing the game).

[@DamPlays96]

Now that the full rules are out, I'm surprised to see you didn't make a video about it yet. Is there hope for it in the future?

[@SSkorkowsky]

In "The future"? Yes. Soon? No.

[@Sofus.]

Chombatta (pronounced as Choom-ba) is cyberpunk slang for friend, buddy, pal, comrade, etc.

[@aiden_macleod]

Actually, you don't call them choombahs, you just call them chummer, as in chum.

[@nexus8917]

Jack the NPC should get his own series.

[@LuciMorgonstjaerna]

You make me really want to get this game. It sound great. I never played 2020 but the cool stat put me off plus the no d20s. I don't know if this has changed here but you make it sound like a lot of fun. I back Carbon 2185 on Kickstarter so I did a few adventures on there but it feels like something is missing. Need to homebrew it methinks

[@marlinperkins6910]

I’ve never liked the division of dex and reflexes. I think it introduces ambiguity, leading to arguments over which is which, and when they apply.

[@VaSoapman]

As a miniature painter, I would paint in the numbers in White or something. Then the dice might actually be readable. Except for that 4. That one is just bad.

[@phillee427]

Very informative video thanks. I've been a fan of cyberpunk since its original debut back in 1988 when I started running that weekend. It looks like I'll be using red as Source material but I doubt if I'll be using it as is. The dumb down combat system does not appeal to me. The main rule book may change that opinion but right now time will tell. I like the death spiral as it was deemed because it's more realistic you take a bullet you ain't doing a lot of anything else except suffering. I'm very curious to see not only the new cyberpunk redcore book but the new Chromebook as well.

[@raizinhell3096]

Would you consider doing a review series similar to your call of cthulhu series for cyberpunk red?