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Cyberpunk Red Jumpstart Kit
Cyberpunk Red is the latest edition of the classic roleplaying game of the Dark Future, featuring updated mechanics and new lore from the era between 2020 and 2077. We’re working hard on it now and it will be released when its ready. Until then, the Cyberpunk Red Jumpstart Kit is a starter set with everything you need to play the game: essential rules, customizable pregenerated characters, new world lore, some amazing dice made by Q Workshop, and more.
122 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2019
9 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Mike Pondsmith
46 books90 followersMichael Alyn Pondsmith is an American roleplaying, board, and video game designer. He founded the publisher R. Talsorian Games in 1982, where he developed a majority of the company's role-playing game lines. Pondsmith is the author of several RPG lines, including Mekton (1984), Cyberpunk (1988) and Castle Falkenstein (1994). He also contributed to the Forgotten Realms and Oriental Adventures lines of the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, worked in various capacities on video games, and authored or co-created several board games. Pondsmith also worked as an instructor at the DigiPen Institute of Technology.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 19, 2019
Basically a continuation of Cyberpunk 2020/v2, while skipping over 2030/v3 (for reasons like... uh... not being the popular version and people not liking what Pondsmith/crew did in 2030). The only carry over from that is the "4th Corporate War" happens and... a nuke goes off in Night City.
Unfortunately, this is nothing more than a "demo"/one-shot demo kit. The rulebook is VERY SPARSE for something that is meant to advertise the Core Rulebook of RED/v4. Netrunners have a core-skill, the others are "oh, it's in the rulebook [which isn't out yet currently lol!] lol! Sorry!"
The lore-book is alright, but just as sparse. It DOES however contain a one-shot adventure, which is more than I can say Shadow of the Beanstalk/Genesys does (read: Genesys doesn't include that).
Is it worth the $20 or so that DrivethruRPG is selling it for R. Tali wants? Well... no, IMO. If you're a new player, this isn't really going to give you much in the way beyond a one-shot adventure that doesn't even explain a lot of the rules too deeply and you're better off waiting for the actual Core Rulebook to hit. Maybe then the One-shot will be included there.
This feels more for the 2020/v2 players that want to "update" before Cyberpunk 2077 launches.
Unfortunately, this is nothing more than a "demo"/one-shot demo kit. The rulebook is VERY SPARSE for something that is meant to advertise the Core Rulebook of RED/v4. Netrunners have a core-skill, the others are "oh, it's in the rulebook [which isn't out yet currently lol!] lol! Sorry!"
The lore-book is alright, but just as sparse. It DOES however contain a one-shot adventure, which is more than I can say Shadow of the Beanstalk/Genesys does (read: Genesys doesn't include that).
Is it worth the $20 or so that DrivethruRPG is selling it for R. Tali wants? Well... no, IMO. If you're a new player, this isn't really going to give you much in the way beyond a one-shot adventure that doesn't even explain a lot of the rules too deeply and you're better off waiting for the actual Core Rulebook to hit. Maybe then the One-shot will be included there.
This feels more for the 2020/v2 players that want to "update" before Cyberpunk 2077 launches.
April 28, 2020
Here's a small launch review from my blog
https://www.artstation.com/amarc/blog...
For those of you not familiar and wondering what's inside...
-it's basically an art-book with with a lot of futurist illustration made in a punk dystopian style twist.
Environments, people, vehicles, guns - an alternate vision of the year 2045.
Also it have a story and lore attached together with a pen and paper game system.
It fun for everyone.
The Jumpstart kit is a trimmed version of the upcoming Cyberpunk Red book, and has inside a lot of things to get you comfortable with the genre.
Hopefully you will enjoy this as much as we did enjoy to create it.
https://www.artstation.com/amarc/blog...
For those of you not familiar and wondering what's inside...
-it's basically an art-book with with a lot of futurist illustration made in a punk dystopian style twist.
Environments, people, vehicles, guns - an alternate vision of the year 2045.
Also it have a story and lore attached together with a pen and paper game system.
It fun for everyone.
The Jumpstart kit is a trimmed version of the upcoming Cyberpunk Red book, and has inside a lot of things to get you comfortable with the genre.
Hopefully you will enjoy this as much as we did enjoy to create it.
August 2, 2020
Good introduction to the still upcoming Cyberpunk Red RPG. Contains two different books, one with a summary of the rules and premade characters (missing three of the classes that will come in the full game) and one with lore to the current version of Night City along with one detailed one-shot and three one page premises for additional one shots. While all is good for setting up some early sessions to test things out, some things are missing. While e.g. the lack of item lists or even leveling rules are understandable, the lack of some sample pricing for what it does contain seems weird, especially since the one-shots are supposed to give out money to the players. However the game comes with some printed maps, dice and hardpaper miniatures, so I can't really complain.
All in all, it's a good package and definitely an interesting snack-read until the main course arrives some point in the (hopefully) neat future.
All in all, it's a good package and definitely an interesting snack-read until the main course arrives some point in the (hopefully) neat future.
October 8, 2020
Have you ever felt the need to escape the stressful f'd up reality we're all currently living in? Or is your life just too boring, and you're tired of watching people fall off of ladders on the internet. Well then come on over to Cyberpunk Red Total Recall, and we'll get you those experiences you always wished you could have. But be warned, this sort of alternate reality retro future is a pretty messed up place, and character death is a thing.
January 28, 2021
Ring Side Report-RPG Review of Cyberpunk Red Jumpstart
Originally posted at www.throatpunchgames.com, a new idea every day!
Product- Cyberpunk Red Jumpstart
System- Cyberpunk Red
Producer- R. Talsorian Games Inc.
Price- $10.00 here https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/...
TL; DR- Good appetizer to the whole system! 90%
Basics-Choombatta, it’s time to make some EB! Cyberpunk Red is the latest version of the popular Cyberpunk series, taking place decades after the last edition. Players try to survive in Night City as gangs, governments, and corporations all fight for dominance. What will you do in the dark to make money? Let’s do a breakdown
basics-This is a 1d10 based system. You roll a d10, add an attribute, and a skill and you are done. If that number is better than the difficulty value (DV) or higher then your opponent, you win. That’s it. Hacking, fighting, seducing, it's all 1d10+stat+skill. Slick and simple.
combat-Combat is the same as above with 1d10 + stat for initiative and each round you get a move and an action. Attacking vs defending is again 1d10+stat+skill vs 1d10+stat+skill. You will roll each time for damage and attack. You crit on a 10 and roll another 1d10 to get bonuses to hit. Beat the defender and do damage based on melee, ranged, or how much chrome cyberware you are sporting. Armor protects you but each time you take damage over its protection value, it degrades. When you take enough punishment, you gain penalties to all your rolls. Eventually you get knocked out and you need help ASAP or you die quick! Healing is slow as this is a realistic game where bullets hurt!
hacking- Hacking uses the same basics as above except your net actions are accelerated as you get multiple actions in a round if you have better gear. You also hack in/jack in physically and have to stay close unless you get dumped out and bad things happen. Once you are in, basically all computers operate like buildings with elevators. You investigate a floor and see what’s there. Black ICE and other hackers defend places, so keep your wits about you as you dig for pay data and machine controls to keep yourself alive and paid!
Ok, that's the basics of the box. Now for my thoughts.
Mechanics or Crunch- Cyberpunk is a solid game that is realistic, but maybe a bit slow. The base mechanic of roll dice, add, and done is good, but this is a combat heavy game. I like the speed that regular rolls have, but I feel that rolling to dodge slows down games like this. D & D is as heavy a combat game, but I feel that the static defence value helps with that speed. Otherwise, it's a pretty slick system where you do move quickly getting past obstacles and negotiating the dark underbelly of Night City. 4.5/5
Theme or Fluff- This book does a solid job explaining the world, but I would like a bit more for the included adventure. Night City and the world it is in feels real. You can tell this was written long ago in the long ago past of 1988 (god I am getting old!) as it has the feel of what they thought the future would be back then. The world is well built and I’m glad to see a future where Africa doesn’t take the brunt of the world going to hell. My one minor concern is the adventure that is included. I want a run where I can score money and fame. This one is more an Assault on Precinct 13. Not bad, but I wanted something else. Overall, this box portrays a solid world with only a few issues. 4.5/5
Execution- PDF? YEP! Hyperlinked? Yes! Starting strong! Overall, the layout is good, but I have some issues as some small things are left out or included in areas away from the revelivent text, like how armor degrades. It’s here but it's mentioned in one place and fully explored later. It is a quick, fun read,, but the jumpstart format always leaves a few things on the cutting room floor that are needed. I do enjoy the maps and other pieces, and the book flows well. This is a decently executed book that only has a few minor issues. 4.5/5
Summary-Overall, this is a solid introduction to the world of Cyberpunk. I am left wanting more, but I don’t hate what’s here. I want more adventures and such. The intro one is good, but not the adventure I wanted. The world is well built, and the crunch is solidly designed. I have small issues with game speed and book odds and ends, but those are minor compared to everything else. This was like a solid taster to a good meal. I want more, and I look forward to the whole meal. I like Cyberpunk, and I can’t wait to play and see some more Cyberpunk Red! 90%
Originally posted at www.throatpunchgames.com, a new idea every day!
Product- Cyberpunk Red Jumpstart
System- Cyberpunk Red
Producer- R. Talsorian Games Inc.
Price- $10.00 here https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/...
TL; DR- Good appetizer to the whole system! 90%
Basics-Choombatta, it’s time to make some EB! Cyberpunk Red is the latest version of the popular Cyberpunk series, taking place decades after the last edition. Players try to survive in Night City as gangs, governments, and corporations all fight for dominance. What will you do in the dark to make money? Let’s do a breakdown
basics-This is a 1d10 based system. You roll a d10, add an attribute, and a skill and you are done. If that number is better than the difficulty value (DV) or higher then your opponent, you win. That’s it. Hacking, fighting, seducing, it's all 1d10+stat+skill. Slick and simple.
combat-Combat is the same as above with 1d10 + stat for initiative and each round you get a move and an action. Attacking vs defending is again 1d10+stat+skill vs 1d10+stat+skill. You will roll each time for damage and attack. You crit on a 10 and roll another 1d10 to get bonuses to hit. Beat the defender and do damage based on melee, ranged, or how much chrome cyberware you are sporting. Armor protects you but each time you take damage over its protection value, it degrades. When you take enough punishment, you gain penalties to all your rolls. Eventually you get knocked out and you need help ASAP or you die quick! Healing is slow as this is a realistic game where bullets hurt!
hacking- Hacking uses the same basics as above except your net actions are accelerated as you get multiple actions in a round if you have better gear. You also hack in/jack in physically and have to stay close unless you get dumped out and bad things happen. Once you are in, basically all computers operate like buildings with elevators. You investigate a floor and see what’s there. Black ICE and other hackers defend places, so keep your wits about you as you dig for pay data and machine controls to keep yourself alive and paid!
Ok, that's the basics of the box. Now for my thoughts.
Mechanics or Crunch- Cyberpunk is a solid game that is realistic, but maybe a bit slow. The base mechanic of roll dice, add, and done is good, but this is a combat heavy game. I like the speed that regular rolls have, but I feel that rolling to dodge slows down games like this. D & D is as heavy a combat game, but I feel that the static defence value helps with that speed. Otherwise, it's a pretty slick system where you do move quickly getting past obstacles and negotiating the dark underbelly of Night City. 4.5/5
Theme or Fluff- This book does a solid job explaining the world, but I would like a bit more for the included adventure. Night City and the world it is in feels real. You can tell this was written long ago in the long ago past of 1988 (god I am getting old!) as it has the feel of what they thought the future would be back then. The world is well built and I’m glad to see a future where Africa doesn’t take the brunt of the world going to hell. My one minor concern is the adventure that is included. I want a run where I can score money and fame. This one is more an Assault on Precinct 13. Not bad, but I wanted something else. Overall, this box portrays a solid world with only a few issues. 4.5/5
Execution- PDF? YEP! Hyperlinked? Yes! Starting strong! Overall, the layout is good, but I have some issues as some small things are left out or included in areas away from the revelivent text, like how armor degrades. It’s here but it's mentioned in one place and fully explored later. It is a quick, fun read,, but the jumpstart format always leaves a few things on the cutting room floor that are needed. I do enjoy the maps and other pieces, and the book flows well. This is a decently executed book that only has a few minor issues. 4.5/5
Summary-Overall, this is a solid introduction to the world of Cyberpunk. I am left wanting more, but I don’t hate what’s here. I want more adventures and such. The intro one is good, but not the adventure I wanted. The world is well built, and the crunch is solidly designed. I have small issues with game speed and book odds and ends, but those are minor compared to everything else. This was like a solid taster to a good meal. I want more, and I look forward to the whole meal. I like Cyberpunk, and I can’t wait to play and see some more Cyberpunk Red! 90%
May 2, 2021
Cyberpunk est de retour en jdr.
Ce kit ne sert pour moi que d'une mise en bouche.
Un contenu trop centré sur ce qui pourra être jouable dans la version définitive, laissant qu'une quinzaine pages pour les règles applicables maintenant.
Le reste se concentre sur le lore de cet univers qui est Cyberpunk Red.
Le deuxième livret propose une vingtaine de page de mini-aventures, se qui relève le niveau de ce kit.
Le matériel reste de bonne facture, dès fournis, plans, jetons.
J'aurais aimé que ça se concentre plus sur le fait de jouer que de voir une longue promo pour la suite.
Ce kit propose quand même pas mal de matériel et de quoi proposer à jouer, dommage que ça n'arrive que tard dans la lecture, le reste est un peu indigeste à mon goût.
Ce kit ne sert pour moi que d'une mise en bouche.
Un contenu trop centré sur ce qui pourra être jouable dans la version définitive, laissant qu'une quinzaine pages pour les règles applicables maintenant.
Le reste se concentre sur le lore de cet univers qui est Cyberpunk Red.
Le deuxième livret propose une vingtaine de page de mini-aventures, se qui relève le niveau de ce kit.
Le matériel reste de bonne facture, dès fournis, plans, jetons.
J'aurais aimé que ça se concentre plus sur le fait de jouer que de voir une longue promo pour la suite.
Ce kit propose quand même pas mal de matériel et de quoi proposer à jouer, dommage que ça n'arrive que tard dans la lecture, le reste est un peu indigeste à mon goût.
December 8, 2020
A nice jumping in point for the Cyberpunk Red RPG. It provides a good overview of the background of the world for those who are not familiar with previous versions of the game, pre-gen characters, a one-shot campaign, and all of the rules needed to start playing. I am currently reading the full rulebook and while it is true that the Jumpstart Kit does not provide nearly the amount of information that the core book does, it does do what it is supposed to. It is enough to get players and GM started and gaming. It also provides enough information to let one know if they want to continue on and purchase the full rules.
Also, the artwork is absolutely gorgeous.
Also, the artwork is absolutely gorgeous.
February 16, 2021
Para ser un starter set, esta muy bien explicado, y separa las reglas del lore, cosa que muchos juegos no hacen. Las tres historias que trae el set son cortas y fáciles de dirigir, además de que trae los mapas y figuras necesarias para jugar, si se quiere jugar con miniaturas.
Ojala el core book expanda el material de estos dos libros y añada más opciones de personalización.
Ojala el core book expanda el material de estos dos libros y añada más opciones de personalización.
September 23, 2023
this jump start kit is an excellent way to get started playing cyberpunk red. The writing is excellent and the accessories and dice are helpful. I enjoyed the world book and rule book before diving into the full core manual.
April 26, 2021
È solo il Jumpstart...aspetto con ansia il manuale!
November 9, 2019
A fantastic and accessible update to Cyberpunk 2020. Rules were simple and easy to follow with minimal gaps in finding a rule for something (which is fantastic for any TRPG quick start rule set). I was a bit disappointed there wasn't a good variety of things to purchase or even prices for the items and cyberware listed. The physical kit also does not come with the quick reference sheets the PDF version does so you will have to make your own. The included World book is a bit light on lore but does a doable job of getting one up to speed with the current happenings of Night City. I wish there was more info but that is likely being saved up for the core rulebook. The attached beginner's adventure "The Apartment" is mostly good. It is set up with a lot of customization for a GM who knows their group but there are some basic things missing out that would be helpful for beginner GMs (things like what street is the apartment on, how many floors does it have, suggestions for what/who are on the other floors, etc) but with a little imagination and good prep this can be worked with. I will also knock points for the fact the Kit does not include a fold out map of the inner apartment, just a road, a street corner, an office, and a bar. My group had a blast playing the adventure. The 3 included screamsheets also look to be excellent but I have not run them yet.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews