Publisher: R. Talsorian Games
Writers: Mike Pondsmith, David Ackerman, J Gray, James Hutt, and Cody Pondsmith
Illustrators: R Bago, Neil Branquinho, Alexander Dudar, Hélio Frazão, Maksym Harahulin, Adrian Marc, Eddie Mendoza, Angelina Stroganova, Sebstian Szmyd, and Anselm Zielonka
Year: 2019
Pages: 120 pages
Price: $15.00 PDF from DriveThruRPG
With Cyberpunk 2077 just around the corner, it’s no surprise that the seminal RPG on which it is based is back in a new edition. The Cyberpunk Red Jumpstart Kit is a thrilling take on the classic game, bringing modern sensibilities to a slick, cohesive world. Consisting of a rule pamphlet, a world guide with ready-to-run adventure, premade characters, standees, and a rules reference, the Jumpstart Kit has everything new players could possibly need.
Dividing the jumpstart books into rules and worldbuilding is a solid choice in this case. Those familiar with the game and its mechanics can take a deep dive into the gameplay changes while getting a streamlined world update; meanwhile, newcomers can ground themselves in the setting before getting into the weeds of how to play. The team at R. Talsorian has done a fantastic job of conveying setting and world information in a way that is immediately engaging; in choosing to tackle common world questions in a chapter appropriately titled “Everyday Things,” the designers set players up for roleplaying success at the outset.
The rules guide is likewise smart in its design and execution. As a quickstart, the book does not include the full range of character classes, but nonetheless serves as an excellent introduction to the play experience.
Mechanically, Cyberpunk Red strikes a balance between strategy and streamline. While various other modifiers or rules may apply, the bulk of situations are resolved by adding an attribute stat, a skill score, and a D10 result and comparing it to an appropriate score; this concept translates across skills, combat, and even netrunning, cutting down on DM strain. Callout boxes with bold font draw attention to key rules and are supported with clear follow-up examples as illustration. While systems do occasionally feel intimidating, such as in the case of netrunning, there is a sense that the complexity is a purposeful choice meant to mimic the in-game challenge, rather than a design oversight.
Again, the R. Talsorian team seems to have anticipated some of the learning curve. Their decision to include a four-page EZ Reference helps make the jump from reading to playing feel natural.
Visually, the Cyberpunk Red Jumpstart Kit benefits from a digital-first mindset in its layout and text choices. Generous whitespace, wide columns, and appropriately-sized font create an experience that is inherently screen-friendly; for those familiar with the scanned PDF of Cyberpunk 2020, this will feel like a major step up.
As a reviewer, it would be safe to say I had no shortage of concerns coming into this title. Its predecessor was a game with fantastic worldbuilding and clear-eyed gameplay explanations ultimately sullied by its visual depictions of women, which tended toward the gross and objectifying. However, if the Cyberpunk Red Jumpstart Kit is any indication of what’s in the full release of the game, I’m elated to report this is an issue that’s been thoroughly addressed. The art on display in the text and on the standees is beautiful and true to the game’s spirit and aesthetic without feeling exploitive — no more nipples magically poking through armor. This is a Cyberpunk that truly feels inclusive for both characters and players.
That being said, assuming the Jumpstart Kit is an accurate representation, Cyberpunk Red still isn’t a family-friendly title — nor does it need to be. This is an adult game with adult concepts and that’s okay.
Talsorian has a long history of game development and it’s clear they’ve taken careful notes along the way. The Cyberpunk Red Jumpstart Kit is a fantastic example of how to approach an introduction not only to the Cyberpunk franchise, but to tabletop roleplaying in general. From the engrossing and accessible world and rule breakdowns to the pre-made characters and adventure, there’s a strong case to be made for the Jumpstart Kit as an alternate introduction to the hobby for an older teen or adult.
Note: If you’d like a better look at what the physical Jumpstart Kit will contain, check out this episode of The Daily Dope. The unboxing begins at the 31:55 mark.
