The Inside Scoop on Gaming

Finally, a comprehensive guide for Netrunners! If you're like me you'll know how frustrating it can be to walk in your local hobby store and browse through the selection of CP2020 books only to find there's nothing for a prospective (or even veteran) Netrunner. Sure there's two books out for the gun and cyberware toting solo, one for the cop, rockerboy and media, but where's a supplement for the Net cowboy? A couple years back, RTG published Rache Bartmoss' Guide to the Net, but sadly it's no longer in print and very hard to find. Well, look no further as Rache Bartmoss' Brainware Blowout is here!

This supplement is more of a compilation containing tons of software and hardware previously published in the CP2020 rulebook, Guide to the Net, all four Chromebooks, and even the Netrunner CCG. Basically, the book is broken down into four sections: hardware, software, converting Netrunner to fit into a Cyberpunk game, and then a much welcomed index table.

The hardware section has a complete listing of cyberdecks including special options such as an Auto Punchout function that automatically logs a netrunner off of the Net if the user's deck is attacked by programs that could cause physical damage to it or the user. Deck options are also included, but it's taken directly from the CP2020 rulebook so there's nothing new there. However, it does give a table listing basic cybermodem construction along with prices so you'll know exactly what you're getting into before building the cyberdeck of your dreams. PCs, Micro-computers, cyberwear, and PC peripherals are also included in this section.

The software "catalog" really shines in this book. In this section the Netrunner will find invaluable information regarding the basics of programming, Daemon programs, program upgrades and even a new rules option introducing program degradation and downloading upgrades for any program. There's a comprehensive list of software that ranges from Intrusion to Transportation software and everything in between. There's over 155 software programs featured here, plus if you add the Netrunner CCG programs that number pushes up to 263. In addition there's a few "special programs" written exclusively by the legendary 'runner himself, Rache Bartmoss. I personally like Sidewalker. This utility/evasion program allows the netrunner to see what's happening on both sides of cyber and realspace and allows the netrunner to instantly flip to either side while on a run.

The Netrunner CCG to Cyberpunk conversion gives GM's the ability to incorporate the card game into an existing CP2020 campaign. So what's so special about this? For one, it keeps netrunning fast and furious, and therefore it can be an active part of the game. I know of many GM's who completely forsake netrunning because it tends to slow down the game. Which brings up my next point: A GM can slap together a datafort, allow his/her netrunner to run through it, and therefore the GM can concentrate on the other players so they don't just sit there, twiddling their thumbs. The downside to this is even brought to attention by the authors. Since Netrunner cards can contain some powerful and very mean effects, it is tricky to balance gameplay when using the cards in a CP2020 campaign. The author's suggestion? "Use only the items that you feel comfortable with and that your campaign can handle." It's important that a GM using the Netrunner cards has a good understanding of both sets of rules found in the CCG and the CP2020 rulebook before attempting to introduce them in a campaign.

RTG is notorious for leaving out an index in their books. While this is the major complaint I have with the Cyberpunk 2020 rulebook, thankfully, the authors had the foresight to include one in Brainware Blowout. Another complaint, although it's only a small one, is the amount of typos that litter the pages. In a nutshell, Rache Bartmoss' Brainware Blowout is a knockout product for netrunners and GMs, and is probably the only book one will ever need to play a successful and prosperous Net junkie.

Style: 4 (Classy and well done)
Substance: 5 (Excellent!)

Rache Bartmoss' Brainware Blowout
Author: David Ackerman-Gray, Edward Bolme, Mike Pondsmith, Craig Sheeley, Chris Williams, Benjamin Wright Category: game Company/Publisher: R. Talsorian Games, Inc. Cost: $14.99 Page count: 128 ISBN: 0-937279-84-6 Capsule Review by Mark Bruno on 11/24/98. Genre tags: Science_fiction	Finally, a comprehensive guide for Netrunners! If you're like me you'll know how frustrating it can be to walk in your local hobby store and browse through the selection of CP2020 books only to find there's nothing for a prospective (or even veteran) Netrunner. Sure there's two books out for the gun and cyberware toting solo, one for the cop, rockerboy and media, but where's a supplement for the Net cowboy? A couple years back, RTG published Rache Bartmoss' Guide to the Net, but sadly it's no longer in print and very hard to find. Well, look no further as Rache Bartmoss' Brainware Blowout is here! This supplement is more of a compilation containing tons of software and hardware previously published in the CP2020 rulebook, Guide to the Net, all four Chromebooks, and even the Netrunner CCG. Basically, the book is broken down into four sections: hardware, software, converting Netrunner to fit into a Cyberpunk game, and then a much welcomed index table. The hardware section has a complete listing of cyberdecks including special options such as an Auto Punchout function that automatically logs a netrunner off of the Net if the user's deck is attacked by programs that could cause physical damage to it or the user. Deck options are also included, but it's taken directly from the CP2020 rulebook so there's nothing new there. However, it does give a table listing basic cybermodem construction along with prices so you'll know exactly what you're getting into before building the cyberdeck of your dreams. PCs, Micro-computers, cyberwear, and PC peripherals are also included in this section. The software "catalog" really shines in this book. In this section the Netrunner will find invaluable information regarding the basics of programming, Daemon programs, program upgrades and even a new rules option introducing program degradation and downloading upgrades for any program. There's a comprehensive list of software that ranges from Intrusion to Transportation software and everything in between. There's over 155 software programs featured here, plus if you add the Netrunner CCG programs that number pushes up to 263. In addition there's a few "special programs" written exclusively by the legendary 'runner himself, Rache Bartmoss. I personally like Sidewalker. This utility/evasion program allows the netrunner to see what's happening on both sides of cyber and realspace and allows the netrunner to instantly flip to either side while on a run. The Netrunner CCG to Cyberpunk conversion gives GM's the ability to incorporate the card game into an existing CP2020 campaign. So what's so special about this? For one, it keeps netrunning fast and furious, and therefore it can be an active part of the game. I know of many GM's who completely forsake netrunning because it tends to slow down the game. Which brings up my next point: A GM can slap together a datafort, allow his/her netrunner to run through it, and therefore the GM can concentrate on the other players so they don't just sit there, twiddling their thumbs. The downside to this is even brought to attention by the authors. Since Netrunner cards can contain some powerful and very mean effects, it is tricky to balance gameplay when using the cards in a CP2020 campaign. The author's suggestion? "Use only the items that you feel comfortable with and that your campaign can handle." It's important that a GM using the Netrunner cards has a good understanding of both sets of rules found in the CCG and the CP2020 rulebook before attempting to introduce them in a campaign. RTG is notorious for leaving out an index in their books. While this is the major complaint I have with the Cyberpunk 2020 rulebook, thankfully, the authors had the foresight to include one in Brainware Blowout. Another complaint, although it's only a small one, is the amount of typos that litter the pages. In a nutshell, Rache Bartmoss' Brainware Blowout is a knockout product for netrunners and GMs, and is probably the only book one will ever need to play a successful and prosperous Net junkie. Style: 4 (Classy and well done) Substance: 5 (Excellent!)