Cyberpunk runs in the same circles as street level superheroes. The protagonists do amazing things like leap off rooftops and see things in the dark of night thanks to fantastic technology. It’s not that far off from what Iron Man or Batman does, just in a world that’s far less black and white.
CAPERS Cyberpunk, the latest role playing game from Nerdburger Games, combines these two genres into an alternate take on our world. Players play heroes who have superpowers or enhanced cybertech that puts them at a level beyond human. The characters face off against villain with blacker hearts than any dragon; the megacrporations trying to carve this world up for profit.
The CAPERS Universe
CAPERS Cyberpunk is the last game set in the CAPERS Universe, a world changed by the entrance of superpowered individuals into 20th century history. The first game, CAPERS, mixed superpowers and 1920’s gangsters in a fun,pulpy mix of bootlegging, bank robbing and a flexible line between good guys and bad guys. Cyberpunk often reflects this genre and era of history, which allows this game to complete the circle.
The success of CAPERS allowed designer Craig Campbell to explore other times in history as well as other genres. Players can explore 1960’s espionage, post-war film noir and even take to the starts in bubble helmets and rocket ships if the heat is too high in the 1920s. This edition puts players in the role of outcasts, illegal superhumans and community leaders struggling against an oppressive regime trying to control people with powers for their own nefarious schemes.
The CAPERS System
CAPERS uses a unique system of cards that encourages players to push their luck. The value of the card determines the success or failure of any check, such as sneaking into a building or attacking an enemy. The suit determines the degree of success and whether a complication or a boon comes with the resolution, with a pool of points called Moxie that can be spent to further maniulate the results.
The more skill a player has, the more cards they can draw. Is it worth it to risk a failure to avoid a complication? The system is light on mechanics but offers a tasty mix of narrative control, tactical thinking and knowing when to hold them and knowing when to fold them.
Each player and the GM gets their own deck to use during play. Any standard deck with Jokers will work, but players can choose to use branded ones available from Nerd Burger games. Or they can choose one of the hundreds out there that might fit the theme, such as speakeasys or modern day hackers.
The CAPERS Cyberpunk Kickstarter
The crowdfunding has raised over $13,000 as of this writing. Past Kickstarters have unlocked several adventures to allow tables to jump into whichever era of CAPERS they prefer. Campbell aims for seven adventures to be a part of this kickstarter. There is also a limited edition hardcover version of the book that will only be available through crowdfunding.
CAPERS Cyberpunk runs on Kickstarter until October 12, 2022. Digital and physical rewards are expected by May of 2024.
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