Michael Pondsmith

This is game source-book for Cyberpunk series but man what a sourcebook.
The topic is Cyberpunk mercenaries, aka Solo's. Basically, these are what are today called private military contractors but it is even more than that. These are specialists that are also PI's, close protection guards, intelligence operatives, extraction specialists (and believe me this is not so do-good activity in this universe :) ) and gun-totting-walking weaponized behemoths. Players are given all possible stats, show more risks ... everything.

Now what actually makes this sourcebook notch above the others [for me at least] is the presentation. Whoever made this book seems to be a fan of old-style "Soldier Of Fortune" magazine. Everything is told through editorials, articles, and ever-present ads for both jobs and equipment. It is so immersive and detailed that it is truly work of art. It is not even necessary to be an active game player - entire content is organized in such a minute way (e.g. article having a single page at the beginning and then continues with column or two among the classifieds on page 75) that it will be like you are actually reading true soldier-for-hire magazine brought to you from the future.

Highly recommended for all SF [and in general adventure genre] fans. show less

This game essentially predicted the themes of the year 2020. It also provided a great roleplaying experience, overflowing with the sleek coolness of the best the cyberpunk genre had to offer. Like the better works of literature in the genre, the discerning reader would recognize it as a warning about the future toward which we were headed, with hints that one day the real heroes would necessarily be criminals. It was a futuristic game about the warnings of the present, and here we are.

An unusual, very well written game system and world. Set in a universe where magic, Fae, and dragons co-exist with 19th Century technology, Castle Falkenstein uses cards (no gentleman would dare touch dice!) for conflict resolution. Unfortunately not well supported, but a very good game.

An interesting concept, but ultimately a very flawed game system. If you stick to the core rule system you'll be led to making characters that can not survive in the world they inhabit.