Hardwired: The Sourcebook
Hardwired: The Sourcebook is a supplement published by R. Talsorian Games in 1989 for the dystopian near-future science fiction role-playing game Cyberpunk.
Contents
[edit]This supplement is set in the year 2151 using the background of the Walter Jon Williams novel Hardwired. The Earth has become a dystopian world where most heavy industry and the social elite are in orbit, the Orbital Corporations control the world, and the United States has balkanized into a myriad of regions. Smugglers exist at the fringes of society, using neural implants to increase their chances of survival while they look for an opportunity to permanently move into orbit.[1]
This supplement provides
- a background of the world
- a slang lexicon
- new character classes, including pirate, private investigator, and new variants for cops and netrunners.
- rules for cyberpsychosis
- 19 new skills
- new technology
- various world currencies and benchmark prices
- drugs that enhance neural implants
- an alternate combat system
- an alternate netrunning system
- several adventure hooks[2]
Six linked scenarios are included.[2]
Publication history
[edit]In 1986, Walter Jon Williams joined the growing cyberpunk subgenre of science fiction with his novel Hardwired. Two years later, Williams helped Mike Pondsmith of R. Talsorian Games to playtest a new role-playing game, Cyberpunk. In 1989, Williams wrote Hardwired: The Sourcebook, a Cyberpunk supplement based on his novel with contributions by Mike Pondsmith and Pati Nagle. The 94-page softcover book features interior art by Matthew Anacleto, Harrison Fong, Sam Liu, Karl Martin, and T. K. Scott, and cover art by Luis Royo.[3]
Reception
[edit]In the October–November 1989 edition of Space Gamer (Vol. II No. 2), the reviewer commented that "If you're a Hardwired fan, this book is definitely worthwhile; it's a good springboard into Hardwired role-playing. And even for those who don't wish to use Williams' universe, the book is a good resource and idea bin. The rules, charts and background are sure to improve your Cyberpunk game."[4]
In the February 1990 edition of Dragon (Issue #154), Ken Rolston commented that this supplement "is true to the novel's tone and style [...] all to good effect." He concluded with a recommendation, saying, "A compelling and expressive evocation of a cyberpunk campaign setting, Hardwired is good reading, and the adventures are first class."[5]
Stephan Wieck reviewed Hardwired Sourcebook in White Wolf #21 (June/July 1990), rating it a 5 out of 5 and stated that "The sourcebook is entertaining to read, especially the adventure. It also contains enough game specifics to make it a useful product. While reading/reviewing the product, I looked for aspects of the sourcebook that warranted constructive criticism and I couldn't find anything that was not done well. The only downer is the [...] price tag which seems a bit steep, but Walter Jon Williams' writing is worth the money."[6]
Other reviews
[edit]- Casus Belli #53[7]
References
[edit]- ^ "Hardwired Plot Summary". The Cyberspace, Hypertext, and Critical Theory Web. Retrieved 16 May 2019.
- ^ a b "Hardwired". Guide du Rôliste Galactique (in French). 2009-05-08. Retrieved 2020-12-19.
- ^ "Hardwired: The Sourcebook (1989)". rpggeek.com. Retrieved 2020-12-19.
- ^ E.B. (October–November 1989). "Capsules". Space Gamer. 2 (2). World Wide Wargames: 56–57.
- ^ Rolston, Ken (May 1984). "Role-playing reviews". Dragon. No. 85. TSR, Inc. pp. 66–67.
- ^ Wieck, Stephan (June–July 1990). "Cyberpunk Reviews". White Wolf Magazine. No. 21. p. 70.
- ^ "Casus Belli #053". 1989.
