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Citizens Divided $3.95
Average Rating:4.5 / 5
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Citizens Divided
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Citizens Divided
Publisher: Aegis Studios
by Cornelius W. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 10/13/2020 10:56:21

I picked up Citizens Divided in search of a fast, streamlined cyberpunk setting for SWADE.

I like the idea of the setting, which is over the top near-future cyberpunk that doesn't come with reawakened magic, elves or other stuff that I think would make it feel overloaded. What I especially appreciate is that cyberware isn't the norm for everyone just because it's cyberpunk. The setting isn't described in deep detail, but I think it mostly just gets right to the point and lets the players fill out the rest. In some places, it's a bit too sparse for my taste. I would've appreciated a few more factions, ongoing conflicts, interesting areas or other adventure hooks to get the game started or connect the players to the world.

The graphic design of the product is good – the style of the artwork might not fit everyone's taste, but it uses evocative artwork and looks cool. It's also nice to read, both from the looks and from the structure.

Where I think the product could be much better is the mechanics. There are a few leftovers from SWD, especially in the amount of bonuses granted by Edges and equipment. This isn't solely the author's fault, of course, since the product relies on the Science Fiction Companion which isn't out for SWADE yet. The new mandatory professional Edges feel a bit like classes and seem to be wildly unbalanced. The worst thing to me was the Sheen setting rule in which a new meta-currency is introduced. Sheen points are limited, can't be renewed, require a certain GM-style (you can't know the penalties / bonuses of your roll when you spend a Sheen point) but aren't really exciting in their usage compared to Bennies. I didn't understand their point at all.

All things considered, Citizens Divded isn't for me. As a GM, it doesn't add anything to a game that I'd like and isn't already in the core book or the Sci-Fi Companion (which you still need to play this). As a player, the setting is too vague to excite me.

I'm looking forward to read an updated setting book once the SWADE-SFC is out and I hope the setting will get a bit more detailed with supplements and the like!



Rating:
[3 of 5 Stars!]
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Creator Reply:
Thanks so much for your thoughtful review! I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the look and structure of the book. I would recommend checking out the free Bad Chips and Gun Control supplements for a few adventure seeds that dip into the setting, and Election Night, which was just released and discusses a bit about the political state of the U.S.A. in 2068. As to the modifiers from equipment, I did a bit of wrenching as I updated to SWADE, and felt that the things I wanted to convey in the setting (huge Hacking bonuses for a custom deck, for example) were fitting in emphasizing the importance of tech and the right tool for the job. The way this plays out from a Hacking perspective is further elaborated on in Election Night, where you see penalties applied for the target system quality, and an example of hacker vs. hacker conflict. Regarding the mandatory Professional Edges, part of the purpose of the design is to spotlight power structures and imbalances, while encouraging cooperation. Ideal groups will include a selection of Professional Edges that compliment one another while letting each person have their specific spotlight. Of course, one can also play an entire gang of Gutter Punks, or a mobile medical unit filled with Doctors (and maybe a Chromer bodyguard), which I assume is likely a common play style. With regard to Sheen, it is really designed as a last-ditch resource (which speaks to its rarity) that you can use to get out of a sticky situation without the need to spend a Benny. You are just cool enough to get out of that scrape. I greatly appreciate the feedback and will keep it in mind as the Citizens Divided setting grows! Thank you, Travis Legge
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Citizens Divided
Publisher: Aegis Studios
by Todd S. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 06/26/2018 07:18:19

A plausible near future. This setting scratches an itch I’ve had for the past few years, specifically a depiction of a post-collapse society without all the mutants and "mind magic" typical to post-apocalypse settings. The cyberware and bioware are believable and not overdone and there is no ultra-tech like plasma or laser weapons. I’ll definitely run something in this setting.



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
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Citizens Divided
Publisher: Aegis Studios
by Rasms H. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 02/09/2018 18:01:04

Beside 4 pages out of 40 being ads, there "only" being 2 differnt armours and 1 weapon, is this a really good suppliment there are worth every penny!



Rating:
[4 of 5 Stars!]
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Creator Reply:
Thanks much for your thoughts. In terms of weapons and armors, I really feel that the Savage Worlds Core Rules covers everything you will need for Citizens Divided, with the exception of what is contained herein. Having said that, among my planned supplements will be another tech book with more bioware, cyberware, personal gear, and yes, weapons and armor. I hope you enjoy the selection of bioware, cyberware, power armors and Professional Edges, as well as the setting elements. If there are specific items in any of those categories (or things I have not thought to list) that you would like to see, please let me know in the product discussion, or by email at raymonddidit (at) gmail (dot) com! Thanks! Travis Legge
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