Something I've been meaning to try for a while is creating similar characters in the top cyberpunk RPGs from the 80s. Cyberpunk 2020 is getting noticed again thanks to Cyberpunk 2077 while Shadowrun recently had its sixth edition released. Let's see how similar characters compare.
There are a few ground rules. The first, no magic. Cyberpunk 2020 does not have magic. That means, all characters will be human, There's just no getting around it. Second, the characters have to be viable in both games. That shouldn't be an issue, but some of the roles in 2020 don't quite work in Shadowrun. Third, gear needs to be equivalent. This is going to be the tough one. I can't go by costs; the two games use a different base of reference. Instead of going by costs, I'll be going by rough equivalence - a heavy pistol is a heavy pistol in both games. The same goes with cybernetics; enhanced reflexes are done differently in the two games but are still enhanced reflexes. Finally, core games only. No supplements, at least mechanically.
What does that leave me? My plan is to use ideas from cyberpunk novels. Character types like the Street Samurai and the Hacker, both from Neuromancer, a combat driver, loosely based off Cowboy from Hardwired, a combat medic, like Nadia from Trauma Team, and possibly a Rocker, like Priss from Bubblegum Crisis. Try to tell me either version of Bubblegum Crisis isn't cyberpunk.
Obviously, this will take some time. Expect the first comparison to be the Street Samurai. The concept is simple, street muscle with cybernetics. Until then, chummers and choombas, keep your stick on the ice.
Friday, Lost in Translation continues at Psycho Drive-In.
Saturday, Lost in Translation can be found at The Seventh Sanctum.
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