Eclipse Phase ★★★★★

[mithriltabby]

Eclipse Phase: the Roleplaying Game of Transhuman Conspiracy and Horror is a new near-future transhuman setting, which immediately invites comparison to the GURPS-based Transhuman Space. This game is built from the ground up to accommodate the notion that almost everyone can have their minds backed up and restored into different bodies, and has mechanics for handling both monetary and reputation-based economies.

The setting is darker and more desperate than that of Transhuman Space; Earth is an off-limits hellhole full of dangerous nanotech swarms, the remnants of humanity are scattered across the solar system and divided into squabbling factions, and the only aliens who want to talk to us are rather unhelpful. Both settings are rife with opportunities for conflict, but this one has much more of a tense Cold War feel to it, with existential threats looming in many places.

I was impressed by the well-written detail depicting the setting; I’ve read much of the material in their References section and didn’t spot them taking any shortcuts assuming that the reader is already acquainted with them. If you’re planning a game with transhuman elements in it, this is worthwhile to pick up for its perspective.

Comments

[heron61.livejournal.com]

Thank you for the wonderful review. I very much hope you enjoy the first supplement (due out soon) as much.

[roseembolism.livejournal.com]

I've been a bit interested in Eclipse Phase, partially because I'm interested in seeing how a dedicated system handles transhuman technology. The huge lists of powers merits and flaws involved with Gurps Transhuman Space turned me off.

[caprine.livejournal.com]

Sounds like it's influenced by Richard Morgan's Altered Carbon.

[mithriltabby]

Yes; the Takeshi Kovacs books are on the reading list in back.