Fantasy Flight Games Genesys Roleplaying Game Shadow of the Beanstalk SOURCEBOOK - Explore a Cyberpunk Future! Fantasy Game for Kids & Adults, Ages 14+, 2-8 Players, 1+ Hour Playtime, Made by EDGE Studio

I started playing tabletops in the early 90s, and Genesys is my favorite dice system. Android is an excellent addition to Genesys. If you are a fan of cyberpunk, then Android is a must-have. I let my players use the Genesys Realms of Terrinoth book mixing cyberpunk and magic for a more Shadowrun feel.I played FFG Starwars before Genesys was released, and the one thing I missed was the obligation system. This book adds an upgraded version called the favor system. It's just how it sounds. It is a fun method that keeps track of whom your character owes and who owes your style a favor. If you've played MMO's, it's like gaining reputation with factions for rewards.Oh and Android builds on the hacking system. Now I'm impatiently waiting for FFG to release a Twilight Imperium book. Until then, I'll use my FFG Starwars books in conjunction with Genesys to take my players on space opera adventures.

The first thing you should know is that this is NOT a standalone book. This is a setting meant to complement the Genesys RPG core rulebook. You will also need a set (although, I recommend getting 2 sets) of Genesys RPG dice. Additionally, you may want to get the "Worlds of Android" book to add more lore and depth to your games.The book is beautifully printed in full-color, and it gives you an entire set of options to take your Genesys RPG adventures to a sci-fi/cyberpunk universe. You may want to use this setting as-is, or you may want to take bits and pieces from it to create your own worlds. All-in-all, it's a really cool addition to your game, and if you combine it with the non-human archetypes from Terrinoth (elves, dwarves, orcs, and whatnot), you could easily emulate Shadowrun using the Genesys engine.

This is a great setting and a good book that does it's best to cram it all in.The first part is dedicated to character creation.Highlights:-Factions & the favors economy are great, though I was hoping we'd see something reminisent of the Net runner Shaper faction.-Archtypes are thematic, each with It's own strengths and story centered baggage. One downside is that G-mods & cyborgs each get one free enhancement but thier choices are very meager, especially if they want to get the most from their 1000 credit limit.-The chapter on hacking was great system & design wise. It allows for major net conflict without letting it steal the show. (People in and of next work assisting in same conflict.)As a player of Net Runner, I really needed more then a handful of each ICE/Icebreaker type.-Other equipment options had similar issues. The hardware available was good but not nearly enough. (See bottom)The second part explored the locations of New Angeles. It broke it down by district, starting with the moon.Each district has places and people of note, some with stat blocks.The back of the book is for GMs. Lots of NPC stat blocks, followed by some advice for running games in the world.Final thoughts:This is a solid setting books but it only scratches the surface. I strongly recommend taking a look at Worlds of Android. It explores the conflicts and themes of the setting in ways that this gamebook just doesn't have time or space to cover. (That being said, go in understanding that Worlds of Android is NOT a gamebook and has no system stuff at all)Also this setting really needs a book entirely dedicated to gear:-More computers/network/ICE/ICE breakers-More genetic/cybornetics enhancements-More drugs & stims-More weapons, suits, vehicles and other suplmentals-Social & research gear (Seriously there's got to be more then the tea cup giraffe)-Rules for mods and inventionsThrow them all together in a soursebook and it's a marketable book that fills the missing pieces.

I really like the Android Universe (since Netrunner TCG), and this book brings all the beautiful art, a good background to initiate in this game, new rules to netrunners (hackers) -always welcome in sci-fi rpg-, factions and allies. Is a complete sourcebook to Genesys. The system is an amazing innovation in narrative dice, the best I've played in my life (I have been playing RPG games since 1993). I recomend it, a lot, to all cyberpunk fans.

a really fun campaign setting.

If you enjoy cyberpunk and/or the Android universe, then I can't recommend this product highly enough. Specifically, here is what you might want to know:The cons:* Although it is expected in a product like this, the fluff is dense and there is a lot to acquaint one's self with.* I've heard people say that the narrative dice mechanic doesn't fit the gritty feel of cyberpunk as well as it might fit other genres. While I don't necessarily agree, I think that the point is well taken.* For the size and page-count of the book, it could be called a little bit pricey. (depending on what game systems you are used to... I think its fairly normal for FFG)Pros:* Contains a thorough treatment of the world.* Adds additional rules for hacking and computers.* Gorgeous art-work and layout.* Nice tie-ins with other FFG products.In general, if you like the Genesys RPG and cyberpunk (with tweaking, I think you could also run soemthing in the solarpunk genre using these rules too), then this is an excellent choice. Overall, the product is well made both in terms of the mechanics and playability, as well as with regards to the quality of the physical product.

This has been a long time coming and really shows how Genesys can be applied to more than just the standard fantasy games. While Realms of Terriorth was nice, high fantasy is really worn out for ttrpg. Beanstalk delves into Cyberpunk, an area of ttrpg thats severely lacking. I'd love to see more obscure genres as sourcebooks.If you have Genesys and are looking for an official expansion, get this before the fantasy one.