Review: Shadow of the Beanstalk

Shadow of the Beanstalk is a sourcebook that transports players into the vibrant, dystopian world of the Android universe using the versatile Genesys Roleplaying System. Published by Fantasy Flight Games (FFG), this 256-page book serves as both an introduction and guide to New Angeles and the larger Android setting. For fans of cyberpunk, sci-fi noir, and intricate world-building, this sourcebook is a treasure trove that seamlessly integrates with other Android products like the Worlds of Android setting book, the Netrunner card game, and the original Android board game.

The Android universe is a sprawling, interconnected setting that has been developed across multiple gaming platforms. Set in the not-so-distant future, humanity has colonized the solar system, mastered cybernetics, and created sentient androids. The story is primarily centered around New Angeles, a colossal city built around the space elevator known as the “Beanstalk.” This megastructure is a symbol of human ambition and technological prowess, connecting Earth to orbiting stations and facilitating space travel and trade.

Shadow of the Beanstalk delves deep into this universe, offering detailed lore and background. The setting is rife with corporate intrigue, social inequality, and ethical dilemmas surrounding artificial intelligence and human augmentation. The sourcebook does an excellent job of presenting these themes, allowing players to explore narratives that are both thrilling and thought-provoking.

While Shadow of the Beanstalk stands strong on its own, it pairs exceptionally well with the Worlds of Android setting book. Worlds of Android provides an in-depth look at the lore, cultures, and histories that make up the Android universe. When used together, these books offer a comprehensive view of the setting, enabling game masters and players to create rich, immersive stories.

The synergy between the two books enhances the role-playing experience by providing additional context and detail. For instance, Worlds of Android expands on the political climate, corporate factions, and societal issues that are only touched upon in Shadow of the Beanstalk. This allows game masters to craft more nuanced narratives and players to develop characters with deeper connections to the world around them.

At the core of Shadow of the Beanstalk is the Genesys Roleplaying System, FFG’s narrative-focused, universal RPG system, seen in both Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 3e and FFG’s Star Wars system. Genesys is known for its unique dice mechanics that emphasize storytelling over strict numerical outcomes. The system uses custom dice to introduce advantages, triumphs, threats, and despairs, allowing for more dynamic and unpredictable narratives.

In the context of the Android universe, the Genesys system shines by accommodating the setting’s need for technological complexity and moral ambiguity. It provides rules for cybernetics and hacking (running the net), all while maintaining a balance between gameplay and storytelling. The system’s flexibility ensures that both combat and social interactions are engaging and meaningful.

Shadow of the Beanstalk tailors the Genesys system to fit the cyberpunk genre effectively. It introduces new rules for character creation, including options for playing as bioroids (androids) and clones, as well as a variety of new careers and archetypes. The equipment section is expansive, featuring futuristic weapons, gear, and cybernetic enhancements that are essential for a sci-fi setting.

One of the standout features of Shadow of the Beanstalk is its approach to hacking, known as “running the net.” Cyberpunk settings often struggle to integrate hacking into gameplay without bogging down the narrative. This sourcebook addresses that by providing streamlined rules that keep netrunning exciting and accessible.

The netrunning mechanics are designed to allow characters to interact with the virtual world seamlessly during gameplay. The rules ensure that hacking attempts are tense and impactful without isolating the hacker from the rest of the party. This inclusivity keeps all players engaged, regardless of their characters’ specialties.

For those familiar with FFG’s Netrunner card game and the original Android board game, Shadow of the Beanstalk offers a familiar yet expanded playground. Many of the corporations, characters, and locations from these games are present in the sourcebook, providing a sense of continuity and depth.

Players can interact with major corporations like Jinteki, Haas-Bioroid, and Weyland Consortium, each with their own agendas and secrets. The sourcebook also delves into the underbelly of New Angeles, featuring gangs, political groups, and other factions that add layers of intrigue. This interconnectedness allows fans of the card and board games to explore the universe in a new, more personal way through role-playing.

True to FFG’s reputation, Shadow of the Beanstalk is adorned with stunning artwork that brings the Android universe to life. The illustrations are rich and detailed, showcasing the diversity of characters, from sleek androids to gritty street denizens. The depictions of New Angeles and the Beanstalk are particularly impressive, providing visual cues that enhance the storytelling.

The book’s layout is clean and organized, making it easy to navigate through chapters on character creation, equipment, adversaries, and setting information. Sidebars and call-out boxes offer additional insights and tips, aiding both new and experienced game masters.

For game masters, Shadow of the Beanstalk is an invaluable resource. It offers advice on running campaigns that capture the essence of the Android universe, including themes like corporate espionage, moral ambiguity, and the blurred lines between humanity and artificial intelligence.

The adversaries section is extensive, featuring a wide range of NPCs and creatures that players might encounter. From corporate security forces and rival hackers to rogue androids and street gang members, the variety ensures that encounters can be tailored to fit any narrative.

The sourcebook also provides sample adventure seeds and plot hooks, inspiring game masters to create stories that are both compelling and original. These tools help in crafting a campaign that feels cohesive within the larger Android setting.

Shadow of the Beanstalk is more than a sourcebook; it’s an invitation to immerse oneself in a richly detailed and complex universe. Its integration with the Genesys system makes it accessible to both newcomers and seasoned role-players. The book excels in providing the necessary tools to explore themes relevant to cyberpunk literature and media, such as the nature of consciousness, corporate dominance, and the ethics of technological advancement.

For fans of Netrunner, this sourcebook offers a new medium to experience the world they love. The ability to step into the shoes of characters navigating the treacherous streets of New Angeles or hacking into secure corporate networks adds a layer of personal engagement that card and board games can’t fully replicate.

In conjunction with the Worlds of Android setting book, Shadow of the Beanstalk becomes an essential part of any game master’s library. Together, they provide a comprehensive guide to the Android universe, ensuring that campaigns are rich, immersive, and true to the source material.

This is a standout addition to the Genesys Roleplaying System. Its detailed setting, thoughtful mechanics, and beautiful presentation make it a must-have for anyone interested in cyberpunk role-playing. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Android universe or new to the genre, this sourcebook opens the door to countless adventures beneath the shadow of the Beanstalk.