Michael Pondsmith, the designer behind my favorite science-fiction RPG, just unveiled a Kickstarter for Mekton Zero, a new version of the Mekton RPG!  Go here.

Man, between the Eclipse Phase: Transhuman Kickstarter and now this, my wallet is out for blood.

Mekton Z was a favorite for me to run and for my group. Consider me interested, but not yet committed.

It would help if Pondsmith explained what the hell he was thinking when he made Cyberpunk 3.0, just so we know he isn't insane.

Insanity or not, I am backing Mekton Zero. I loved the original games, Zeta was probably my favorite.

Quote from: CRKrueger;657065It would help if Pondsmith explained what the hell he was thinking when he made Cyberpunk 3.0, just so we know he isn't insane.

Here here.  I was so disappointed in 3.0.

I am really, Really, REALLY torn on this.

In the video itself, there's a huge red flag.  There's a statement that "unlike Mekton Zeta, Mekton Zero will be a roleplaying game instead of a miniatures combat game" or something to that effect.  Seriously, WTF???  This is made even more strange by the fact that a lot of what is being presented seems geared towards creating and supporting a Battletech style miniatures combat game rather than traditional roleplaying as Mekton has always been before.

Another thing is that years ago when I was part of the MZML, I saw some of Max Mike's ideas for an upcoming Mekton edition.  For one thing, he doesn't see any difference between asstastic Fuzion and Interlock.  He also stated that he saw the construction system of Mekton and the toolkit nature of the game as a liability.  He wanted to make Mekton setting specific, instead of the General Mecha Anime game which I am in love with.  Everything said in the trailer and printed in the Kickstarter description seems to support the idea that he is proceeding in this direction, which I consider anathema to playability and enjoyability in Mekton.

Looking at the mock up of the Mekton sheets, I can tell they're using some variant of Mekton: The Movie combat system from the MZ Tactical Screen.  That particular rule designed for mass combat doesn't work well at all, and I'd question anyone who used it.

The stuff about Katas and Individual Mecha Traits sounds really cool, but the prototype Mekton Sheet showing how they are intended to be implemented looks like the same kind of non-effort as put forth for Martial Arts styles in Cyberpunk 2020.

I would like to see Mekton minis.  A Murian Excaliber would be cool as an Elarian summer.  I'd like to support Mekton.

But, quite frankly, I think Mike Pondsmith has lost his mind.  At the very least, he is no longer in touch with what I found appealling about this games in the past.  Plus, his reputation as being able to deliver is severely tarnished.  If he does deliver, I don't think it will be a serious effort.

Mike Pondsmith is a tremendously good game designer on the whole - Mekton, Falkenstein, Cyberpunk - and I think betting on him isn't the worst idea BUT the KS pledge levels look pricey.

Saw the video. Saw the same red flag. Not sold. No evidence yet that this is not still "Fucking Doll Art" Maximum Mike, instead of the man that made MZ.

Well, the fact that it's backwards compatible with MZ leads me to believe that this isn't a reboot of the system, but a setting specific line for the Algol campaign. Which could be good. We already have MZ for our generic mecha needs, and this could fill the desire some players have for a strong setting.

Having said that, I too am worried that Uncle Mike has gotten very out of touch since he dropped out of RPGs and took his break. So... no. Not gonna back this. I may pick it up after it launches. They already have half the base funding on day one.

Fuck!

Now I've got to think about this, a lot.

I'll probably feel sorry about this, but I'm gonna do it. I just want to see some signs of life for Mekton already.

Mike Pondsmith commented that Mekton Zero will use a hybrid Interlock and Fuzion rules set, with an entirely new method of character generation.  It makes me curious if this is a testbed for the upcoming Cyberpunk 2077 RPG.

Fuzion yukky. Pass.

Quote from: Celestial;657213Mike Pondsmith commented that Mekton Zero will use a hybrid Interlock and Fuzion rules set, with an entirely new method of character generation.  It makes me curious if this is a testbed for the upcoming Cyberpunk 2077 RPG.

Fuzion = Fail.

Do not pass Go.  Do not pledge any money.

I am disappointed there is no all-digital option. Don't want bookmarks, t-shirts or other swag.  Just want the pdf.

Not entirely sure what Mike P has in mind for the rules for Mekton Zero, but as a fan of his other games I am willing to give it a chance...assuming I get an all-digital option.