well, hey here is my 2 nuyens worth
The good:
The book is well done. Everything flows into the next. There is enough info to help both players & GMs branch into most areas. The Steampunk items are interesting. The writeups on some of the media darling and top bands are added spice. The bands are great, helping flesh out the music scene. Orks doing country is funny, but believable. Several plots hooks and possible mission ideas to be fleshed out later.
The Bad:
Where are the prices for music gear? The writeups on the good and bad of using each kind are informtive. But without prices, not much help. Where is the info on being a reporter? I have seen fiction with reporters running the shadows. A part I liked in Shadowbeat. The part about any commlink can be a camera is ok, but doesn't get into the meat of being a reporter.
The Ugly:
No rules for Combat Biker or Urban Brawl. I am a fan of Shadowbeat, enjoying having the rules handy in case anyone really wanted to know how the games were played. Also, unlike SB, no breakdown on professional teams so character know who to cheer for, or what to wear in certain locations. I could say they team is to protect "Bounce" of the SK Urban Brawl team and I got a writeup of her basic background for characters to legwork on and make plans accordingly. Now if I say I got the top rider for the Seattle Timberwolves to be detained for say 48 hours, many players won't clue in until I give them the rundown from the Johnson.
Overall: I would recommend the book to anyone as a sourcebook. it is good look into the media of 2070s. Any fans of Shadowbeat should be warned of the changes. And told to check out the Tesla Gloves.
