I don't think the little-known Zero Critical qualifies as cyberpunk, but as an avid fan of Blade Runner I found the atmosphere to be enjoyable.
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Originally Posted by Wikipedia
Cyberpunk is a science fiction genre noted for its focus on "high tech and low life". Its name was originally developed as a marketing term and coined by Bruce Bethke in his short story “Cyberpunk” written in 1980, so that his novel would have more appeal to readers. The term cyberpunk was originally intended to be a character description for Bethke’s characters, but since then it has evolved and developed into a full genre of its own. Its name is a portmanteau of cybernetics and punk. It features advanced science such as information technology and cybernetics, coupled with a degree of breakdown or a radical change in the social order. According to Lawrence Person:
"Classic cyberpunk characters were marginalized, alienated loners who lived on the edge of society in generally dystopic futures where daily life was impacted by rapid technological change, an ubiquitous datasphere of computerized information, and invasive modification of the human body."[1]
Cyberpunk plots often center on a conflict among hackers, artificial intelligences, and mega corporations. They tend to be set in a near-future Earth, rather than the far future settings or galactic vistas found in novels like Isaac Asimov's Foundation or Frank Herbert's Dune. The settings are usually post-industrial dystopias, but tend to be marked by extraordinary cultural ferment, and the use of technology in ways never anticipated by its creators ("the street finds its own uses for things"). Much of the genre's atmosphere echoes film noir, and written works in the genre often use techniques from detective fiction.
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Interesting definition and according to which many scifi titles don't even come close. Anyway, I'm interested in hearing recommendations about
steampunk-themed games. Any takers?
