CBR+PNK: Designer Spotlight - Vincenzo Ferriero

Here's the first in a series of CBR+PNK: OVERLOAD Designer Spotlights, featuring Mythworks co-founder very own Vincenzo Ferriero!

Vince contributed NETSCAPE and TREMONT PLAZA to the new expansion as well as layouts out for DARK CITY. In addition to working on all of Mythworks various game and comics, Vince has a collection of games he puts out through his own imprint, Nobile Press.

NETSCAPE is a scenario / plug-in that helps you run scenarios in a virtual netscape. It's got everything you need to help put you right into the matrix...

1. What inspired your Pamphlet?
   Was it a movie, a mechanic, a mood, a moment? Tell us where it all started.

Netscape is inspired by the Matrix, which was a big inspiration for me growing up. I remember being in school and doing the Neo bullet dodge for a short video project. I wore a beige shirt with blue dragons... Glad it's lost footage now lol. I wanted to capture that, and what better way than for CBR+PNK! The green pixel text a black screen is so nostalgic, it had to be done!

3. Describe your Pamphlet in three words, then explain why you chose them.
     Let’s get under the hood. Talk mechanics, tone, or structure.    

Enter the Matrix - The title of the 2003 game based on the Matrix movie. I feel it was a game that truly captured the essence of what the Movie was. You get a chance to play cat-and-mouse with agent smiths, or hack the matrix for better weapons. The title says it all!

4. What’s a design element - either as part of your Pamphlet or otherwise - that you’re particularly proud of?
   A rule, a story element, a font —what stands out to you and why?
   
   

The screen texture is actually a royalty free fabric pattern design. There! You can’t unsee it now! I wasn’t sure exactly how to do the screen effect, so I searched textures and found this fabric design. I overlaid it on a black background and “ironed” it with the warp tool. Could it have been done in a much easier way? Sure! But hey, I got a fun little easter egg out of it. 

4. Do you have any advice for someone designing their first TTRPG or module?     Help out the next wave of cyberpunk storytellers.
   
   

Create, publish, and don’t worry about making it perfect. Finesse will come with time and future drafts, but you’ll never get there if you don’t take the first step.  

5. What’s your signature drink in the CBR+PNK universe—and what’s in it?                Is it served via datajack? Give us the recipe

The RedPill or Blue Pill: https://tipsybartender.com/recipe/the-matrix-red-pill-or-blue-pill

Thanks Vince. Netscape is an incredible scenario with tons of tools to help you run! Check it out - the digital version is free on itch!