Wasteland Degenerates: A High-Octane RPG Zine Hits Backerkit
Scott C. McDonald’s Wasteland Degenerates: Jumper Cable Edition is currently crowdfunding on Backerkit, having already surpassed its initial goal of $750 with over $6,555 pledged from 285 backers. With nine days remaining in the campaign, this 64-page zine introduces players to a post-apocalyptic world described as “Mad Max versus Cthulhu.” Combining advanced robotics with gasoline-guzzling chaos, the game captures the retro-futuristic essence of the late ’70s and ’80s, much like the Fallout series.
McDonald, who created this game after noticing a gap in the market for a post-apocalyptic ‘Borg-style game, draws heavily from the aesthetics of the Mörk Borg and Cy_Borg RPGs. Despite being new to self-publishing, McDonald brings 40 years of gaming experience to the table, complemented by his partnership with veteran artist and layout designer Matthew Myslinski and contributions from indie designer Ross Jeffrey and emerging artist Leo Buffalo. Notably, no AI was used in the game’s design.
The Jumper Cable Edition serves as an introduction and companion to a future 160-page hardcover edition, offering content that players can use immediately. It features detailed character creation, vehicular combat mechanics, and a richly imagined world where survival is fraught with danger. The game includes six character classes, each with unique abilities and backstories, and allows players to customize their vehicles for intense road battles, inspired by films like Mad Max: Fury Road. Skills and mutations add depth and unpredictability, while a variety of loot and gear enhance the post-apocalyptic experience.
The campaign offers multiple pledge levels, with early backers receiving exclusive rewards such as a double-sided poster paying homage to James M. Ward, creator of Gamma World. Stretch goals include accelerating production, creating additional monster content, and developing a random character and vehicle generator.
Scott C. McDonald’s solo RPG, Enter the Dismal Armory, is also available, providing a taste of the Wasteland Degenerates universe.
The pledge amount already exceeding $6,500 shows strong interest in the post‑apocalyptic setting. It’s impressive that the zine includes detailed vehicle combat mechanics for immediate play.
The claim that no AI was used in the game’s design is refreshing in today’s tech‑heavy creative scene. The inclusion of six distinct character classes should give players a lot of options to explore.