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Wasteland Degenerates: A High-Octane RPG Zine Hits Backerkit

ByDaniel Kling Lorentsen Updated on
Comic-style art featuring a skeleton in punk attire, vibrant pink and yellow hues, with the text "424% Funded on First Day!" and "WASTELAND DEGENERATES: Jumper Cable Edition." Highlighting Madbox and Exalted Funeral's logos for this high-octane RPG sensation available on 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.

A colorful poster with apocalyptic themes, perfect for RPG zine enthusiasts. Text shouts "The world has already ended," and "There isn't much else left," alongside fiery scenes, a truck, and hands reaching out. Dive into the chaos with Wasteland Degenerates on Backerkit.

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.

A character exuding a cyberpunk aesthetic stands confidently next to a futuristic vehicle in this high-octane RPG. Text detailing RPG attributes and gameplay mechanics is displayed, set against a vibrant backdrop of mechanical and digital motifs, crafted with the support of Backerkit.

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.

A colorful graphic showcasing whimsically illustrated weapons from the high-octane RPG "Wasteland Degenerates." With purple and yellow text, it features creatively-named arms like a board with a nail or spiked baseball bat, each accompanied by a humorous description.

Scott C. McDonald’s solo RPG, Enter the Dismal Armory, is also available, providing a taste of the Wasteland Degenerates universe.

Daniel Kling Lorentsen is the editor of Tabletop Gaming News, with a passion for tabletop games that began in the '90s. Starting with Dungeons & Dragons and Warhammer, his journey in the gaming industry has been diverse—from working at a prominent gaming store and illustrating RPG books and board games, to consulting hedge funds on RPG trends. Since 2005, Daniel has written extensively about games and managed several gaming websites, applying his deep industry knowledge to keep readers informed about the latest in tabletop gaming.