This foundational collection introduced players to the asymmetric, cyberpunk world of a card game where corporations and hackers clash for control of information. It included a curated set of cards, rulebooks, and tokens necessary for two players to immediately engage in competitive matches as either a powerful megacorp or a resourceful runner.
Its significance lies in providing a balanced and accessible entry point to the game’s complex mechanics and thematic depth. This boxed compilation allowed new players to quickly learn the fundamentals, establish core strategies, and begin building customized decks. The materials within established the setting’s lore and set the stage for the multitude of expansions and subsequent narratives that followed. It provided the initial player base and fostered the community that supported the game’s development and lifespan.
