This I thought was a great idea for The Gamers franchise it's also a dream come true for me because I always wanted an anthology show based on the fantasy and RPG genre and this actually comes pretty close.
Making the series into an anthology web series was a great idea because it gives the franchise more creative freedom to be able to tackle certain RPGs or even just more on the RPG subculture. Each story is going to be a mini series and one or two will come out theoretically each year, they can go either direction and could even have sequels if necessary. Hopefully this is a series that becomes long haul because the possibilities are just endless, let alone anthologies are a lost practice that need a jog once more.
Production value is solid as usual, they once again work with a low budget but it's used well. I like the use of location, the fantasy sequence is excellent, it's great that for once this is set in an urban enviorment which of course is where the game is based in; but still I just thought it was a great change in things just to keep things fresh and show how you can do more with the franchise.
The costume and make up designs are also excellent, they really look like characters for "Shadowrun". The action is solid/decent, I mainly liked the fight the cyper samurai had with the private army. The chirography was on par liked seeing the guy use both the magnum and the Katina at once.
Basically the characters are playing a game called Cyperrun which is obviously a parody on the RPG game "Shadowrun" which is a blend of both cyberpunk and fantasy. Just seeing this is just fantastic since "Shadowrun" is one of my favorite RPG games. It also shows that making a live action TV show or movie based on that franchise is possible, why the hell hasn't anyone done that yet.
And I like the story, it's mainly centered around this guy whom isn't an expert in RPG and has unfortunately lost many times despite how much he tried (or some of the group gave themselves unfair advantages). He's the typical underdog but I like that it just make you want him to win more. I also like the fact that he's into pop culture and is open minded which makes him relatable. And he really does surprise you, as he plays the current game like an expert and how he uses his wits more to win, which I feel is a part of winning RPGs not just having the most powerful weapon and spell; well as a saying goes everyone has to win sometime and it appears that character's time has come.
He better win the next time around because if he doesn't he can't marry his feonsay. Yeah, I know that premise is silly but that what makes it all the more funny, really satirizing on how hard it is for someone involved in certain subcultures to find a significant other to relate/connect with.
The comedy is very good, I like the feonsay's brother whom is an expert at RPG and a jack ass but in a funny sense. The guy obviously doesn't really get out much and it's funny as he gives the main character some grief. Or once scene when the evil Boss hacks into one of the characters whom is a cyper hacker and he programs him to kill his party members. But of course two of the party members just laugh at him as he tries but fails miserably; it makes sense if you every played "Shadowrun" cyper hacker characters by their nature are really nothing more than key tools and have no offensive abilities. So, yeah you wouldn't have a worry in the world if they attack.
The only misrolls for me are the cyperworld isn't explored enough let alone campaign was too short which is why I wouldn't of mind a couple more episodes, but due to budget limitations it couldn't be helped, let alone the campaign was meant to be one of those small quests so I can't complain too much about that.
The other was the final fight with the boss I felt could of been better, it just seemed like there needed to be more to it. But also what strange is how difficult it was for them, I know the Boss had the cybernetic hand that gives her some abilities but for an offensive ability it can only taze, how hard is it to take out someone with a tazer when your armed with a gun? Overall, this mini series wins this round and it won't be the last.
Rating: 3 and a half stars
