Hardware unlimited what happen to it??

[hinomaru]

I still have the book that advertise it over 17 years ago mmm i know it doesn't take that long to make....

[drewkitty ~..~]

there was a preview document at the 2015 PB open house.

[NMI]

I still have the book that advertise it over 17 years ago mmm i know it doesn't take that long to make....

That version was by a different user who had submitted it. Palladium decided to go a different route. Fast forward several years and several other projects and we get to the present. Just a few weeks ago at the Palladium Books Open House, a 306 page manuscript was submitted to Kevin Siembieda [and a copy was given to me as well]. Greg Diaczyk is the writer on this one. Over the past year, I was fortunate enough to be able to give Greg some feedback and suggestions, some of which made it in.

Here is a teaser of sorts:

As a further teaser though here is a revised synopsis for the game, some of the stuff got changed around enjoy!

Hardware Unlimited™
A sourcebook for Heroes Unlimited™
The much anticipated accessories book for any crime fighter, vigilante and super hero. A comprehensive catalogue of the standard fair of super hero gear from grappling hooks, super sleuthing gear, to body armor, weapons and accessories only a super hero would need. The secret hero support organization known as Unlimited provides custom equipment and super suits to their heroic clients as well as offers emergency medical response and road side assistance to its clients and their custom super vehicles.

• New Hardware Power Categories: Hacker, Driving Ace, Chemical Genius and Robotics Genius as well as some minor revisions and updates to clarify the four existing Hardware Power Categories.
• Revised and Updated Power Categories: Super Sleuth, Robot Pilot
• New Power Categories: The Mad Scientist and Techno-Illusionist (a Mega-Hero upgrade for the Stage Magician)
• Unlimited , a Hardware Organization that builds custom costumes, gear, technologically gear that upgrades super powers, vehicles and Hero Headquarters (a good guy version of Fabricator Inc.)
• A huge catalogue of useful low tech and high tech gear for every type of super hero, from the normal human vigilante to the power packed mutant. All accessories to be “timeline appropriate” and easily adjusted whether you want to run a game in 1980 or 2080.
• New Robotic Systems
• Custom Vehicle Creation Rules for Land, Sea and Air Vehicles.
• Advice on how to run equipment based games and hero dependency on gadgets (instead of powers)
• Expanded Mega-Heroes (An updated version of my Rifter # 37 article)
• Secret Base Creation Rules (An updated version of my Rifter #37 article)
• New Skill programs to reflect "non-Hardware" characters trying to be Hardware Characters such as a Mutant with Telemechanics or Mechano-Link.

[Armorlord]

Neat, and Rifter #37 is one of my most referenced Rifters. I use the Dual-Class Hero as a guideline for combinations in other settings as well, because sometimes the Body Fixer ends up surviving as a full-conversion borg and wants to continue being a doctor.

[Razorwing]

This gives us a much better idea of just how similar and yet different Unlimited will be in comparison to Fabricators Inc.

[The Beast]

...• Custom Vehicle Creation Rules for Land, Sea and Air Vehicles...

I hope they're similar to the starship construction rules in AUGG.

[Grammarsalad]

I still have the book that advertise it over 17 years ago mmm i know it doesn't take that long to make....

That version was by a different user who had submitted it. Palladium decided to go a different route. Fast forward several years and several other projects and we get to the present. Just a few weeks ago at the Palladium Books Open House, a 306 page manuscript was submitted to Kevin Siembieda [and a copy was given to me as well]. Greg Diaczyk is the writer on this one. Over the past year, I was fortunate enough to be able to give Greg some feedback and suggestions, some of which made it in.

Here is a teaser of sorts:

As a further teaser though here is a revised synopsis for the game, some of the stuff got changed around enjoy!

Hardware Unlimited™
A sourcebook for Heroes Unlimited™
The much anticipated accessories book for any crime fighter, vigilante and super hero. A comprehensive catalogue of the standard fair of super hero gear from grappling hooks, super sleuthing gear, to body armor, weapons and accessories only a super hero would need. The secret hero support organization known as Unlimited provides custom equipment and super suits to their heroic clients as well as offers emergency medical response and road side assistance to its clients and their custom super vehicles.

• New Hardware Power Categories: Hacker, Driving Ace, Chemical Genius and Robotics Genius as well as some minor revisions and updates to clarify the four existing Hardware Power Categories.
• Revised and Updated Power Categories: Super Sleuth, Robot Pilot
• New Power Categories: The Mad Scientist and Techno-Illusionist (a Mega-Hero upgrade for the Stage Magician)
• Unlimited , a Hardware Organization that builds custom costumes, gear, technologically gear that upgrades super powers, vehicles and Hero Headquarters (a good guy version of Fabricator Inc.)
• A huge catalogue of useful low tech and high tech gear for every type of super hero, from the normal human vigilante to the power packed mutant. All accessories to be “timeline appropriate” and easily adjusted whether you want to run a game in 1980 or 2080.
• New Robotic Systems
• Custom Vehicle Creation Rules for Land, Sea and Air Vehicles.
• Advice on how to run equipment based games and hero dependency on gadgets (instead of powers)
• Expanded Mega-Heroes (An updated version of my Rifter # 37 article)
• Secret Base Creation Rules (An updated version of my Rifter #37 article)
• New Skill programs to reflect "non-Hardware" characters trying to be Hardware Characters such as a Mutant with Telemechanics or Mechano-Link.

Any further updates? *puppy eyes*

[NMI]

I still have the book that advertise it over 17 years ago mmm i know it doesn't take that long to make....

That version was by a different user who had submitted it. Palladium decided to go a different route. Fast forward several years and several other projects and we get to the present. Just a few weeks ago at the Palladium Books Open House, a 306 page manuscript was submitted to Kevin Siembieda [and a copy was given to me as well]. Greg Diaczyk is the writer on this one. Over the past year, I was fortunate enough to be able to give Greg some feedback and suggestions, some of which made it in.

Here is a teaser of sorts:

As a further teaser though here is a revised synopsis for the game, some of the stuff got changed around enjoy!

Hardware Unlimited™
A sourcebook for Heroes Unlimited™
The much anticipated accessories book for any crime fighter, vigilante and super hero. A comprehensive catalogue of the standard fair of super hero gear from grappling hooks, super sleuthing gear, to body armor, weapons and accessories only a super hero would need. The secret hero support organization known as Unlimited provides custom equipment and super suits to their heroic clients as well as offers emergency medical response and road side assistance to its clients and their custom super vehicles.

• New Hardware Power Categories: Hacker, Driving Ace, Chemical Genius and Robotics Genius as well as some minor revisions and updates to clarify the four existing Hardware Power Categories.
• Revised and Updated Power Categories: Super Sleuth, Robot Pilot
• New Power Categories: The Mad Scientist and Techno-Illusionist (a Mega-Hero upgrade for the Stage Magician)
• Unlimited , a Hardware Organization that builds custom costumes, gear, technologically gear that upgrades super powers, vehicles and Hero Headquarters (a good guy version of Fabricator Inc.)
• A huge catalogue of useful low tech and high tech gear for every type of super hero, from the normal human vigilante to the power packed mutant. All accessories to be “timeline appropriate” and easily adjusted whether you want to run a game in 1980 or 2080.
• New Robotic Systems
• Custom Vehicle Creation Rules for Land, Sea and Air Vehicles.
• Advice on how to run equipment based games and hero dependency on gadgets (instead of powers)
• Expanded Mega-Heroes (An updated version of my Rifter # 37 article)
• Secret Base Creation Rules (An updated version of my Rifter #37 article)
• New Skill programs to reflect "non-Hardware" characters trying to be Hardware Characters such as a Mutant with Telemechanics or Mechano-Link.

Any further updates? *puppy eyes*

I brought it up to Kevin recently. I cannot say where in the pipeline it is.

[Sambot]

The teaser sounds great! I hope it gets printed.

[Reagren Wright]

At the last Open House (2022) Greg said he's not allowed speak or mention anything about Hardware Unlimited. He wasn't allowed to share anything
with us fellow freelancers. So not sure what's up.

[Grammarsalad]

The teaser sounds great! I hope it gets printed.

Right? Lol, I want it as much for Ninjas and Superspies as HU. It's been a minute since anything was released for that

[slade the sniper]

I've only wanted this book since I first got HU.... maybe, please... I am OK with houseruling everything (because that's what good GMs do!) but I really would like some benchmarks from KS and gang... especially about vehicles... that weren't made in the 80's.

-STS

[Grammarsalad]

Just got the Rifter #85 at drivethrurpg. According to "from the desk of KS" they have a new policy of not announcing new books until the manuscript is approved. So, I suppose that this means only that no manuscript has been approved. So, maybe, there is still hope

[matt.reed]

I think it also comes down to 'how much draw is there for it?' Let us assume that Palladium is not in good shape. I don't know either way if it is or not but lets assume a worse case scenario. Is there enough of a draw for a book focusing on this subset of Heroes Unlimited? The Powers Unlimited books did well enough to get three, but I would assume that new super powers are more of a draw than new tech, but that is an assumption.

Its also why I doubt the Dark City of Cascade could get published as a book, because how much draw would there be for a setting designed just for low powered heroes?

[Grammarsalad]

I think it also comes down to 'how much draw is there for it?' Let us assume that Palladium is not in good shape. I don't know either way if it is or not but lets assume a worse case scenario. Is there enough of a draw for a book focusing on this subset of Heroes Unlimited? The Powers Unlimited books did well enough to get three, but I would assume that new super powers are more of a draw than new tech, but that is an assumption.

Its also why I doubt the Dark City of Cascade could get published as a book, because how much draw would there be for a setting designed just for low powered heroes?

In the most recent weekly update, KS says that sales are up (likely due to the ogl stuff).

This seems like the time to release it.

Also, what's Dark City? That sounds like exactly my jam.

Edit: honestly, there has to be a market for it. Some of the most popular comics are relatively "low powered". Spiderman, the Punisher, BATMAN.

Edit2: also, if they are especially concerned about sales, they could release the more "risky" stuff as pdf exclusive. I know I would gladly buy Hardware Unlimited (or Training unlimited) from drivethrurpg.

Anyway, that way there would be less overhead. And, they could always release physical books for the more popular titles

It would (seemingly) be a good way to test the waters

[matt.reed]

Also, what's Dark City? That sounds like exactly my jam.

Edit: honestly, there has to be a market for it. Some of the most popular comics are relatively "low powered". Spiderman, the Punisher, BATMAN.

Edit2: also, if they are especially concerned about sales, they could release the more "risky" stuff as pdf exclusive. I know I would gladly buy Hardware Unlimited (or Training unlimited) from drivethrurpg.

Anyway, that way there would be less overhead. And, they could always release physical books for the more popular titles

It would (seemingly) be a good way to test the waters

Rifter 84 good sir. my cape and cowl Gotham to Century Station's Metropolis. Originally an idea by Erick Wujcik that unfortunately never saw creation.

[Glistam]

It seems like Hardware Unlimited was officially cancelled in 2015.

[Grammarsalad]

It seems like Hardware Unlimited was officially cancelled in 2015.

Yeah, and given the most recent weekly update, it's safe to assume the project is dead in the water:

"Officially Canceled: These projects aren’t going to happen. I know that isn’t fun to hear, but it’s the truth. In many cases, there was initially an exciting kernel of an idea but it ended up canceled for any number of reasons as I discussed above. If there was a manuscript submitted, we don’t think it is salvageable. Please come to peace with it. I genuinely hope this listing helps you find some closure."

I do appreciate the honestly, but I'm very disappointed. Very few of those upcoming projects interest me. Three BtS stuff looks cool, I guess.

[NMI]

It seems like Hardware Unlimited was officially cancelled in 2015.

Yeah, and given the most recent weekly update, it's safe to assume the project is dead in the water:

"Officially Canceled: These projects aren’t going to happen. I know that isn’t fun to hear, but it’s the truth. In many cases, there was initially an exciting kernel of an idea but it ended up canceled for any number of reasons as I discussed above. If there was a manuscript submitted, we don’t think it is salvageable. Please come to peace with it. I genuinely hope this listing helps you find some closure."

I do appreciate the honestly, but I'm very disappointed. Very few of those upcoming projects interest me. Three BtS stuff looks cool, I guess.

At least Atorian Empire is still a possibility!!!

[Glistam]

Until they announce in 2025 that it was cancelled in 2012...

[Grammarsalad]

It seems like Hardware Unlimited was officially cancelled in 2015.

Yeah, and given the most recent weekly update, it's safe to assume the project is dead in the water:

"Officially Canceled: These projects aren’t going to happen. I know that isn’t fun to hear, but it’s the truth. In many cases, there was initially an exciting kernel of an idea but it ended up canceled for any number of reasons as I discussed above. If there was a manuscript submitted, we don’t think it is salvageable. Please come to peace with it. I genuinely hope this listing helps you find some closure."

I do appreciate the honestly, but I'm very disappointed. Very few of those upcoming projects interest me. Three BtS stuff looks cool, I guess.

At least Atorian Empire is still a possibility!!!

I see that. That's related to aliens unlimited, isn't it? I'll have to go back and read that. It's been years since I flipped through aliens unlimited (aliens aren't a thing in my setting. The only aliens are Cthulhu like creatures with unfathomable and/or horrible intentions).

[NMI]

At least Atorian Empire is still a possibility!!!

I see that. That's related to aliens unlimited, isn't it? I'll have to go back and read that. It's been years since I flipped through aliens unlimited (aliens aren't a thing in my setting. The only aliens are Cthulhu like creatures with unfathomable and/or horrible intentions).

Aliens Unlimited [1st and 2nd edition printings]
Galaxy Guide

I am blessed enough to have a copy of the original manuscrupt for Atorian Empire from the author himself. Unfortunately, due to NDA, I cannot share it

[Zer0 Kay]

Until they announce in 2025 that it was cancelled in 2012...

There was a version that was at the POH 2018 that Greg D. was passing around to get a petition signed. The games he ran that year were based off his manuscript. So the newer version is lingering somewhere between Greg's desk and the printer, probably on Kevin's desk in the file of things to authorize after his current pet project of the year is done.

[NMI]

Until they announce in 2025 that it was cancelled in 2012...

There was a version that was at the POH 2018 that Greg D. was passing around to get a petition signed. The games he ran that year were based off his manuscript. So the newer version is lingering somewhere between Greg's desk and the printer, probably on Kevin's desk in the file of things to authorize after his current pet project of the year is done.

It is a good read!

[Glistam]

Until they announce in 2025 that it was cancelled in 2012...

There was a version that was at the POH 2018 that Greg D. was passing around to get a petition signed. The games he ran that year were based off his manuscript. So the newer version is lingering somewhere between Greg's desk and the printer, probably on Kevin's desk in the file of things to authorize after his current pet project of the year is done.

Yes, but apparently it was cancelled in 2015. Either "the manuscript was never finished or was not suitable for publication"

[Zer0 Kay]

Until they announce in 2025 that it was cancelled in 2012...

There was a version that was at the POH 2018 that Greg D. was passing around to get a petition signed. The games he ran that year were based off his manuscript. So the newer version is lingering somewhere between Greg's desk and the printer, probably on Kevin's desk in the file of things to authorize after his current pet project of the year is done.

Yes, but apparently it was cancelled in 2015. Either "the manuscript was never finished or was not suitable for publication"

I don't think Greg was the original author or maybe his petition was to get it unconcerned. But what I read was complete.

[NMI]

Until they announce in 2025 that it was cancelled in 2012...

There was a version that was at the POH 2018 that Greg D. was passing around to get a petition signed. The games he ran that year were based off his manuscript. So the newer version is lingering somewhere between Greg's desk and the printer, probably on Kevin's desk in the file of things to authorize after his current pet project of the year is done.

Yes, but apparently it was cancelled in 2015. Either "the manuscript was never finished or was not suitable for publication"

I don't think Greg was the original author or maybe his petition was to get it unconcerned. But what I read was complete.

Gregs document was indeed complete along with a complete adventure.

[Zer0 Kay]

Until they announce in 2025 that it was cancelled in 2012...

There was a version that was at the POH 2018 that Greg D. was passing around to get a petition signed. The games he ran that year were based off his manuscript. So the newer version is lingering somewhere between Greg's desk and the printer, probably on Kevin's desk in the file of things to authorize after his current pet project of the year is done.

Yes, but apparently it was cancelled in 2015. Either "the manuscript was never finished or was not suitable for publication"

I don't think Greg was the original author or maybe his petition was to get it unconcerned. But what I read was complete.

Gregs document was indeed complete along with a complete adventure.

Ah, wonder if we played in the game together.

Was he the original author? Or did he take it on after it was cancelled?

[NMI]

Gregs document was indeed complete along with a complete adventure.

Ah, wonder if we played in the game together.

Was he the original author? Or did he take it on after it was cancelled?

He was sole, original author of that version of Hardware Unlimited.
Others, including Brent Lein [sp?] had turned in their own versions of the project. All versions that I have seen are unique to themselves and not influenced by previous editions.

I may have played in the same game as you.

[Zer0 Kay]

Gregs document was indeed complete along with a complete adventure.

Ah, wonder if we played in the game together.

Was he the original author? Or did he take it on after it was cancelled?

He was sole, original author of that version of Hardware Unlimited.
Others, including Brent Lein [sp?] had turned in their own versions of the project. All versions that I have seen are unique to themselves and not influenced by previous editions.

I may have played in the same game as you.

Oh, I wasn't trying to say it like that. I was wondering if Greg wrote the one that was cancelled or if it was someone else's work and then he just wrote the new one that was at POH 2018 or if that was an older version.

[Grammarsalad]

I am so envious of you guys...

[NMI]

Gregs document was indeed complete along with a complete adventure.

Ah, wonder if we played in the game together.

Was he the original author? Or did he take it on after it was cancelled?

He was sole, original author of that version of Hardware Unlimited.
Others, including Brent Lein [sp?] had turned in their own versions of the project. All versions that I have seen are unique to themselves and not influenced by previous editions.

I may have played in the same game as you.

Oh, I wasn't trying to say it like that. I was wondering if Greg wrote the one that was cancelled or if it was someone else's work and then he just wrote the new one that was at POH 2018 or if that was an older version.

No one else had a hand in the origin of the version seen at the Open House.

[thorinteague]

I was wondering if someone was working on something of this nature. The most recent "modern" gear list in a palladium publication, that I am aware of, was published in 1999.

I have a folder of research I've been accumulating for a few weeks. I am updating this folder periodically so if you're you find it useful, check back every once in a while. This is mostly just me dumping PDFs into a folder. Ideas about current cutting edge gear.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/ ... WPOhJDJbvX

[Glistam]

Until they announce in 2025 that it was cancelled in 2012...

There was a version that was at the POH 2018 that Greg D. was passing around to get a petition signed. The games he ran that year were based off his manuscript. So the newer version is lingering somewhere between Greg's desk and the printer, probably on Kevin's desk in the file of things to authorize after his current pet project of the year is done.

Yes, but apparently it was cancelled in 2015. Either "the manuscript was never finished or was not suitable for publication"

I don't think Greg was the original author or maybe his petition was to get it unconcerned. But what I read was complete.

Gregs document was indeed complete along with a complete adventure.

Well it's unfortunate then that Palladium considers it "not suitable for publication," then. At least Greg can still run his fun adventures based on it. I played in one of his adventures once and had a lot of fun, and I was looking forward to seeing the full rules eventually. Lord knows the game could use them.

[The Beast]

It seems like Hardware Unlimited was officially cancelled in 2015.

Yeah, and given the most recent weekly update, it's safe to assume the project is dead in the water:

"Officially Canceled: These projects aren’t going to happen. I know that isn’t fun to hear, but it’s the truth. In many cases, there was initially an exciting kernel of an idea but it ended up canceled for any number of reasons as I discussed above. If there was a manuscript submitted, we don’t think it is salvageable. Please come to peace with it. I genuinely hope this listing helps you find some closure."

I do appreciate the honestly, but I'm very disappointed. Very few of those upcoming projects interest me. Three BtS stuff looks cool, I guess.

At least Atorian Empire is still a possibility!!!

I suspect that book has the same chances as a Hardware Unlimited book does at this point.

[NMI]

At least Atorian Empire is still a possibility!!!

I suspect that book has the same chances as a Hardware Unlimited book does at this point.

It is no secret that I have a copy of the manuscript that Wayne Breaux turned in. I ran it a few times at the Open House over the years. It is great AND, every so often, I remind Kevin about it. My emails to Kevin have "All hail the Atorian Empire" in the signature. I assure you, he will NOT be allowed to forget about it. LOL

[Grammarsalad]

At least Atorian Empire is still a possibility!!!

I suspect that book has the same chances as a Hardware Unlimited book does at this point.

It is no secret that I have a copy of the manuscript that Wayne Breaux turned in. I ran it a few times at the Open House over the years. It is great AND, every so often, I remind Kevin about it. My emails to Kevin have "All hail the Atorian Empire" in the signature. I assure you, he will NOT be allowed to forget about it. LOL

Appreciated

[thorinteague]

At least Atorian Empire is still a possibility!!!

I suspect that book has the same chances as a Hardware Unlimited book does at this point.

It is no secret that I have a copy of the manuscript that Wayne Breaux turned in. I ran it a few times at the Open House over the years. It is great AND, every so often, I remind Kevin about it. My emails to Kevin have "All hail the Atorian Empire" in the signature. I assure you, he will NOT be allowed to forget about it. LOL

Everything I get into I always want to contribute. It's in my blood I guess....

I saw a recent interview with KS and it talked about how looking at submissions for ideas can actually expose Palladium (or whatever publisher) to legal liability. Man, that's so freaking depressing for me. I would love to just throw stuff out there for whoever likes it, and KS could make all the money on the planet off my ideas, I'd be gratified. I guess we just don't live in that world.

I really want to have fresh take in modern settings and I'd also like to participate in it if it were possible.

[Sambot]

At least Atorian Empire is still a possibility!!!

I suspect that book has the same chances as a Hardware Unlimited book does at this point.

It is no secret that I have a copy of the manuscript that Wayne Breaux turned in. I ran it a few times at the Open House over the years. It is great AND, every so often, I remind Kevin about it. My emails to Kevin have "All hail the Atorian Empire" in the signature. I assure you, he will NOT be allowed to forget about it. LOL

Everything I get into I always want to contribute. It's in my blood I guess....

I saw a recent interview with KS and it talked about how looking at submissions for ideas can actually expose Palladium (or whatever publisher) to legal liability. Man, that's so freaking depressing for me. I would love to just throw stuff out there for whoever likes it, and KS could make all the money on the planet off my ideas, I'd be gratified. I guess we just don't live in that world.

I really want to have fresh take in modern settings and I'd also like to participate in it if it were possible.

It's sad but understandable. You could always try submitting to the Rifter or having your own website. Or both.