Hey Akashic Soldier,
Have you checked this
SPLICERS Thread out?
The replies there may cover your inquiry why WE SPLICEHEADS love this setting!
To add to what Guy Ledouche and Shark Force have eloquently written; I relish this setting for numerous reasons, but here is my attempt at a personal summation of some them:
1: Endless Customizing & Innovations: I love the endless opportunities for customizing competitive Biotechnology for such a harsh setting. As a huge fan of Guyver, Alien/Aliens, Zeiram, Baoh, Armor, Starcraft and other biotechnology IP influences in my youth, Splicers is a true outlet for me to cut loose with my pent up innovations and inspirations. There are two things that I find motivate advancement in technology (entertainment & warfare). Splicers is filled with competitive, intense global warfare and some intriguing entertainment options as well. The template is there but when you truly exercise the factor of alien DNA and various concepts derived from territorial conflict over resources and survival. There is some major fun for me in seeing and using what everyone who plays this game contributes and interprets with the biotechnology makes it very intriguing and entertaining. I mean what’s not to enjoy or entertaining when seeing an array of unique Monster styled power armors and living body armors locked into guerrilla warfare with each other or against a deadly array of machines or the likes of some alien predators? Add to that the element of having to hunt for your fuel in some cases or to allow for ammo to regrow or the wide array of customization in opposition units and companions gives the game extraordinary dynamics and entertainment.
2. Love the Biological & Wildlife Implementations: As a long-term animal enthusiast who enjoyed watching wildlife films and in person, especially formidable species, Splicers is a true outlet for me to not only share or educate others on various species that I am fond of, but it also makes available for me to learn and enjoy those views and creatures that others share with me as well. Splicers also allots for me to utilize them or fuse them in chimeric fashion for militia field use that is unlike any other game setting I have ever read or experienced. I can't tell you enough how enthusiastic I am over the very idea of Gorehounds, since I am a MAJOR fan of formidable canines (Wolves, Dholes, molossors, LGDs, terriers, etc.). I have a wealth of knowledge on various dog breeds (pheno types) and their performances that I am so eager to see utilized in this game. It doesn’t just stop with Gorehounds, I mean we are talking Warmounts for goodness sakes. Monsters that are bio armored tanks and fighter jets fighting for a Great House’s army. We have a ton of Warmounts to release and many more in the 'Think-tank." Let alone the endless ideas of alien predators that can be concocted for players, Great Houses and NEXUS to contend with or to learn from.
3. The Machine's (NEXUS) global & campaign influences and potential. As I (and others) now see it is so... much more influential and innovative than a mere comparison to anything that Skynet could conjure. With the different NEXUS personalities and their specialties within the Machine, individual strategies, having their internal strife, bodes for a very rich entertaining setting with possibilities for their influences on the setting and campaigns. This was one the primary reasons Slappy & I devised the Legion contribution source material (already submitted to PB). Not only does each Personality bring a unique aspect of the machine to the forefront, but also the wide variety of robots, drones, mech and vehicle designs that can be devised which opens the door wide open for machina and Technojackers. Literally just as fun and innovative to create new machines as it is the biotechnology for this setting.
4. Blood feuding. This also helped seal the deal for my fascination with Splicers. The idea of having Powered Armored biotech concoctions locked in clan like warring reminds me of some futuristic samurai and bio-armored ninja battles with monsters as jets & tanks, made me truly fall in love with this setting's atmosphere. This makes things fun for customizing and thinking not only for players but for the gm as well. Slappy & I have already submitted a great amount of source material for “How to Build A Great House” which will make this experience of developing and customizing a Great House more systemic but yet still preserves the open customizations, but the personal touches and experiences really make the Great House aspect very entertaining and personalized. Originally it is easy to assume that every one would want the strongest Great House in their territory, but upon further analysis, having such a powerhouse also means having and constantly securing the necessary resources and defenses to preserve such a great house. This also means such a great house will have to be able to withstand NEXUS and be kept well hidden and protected all the while stabilizing the large community and militia that it requires to sustain itself, let alone the governmental structure and intra-guild issues that may transpire. A whole lot goes into being a super power in your territory (among other Great Houses and NEXUS forces). Maybe starting off as an upstart Great House may be far easier and also may be more enjoyable being a part of the house developments and creating a stronger commitment and bond for players. This sense of belonging & personal contributions makes fighting rival great houses, intruders or traitors even far more entertaining and critical in campaign games. A Great House that is displaced or usurped by another house is really up a creek without a paddle with several holes in an overloaded boat if it can’t secure the resources & or alliances to sustain itself.
5. Love the idea of Wit, Tech and Guts. Unlike other settings I really appreciate how Splicers preserves the playability & feasible mortality of intelligently utilizing your wit, gear and choices to survive versus using magic and "powers" to compensate for the challenges that this game can throw at you. I think its harsh setting that offers plenty of challenge and greater sense of mortality, forces players to really think more as players with what they have and to really appreciate what they select as an O.C.C. and gear for the field. This creates stronger attachments to their choices, customization and character(s) IMHO.
6. The Spliceheads. With out a doubt in my mind the creative force and fan base that contributes and or supports the Splicers setting is IMHO, the best group of fans and gamers that I have experienced and have had the pleasurable honor of being among. I mean if you have questions or inquiries there is always a splice head seeking to help and or give constructive feedback, when they can. And they have all been very mature and civil in their post no matter the difference in views. Sadly that is possibly my biggest concern once the setting gets more publicity, is that the Splicehead integrity may be invaded but I have high hopes.
7. Uniqueness. As of yet there is nothing out like the Splicers game setting, PERIOD!