This is easily the best article on the entire site! I immediately had to go look for change to buy Neuromancer, and I was flipping out at the video about the implants. MOAR!
Excellent article, both well researched and thought provoking. However dystopian our society seems to be, it takes an extremely pessimistic outlook to dismiss all of technologies, and more importantly, humanities contributions towards the greater good. Events like LiveAID and Race for the Cure would be almost impossible to assemble without the advancements in technology, and both are high-profile examples of the better side of human nature. For every kid mindlessly blasting away aliens in a videogame is another one joining the local youth sports league because they are compelled to do more with their time then simply live in front of a tv/computer/whatever else. I'm certainly not bashing video games, for I play my fair share of them and greatly enjoy them, but I realize to take these games within the context that I am playing them in, and that true social interactions will never be replaced by virtual ones. Sorry if I appear to be ranting, I do seem to do it a lot.
I agree with derigible...but seriously,
@loonyman978 (and others with same view) how can you not understand this article? It's merely pointing out that while not as drastic as any of the cyberpunk universes, we're on the right track for creating such a downer society.
creeplytuna, as others have said, this is a GREAT book, it is one of my all time favorites. William Gibson is credited with coining the term "cyberspace" and for anyone that has not read Neuromancer, it is a must. The rest of his collection should not be overlooked either. GREAT ARTICLE!
This article is kind of jarring in that, as a consumate technophile-consumer, I can't wait for the jaded nihilistic dystopian future!
AND, this article was spectacular. It legitimizes the interesting and thought-provoking nature that can be discussed in games journalism.
(*Forwards this to persons interested in the cyberpunk genre)
Gibson once said that Neuromancer was dead in the water. IMDB constantly has possible movies in its database, I know that the Robotech movie was said for 2010 now it says 2012. Neuromancer wont happen unless someone manages to pass a script passed Gibson.
Neuromancer has to be the worst book I've ever read. Gibson's style is utterly tedious and incomprehensible to read. I'm not even sure how I finished that book, but I toughed it out somehow. Now whenever I go to the bookstore, if I see any Gibson book I shriek uncontrollably and make a cross symbol with my fingers.
Joe: Great article. Very articulate. Articles like this keep me a fan of GR, the hacks at IGN, Gamespot and UGO can't compete.
Even though Gibsons' book was a cultural cornerstone, his writing leaves something to be desired, the actual book was horribly written.
I also don't agree that human society is going down the pessimistic dystopian tube. I'm not going to start farting flowers but there is far too much good shit that technology is pushing.