Like WEG's earlier "" and "TORG", the player chooses from archetypal templates (like "Megacorp Freelancer" or "Old Scout") rather than create a custom character. The player can also create an altered or new template, but like most template games (like FASA's "Shadowrun" or White Wolf's "World of Darkness"), it is very hard to alter or build them with the rules as they are. The advantage to template characters is speed of play. Players who are unfamiliar with "Shatterzone" or want to play a pickup game can jump into play without struggling with generating a character first. Meanwhile, more experienced players can easily replace a deceased character in an ongoing adventure or campaign.