Keiko

♦ Keiko 3[credit]

Hardware: Console - Companion
Influence: 3

+2[memory unit]

The first time each turn you install a companion card or spend credits from an installed companion card, gain 1[credit].

Limit 1 console per player.

“…and friends hold you close. I vow never to let go of my princess.”
Illustrated by Olie Boldador
Decklists with this card

Uprising (ur)

#70 • English
Startup Card Pool
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  • Updated 2020-03-20

    NISEI Uprising Release Notes [NISEI Rules Team]

    If the Runner installs Keiko, and hasn't installed or used any other companions this turn, do they gain a credit?

    Yes. Keiko's trigger condition is met when installing a companion is complete, at step 8.3.6 in the rules for installing a card. Keiko becomes active before that, at step 8.3.5, so the ability is able to see that its trigger condition is met, and the Runner can trigger it and gain a credit.

    If the Runner spends a credit from Paladin Poemu to install Keiko, can they trigger Keiko's ability?

    No. Since Paladin Poemu is a companion, the first time the Runner spends credits from or installs a companion this turn is paying Keiko's install cost, which happens at step 8.3.4. Keiko's abilities only become active at step 8.3.5, so the ability is not active when the trigger condition is met, and it cannot be triggered.

Reviews

IMO, this is a prime example of a well-designed card that doesn't cost nearly enough and therefore ends up being a bit too powerful.

3 credits for a 2 MU console is amazing value at the worst of times. Except this only costs 2 credits, because Keiko triggers itself on install. No other card in the game gives you two unconditional MU for such a low price. Compare to CyberSolutions Mem Chip.

But, I hear you say, that isn't comparable. Keiko takes up a console slot. Fair. So let's take a look at the ability. A 1 credit drip every time you install or "use" a companion. Easy enough to reliably trigger every turn. There are several companions out already, most considered pretty strong.

A one credit drip isn't super broken, but in combination with a 2-MU console which costs two to install, I think it is slightly above the curve. Anarchs who like to be filthy rich and need MU for programs like Stargate will definitely consider this. Especially considering the lack of tempo loss compared to a card like Maw. Maybe Keiko should have kept its cost and been 1 MU instead? I don't know. I just know this feels a bit wrong to me.

(Uprising era)
1948

I agree. I am not sure if it does refund a credit, may need a ruling on that, but even at 3 it's a push. Compare it to Paragon. 3 cost. Keiko has one more MU. Both have a way to make a buck each turn, but Keiko doesn't involve interacting with the corp. Just free money. Paragon may offer the deck peek as a bonus, but really, that's nothing compared to an MU, in terms of general power.

I can see the Smoke over the horizon already, lol.

It has been confirmed by Nisei on Facebook it triggers itself.

Did NISEI think that Keiko would force you to too much into a pre-defined companions template? There's just so few downsides to the console. Supporters of this card's power level are far and few. I wouldn't be shocked to see this end up as Removed soon.