Not sure what you're after bumping this topic, abe? You really need to try and come up with your own view of whether something works or how to rate it, simply by playing. If you come up with a mutant power, try it on someone. If it works too well, nobble it and give it another drawback. If it doesn't get used at all, consider improving the benefit.
I think an ability that allows a Troubleshooter to engage with the local flow of data might work - with a downside that the mutant becomes the target of viruses and spam. Having acquired some information with a use of the ability, maybe the Troubleshooter starts explaining what he's discovered (pretending he knew it already), only to have his sentence interrupted halfway through by an advert for herbal hormone suppressant inhibitors or illegal surgical enhancement procedures.
Re. the Nintendo magazine - when in doubt, make it ULTRAVIOLET. The magazine relates to computer technology other than The Computer and refers to worlds outside the Alpha Complex. Oh, and that Mario guy sounds like a darned Commie traitor to me...
Paul B
