When you think back to the video game scene in 2020, I am sure we will all remember the launch of Cyberpunk 2077. The futuristic open-world game is set in Night City, a self-sufficient nation state in a dystopian future following a series of internal civil wars within the former United States of America. With the battles fought and the formation of the New United States of America, Night City functions as a hub and zone for all dreamers and wannabe legends. This haven of tech infused addictions, crime filled streets, and mostly ungoverned streets, breeds the perfect escape from the entrapment of normal life because Night City is anything other than normal.
STORYLINE
Cyberpunk 2077 was developed by CD Projekt Red. The studio has also developed another open world hit with The Witcher franchise. However, Cyberpunk is a vastly different meal in almost every way. Set in the year 2077 in the dystopian Night City, the game follows the main character Vincent or Valerie depending on the player’s choices of gender, known more commonly in the game simply as ‘V’. The player gets to live the life of a Night City mercenary and learns how to become a Night City legend. The main storyline of the game throws the player headfirst into V’s crazy lifestyle. While the player moves through the game, they will be faced with all NC has to offer. From hostile gangs, to booming corporations, and underbelly slums, the world of Cyberpunk is unique in almost every way.
CHARACTERS
The main character of this story is mercenary V, on a return to their former stomping grounds after a short stint in Atlanta. V meets up with a unique cast of characters all exposing the player to the different skill sets in NC. These characters also help V with many of the missions given to the player. The Netrunner T-Bug is the first of the class-based skill sets in the world. Netrunners specialize in the use of the technical network-based systems in the city, with the unique skill set to enter the digital world of Cyber-Space. Netrunners can shut down and destroy systems with a literal blink of an eye. Fellow mercenary Jackie Welles introduces the player to the heavy hitter combat styles of mercs in the city. This is where the major use of the Cyberware and Ripperdocs come into play.
MECHANICS
Gameplay of Cyberpunk carries many of the same tropes of most open world games with a play style like that of Grand Theft Auto V. The addition of cybernetic upgrades known as Cyberware add a whole new possibility for exploration and play. Through the use of qualified surgeons called Ripperdocs, the player can upgrade the systems within V’s body to fit their very needs. Technology based builds give the player Netrunning capabilities. Augments like Cyberdeck RAM systems and quick hacks turn the player into a deadly adversary when stealth is the name of the game. Combat based build will turn the player into a powerhouse of multiple capabilities. Implants like the Sandevistan and Berserk will slow time for everyone except the player, pair something like this with grenades or gorilla arms and any group of enemies will be long dealt with before the timer resets.
FULL REVIEW
When Cyberpunk 2077 launched I had no overall interest in getting the game due to the rumors and word of mouth about the game being riddled with glitches and bugs. As a result, I waited two years to pick up the game. Even then I did not buy the game because I wished to play it. The real interest in the world of Cyberpunk was first shown to me through the 2022 anime: Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, but that is a topic for another day.
Following the experience of Edgerunners I was intrigued by the colors and style of Night City. When I browsed Steam in 2022 the game was on sale for half off. Who doesn’t love a chance at a deal on a potentially still broken game? What I received was anything but the heap of problems I had heard of. The intro of the game gives you just enough experience of the playstyle while explaining the major necessities to life in NC. The gameplay is engaging and exhilarating, with many different styles of play and paths to choose from. The main quest line is available at any level, with no restrictions on how fast you can play through. Despite the nature some players must push through the main line as fast as possible, I highly recommend playing everything you can on the way, without doing so you really do miss how incredible the world is. Plus, you get to make the money to chip yourself out with the best Cyberware money can buy, which adds a whole new world of possibilities.
The city has a certain feeling of realism to the point where it doesn’t feel like a game. The storyline is engaging and emotional, and it really does feel like you are at the same stakes as V. With every possible moment in the city could be the biggest problem you face, or some cocky street kid who was in way over their head. The initial feeling of Cyberpunk 2077 is something I wish I could experience for the first time again. With a gripping story line that pulls you in from the first play, I can confidently state that this has been one of the best games I have ever played. With an emotional weight storyline like Red Dead Redemption 2, and the crime centered, free play destructive nature of GTA V, this game earned a 5/5 stars from me, and I highly recommend anyone that enjoys story-based games to play it, as well as the follow up DLC: Phantom Liberty.
Written by Michael Roy, Lethbridge College
