Cyberpunk 2077 is an upcoming game from Witcher developer CD Projekt Red, scheduled for release on September 16, 2020. Like other open-world action RPGs, there will be a lot to see and do - but here are 5 reasons to be extra excited:
Danger lurks everywhere in Night City. Source: CD Projekt Red
The World of Cyberpunk
Cyberpunk 2077 takes place in Night City, a gritty future version of urban life in which the lines between human and machine - as well as right and wrong - have been blurred. The game itself is based on the pen and paper RPG series Cyberpunk, inspired by the works of Philip K. Dick and William Gibson. If you've played the game, you'll recognize some of the lore. If not, that's okay - you're still in for a treat.
From what I've seen so far, action in the video game version of Night City is a combination of Grand Theft Auto, Hitman, Bioshock, and the classic pen and paper RPG. Players will be able to explore the city to their heart's content, interacting with fellow citizens, locations, and even advertisements custom-tailored to your character.
Explore your environment for missions, entertainment or whatever strikes your fancy. Source: CD Projekt Red
Night City is the epitome of cyberpunk aethetics - a dark mish-mash of wires, neon, and rebellion. Even during the day, the use of colors, grit, and architectural design throughout the city evoke feelings of awe but also caution - it's apparent that danger lurks around every corner. Then again, so does opportunity - keep your eyes peeled for missions and interactions that will enhance your skills or gameplay experience.
I look forward to hours upon hours of pure exploration in between missions!
The Customization
Cyberpunk 2077 "V" character creation screen (early build, subject to change). Source: CD Projekt Red
Right off the bat, players will get to customize their characters' look, skills, and even a bit of backstory that impacts your gameplay. While your name is always V, you get to choose why you're in Night City, who your childhood hero was, and other traits that will impact your story. (According to preview builds - specific options are subject to change in the final version.) The game will then adapt to your choices, making every person's game different!
The cyberpunk genre is all about the relationship between humans and machines and how you mix them to survive in a harsh urban environment. In this world, body modifications go far beyond tattoos and piercings to include mechanical implants. These enhancements will determine how your character interacts with the world and completes missions.
Someone is always watching - be careful who make enemies with! Source: CD Projekt Red
For example - if your fighting style is to shoot first and maybe getting around to asking questions someday, you'll be able to choose enhancements that make you a powerful foe. On the otherhand, those who choose to hide in the shadows and confuse enemies might consider hacking abilities instead. Along the way, you'll also get to use consumable enhancements, similar to Bioshock, that give you temporary advantages.
(Speaking of customization...)
The Story
As a mercenary outlaw in Night City, you play as V - going after a one-of-a-kind implant that is the key to immortality. Along the way, you will have to face challenges and tragedy with the help of your enhancements, friends, and imagination.
Choices give you a wide variety of ways to approach missions, just like in Hitman. There is no one right way, but there are always consequences - do you run in guns a blazing? Try talking it out? Learn everything you can before going in? It's all up to you. Each character interaction will give you a number of dialogue options, so choose carefully.
Cyberpunk 2077 adapts to the choices you make, so it's possible to have a completely different experience from everyone else playing the game!
Can you survive Night City? Source" CD Projekt Red
The Music
As the name implies, this genre is incredibly punk in its use of colors and distain for the establishment. Cyberpunk music is more about attitude than genre, however, and includes everything from traditional punk to electronic, dance, industrial, metal, and pretty much whatever moves you.
In Cyberpunk 2077, a chrome rock band called Samurai plays a major role - and you'll see their logo throughout Night City. Your character can even name the band's leader, Johnny Silverhand, as a childhood hero.
The game's soundtrack is composed by Paul Leonard-Morgan, known for his work on Dredd and Dawn of War II and features real-life band Refused as the band Samurai. Players will also have their ears pleasantly assaulted by artists Run the Jewels, Grimes, A$AP Rocky, Gazelle Twin, Ilan Rubin, Richard Devine, Nina Kravitz, Deadly Hunta, Rat Boy, and Tina Guo.
Have a listen:
Speaking of Johnny Silverhand, he will be played by none other than...
Keanu Reeves!
E3 2019 viewers were surprised to learn that actor Keanu Reeves will be playing Johnny Silverhand, lead singer of the band Samurai - leading to the instant meme, "No you're breaktaking!" Johnny will feature both Keanu Reeves' likeness and voice, which should be an interesting experience. It's a testament to video games as an artform that AAA actors are getting involved - Death Stranding is a prime example of this.
Will you be picking up Cyberpunk 2077? If so, what are you most looking forward to?
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