Baldur's Gate 3 and Cyberpunk 2077: Unveiling the Surprising Parallel!

Highlights

Both Baldur's Gate 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 feature protagonists with voices inside their heads, creating unique and intriguing connections.

The protagonist in Cyberpunk 2077 has Johnny Silverhand inhabiting their mind, whereas in Baldur's Gate 3, it is the mindflayer called The Emperor. Both games offer players the opportunity to roleplay the inner voice, with Cyberpunk 2077 enabling the discovery and use of Johnny Silverhand's possessions, and Baldur's Gate 3 showcasing items linked to The Emperor/Balduran.

SPOILERS for Baldur's Gate 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 Ahead

Despite their contrasting aesthetics and styles, Baldur's Gate 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 share several similarities. One notable similarity is that both games feature protagonists with a voice inside their head. However, the connection between the protagonist and this inner voice runs much deeper in both games, presenting surprising and seemingly unique yet similar dynamics. In Cyberpunk 2077, the protagonist, V, finds themselves with a relic implanted in their head after a failed heist. This relic, housing the consciousness of Johnny Silverhand, forces the two to collaborate or clash as they face imminent death. The stakes are high, as only one of them can survive this predicament.

BG3 and Cyberpunk 2077: Roleplaying the Voice Inside Your Head

In Baldur's Gate 3, the protagonist possesses an Illithid tadpole within their mind, which carries the potential to transform them into a Mindflayer upon the Absolute's command. Safeguarding the protagonist is an internal voice, belonging to a mindflayer known as The Emperor. While Silverhand is directly implanted into V's mind by the Relic, the tadpole situation is incidental, and The Emperor's presence is somewhat akin to being inside the protagonist's mind. However, what makes the relationship between the BG3 protagonist and The Emperor, as well as Johnny and V, peculiar is that players have the ability to assume the role of the voices within their minds.

In Cyberpunk 2077, there is a questline where players embark on a mission to collect various items belonging to Johnny Silverhand. These items include his Tank Top, Aviators, Samurai Jacket, personal gun, pants, and shoes, all scattered throughout Night City. By wearing these items, players can assume the appearance of Johnny Silverhand while controlling V, who is accompanied by Johnny in their mind. This feature is not only unique, but it is also reminiscent of a similar aspect in BG3.

In Baldur's Gate 3, players have the opportunity to transform into a Mindflayer. They can also uncover various items that once belonged to The Emperor, who ruled over the titular city. Beneath the Elfsong Tavern, players can discover The Emperor's Sword, along with his Cerebral Citadel Armor and Cerebral Citadel Gloves. As the game progresses, players will encounter Ansur, an ancient Wyrm, who reveals that The Emperor was actually Balduran, the city's founder, before undergoing a transformation. Whether before or after battling Ansur, players can acquire Balduran's Helm. This unique helmet provides a healing effect of 2 hit points per turn, adding an intriguing layer to gameplay and allowing players to embody the persona of Balduran/The Emperor.

Balduran's Favour: You have a + 1 bonus to AC and Saving Throws.

Stun Immunity.

Wearer is immune to Crits.

The Emperor's Sword+2 Longsword 1D10 (1D8) + STR + 2

Shapeshifter Slayer: deals 1D4 additional damage to shapeshifters/polymorphed creatures

Magical Durability: +2 to Saving Throws vs. Spells

Cerebral Citadel Armor18 AC (No Dex Bonus)

Disadvantage on Stealth Checks

Wearer is immune to Frightened

Illithid Protection: If infested with a mindflayer tadpole, gain +1 to INT, WIS, and CHA Saving Throws.

Cerebral Citadel Gloves+1 to STR Saving Throws

Illithid Euphoria: Charming or Frightening a creature gives the wearer +1D4 bonus to Attack Rolls and Saving Throws

Baldur's Gate 3 and Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty have received rave reviews and are among the most popular game releases in recent months. Baldur's Gate 3 was launched to critical acclaim, while Cyberpunk 2077 has gained redemption with its impressive storyline. Despite being vastly different in genre, it is intriguing to observe how these two games share similar narrative elements, even though one is set in a medieval fantasy world and the other in a futuristic cyberpunk setting.

Currently, Baldur's Gate 3 can be played on PC and PS5, and an Xbox version is currently being developed.