Reining in Cyberpunk 2077's Sequel: Adjusting for Attainable Goals

Highlights

Characters in Cyberpunk 2077 universe often seek escape from Night City, with space being a common destination in different installments.

The repetitive use of space as an escape, seen in various endings, as well as the Netflix show and DLC, undermines its effectiveness. Treating space as a temporary solution fails to truly address the deeper-rooted issues in the dystopian world.

Since its release, Cyberpunk 2077 has spawned a variety of additional media set in its rich universe, including novels, comic books, and a popular Netflix show. These offerings have provided fans with even more opportunities to immerse themselves in the sprawling world of Night City. However, amidst all the success, there is one recurring theme that appears throughout different Cyberpunk 2077 installments that the sequel should consider avoiding.

One common motivation for characters in the Cyberpunk 2077 universe is their desire to escape Night City. This longing takes various forms, from losing themselves in BDs (braindance) to physically departing the metropolis. Unfortunately, a prevalent trope in many of the storylines is the prominent character seeking asylum in space or on the moon. This narrative device has become all too predictable and should be seen as an overused plot point at this point.

Cyberpunk 2077's Most Common End Destination

Not all endings in Cyberpunk 2077 lead to space or the moon, but they frequently occur in the franchise's finale. In the Sun ending, V chooses to participate in a heist at the Crystal Palace Casino, with Mr. Blue Eyes offering a cure for their condition. The Devil ending also involves V spending a significant amount of time in a space station, only to discover that their condition is incurable.

One particularly notable use of space occurs in the Netflix show. Although the ending of Cyberpunk Edgerunners leaves some questions unanswered, one of the main characters manages to escape the city. After the climax, Lucy successfully exits the metropolis and fulfills her long-standing desire to visit the moon. Interestingly, a major character from the Cyberpunk 2077 DLC also heads to the moon.

A lot happens within the expansion of the game, and it turns out that Phantom Liberty's Songbird wasn't that different from Lucy. One significant similarity they shared was a shared desire to escape, which ultimately led them to the moon. There is a vast amount of conflict and heartache involved in reaching their lunar destination, but players can help her achieve it if they choose to side with her. The issue arises from the game and other media like Edgerunners relying excessively on space as the ultimate form of escape. It is important to avoid relying on this concept in the future.

Why Future Games Should Avoid Using The Moon for a Final Destination

The utilization of space as a means of escape presents several significant challenges. Primarily, it serves as a literal form of escape. The Cyberpunk realm embodies a dystopian nightmare characterized by advanced-stage capitalism, making it understandable why characters seek liberation. However, this approach fails to effectively address the underlying problems plaguing their world. Merely escaping temporarily allows these individuals to evade the harsh realities but often comes at an exorbitant cost.

The character heading into space is becoming overused and repetitive, as it has already been explored in four Cyberpunk endings. If a potential sequel were to use this storyline again, it runs the risk of feeling stale. Currently, there is limited information about the direction of the next game. The director of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty will lead the upcoming project, and given the positive reception to the expansion, it is likely that the next installment is in capable hands. However, in order to bring something fresh and innovative, the sequel should steer clear of the space theme.

Cyberpunk 2077 is a futuristic RPG that takes place in a dystopian world. In the game, players assume the role of V, a mercenary residing in Night City, California. The gameplay features various elements such as interactive dialogue options, immersive open-world exploration, diverse character classes, and intense combat encounters.

Platform: PC, Xbox One, Stadia, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X

Release Date: December 10, 2020

Developed by: CD Projekt Red

Published by: CD Projekt Red

Genre: RPG, Action

Game Engine: REDengine 4

ESRB Rating: M for Mature - Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol

Estimated Game Completion Time: 25 Hours

Metascore: 75