Cyberpunk 2077's vast and bustling metropolis, Night City, is undeniably one of the game's greatest strengths. Despite the technical issues that plagued its launch, players were still in awe of the impressive location. CD Projekt Red brought the sci-fi setting to life by not only filling it with captivating sights, but also with a variety of Side Jobs for players to embark on in exchange for street cred and other rewards. These jobs ranged from minor tasks to ones that could have unexpected consequences, adding depth to the game's already rich narrative. While some jobs felt repetitive, there were a few that stood out for their unique and memorable experiences, such as the Watson Side Job "Killing in the Name".
Cyberpunk 2077's Killing in the Name
The Side Job "Killing in the Name" may not have a significant impact on V's journey, but it offers a unique and peculiar experience. Bes Isis, formerly known as Johnny Silverhand's bandmate, now works as an investigative journalist for Network News 54, and assigns players the task of uncovering the true identity of Leonard Swedenborg-Riviera, an enigmatic political philosopher with a large following on the Net. V takes over the investigation after Nancy's previous attempt to gather information on an illegal website went unanswered. The search leads them across Night City, tracing signals and following clues until they arrive at an amusement park in Pacifica. What they discover is beyond their wildest imaginations – Leonard Swedenborg-Riviera is actually a reprogrammed fortune-telling machine named Leonora, the Savantron. Players can choose to leave it alone, disconnect it, or modify it based on their stats.
How It Compares To Other Cyberpunk 2077 Side Jobs
The "Killing in the Name" side quest in Cyberpunk 2077 is often overlooked by some players, but in reality, it captures the very essence of CD Projekt Red's action RPG. The game is rife with anti-establishment sentiment, as seen in Johnny's origin story and V's mission to take down the top corporations running Night City. The quest's namesake, a Rage Against the Machine song, perfectly embodies these struggles, making it a clever nod to fans. By letting the fortune-telling machine run its course, players can gain Johnny's approval and learn that not taking things too seriously is a prevalent theme throughout the game's side missions. While Cyberpunk 2077 may have its fair share of casual violence and comical moments, it also tackles darker themes and serious subjects, as demonstrated in quests like the search for Evelyn. Thus, "Killing in the Name" serves as a prime example of the game's ability to shift between satirical irreverence and philosophical depth.
Cyberpunk 2077 is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.