Despite initially releasing in a disastrous state in 2020,Cyberpunk 2077is widely regarded as a shining example of the open-world RPG genre nowadays, in large part thanks to it receiving a bevy of free updates over the years that overhauled the base game. Although its developer, CD Projekt Red, recently confirmed that support for the sci-fi RPG had finally ended, demand for more content set in theCyberpunk 2077universe is still quite high, as evident by the massive success of the game’sPhantom Libertyexpansion and the critically-acclaimedCyberpunk: Edgerunnersanime.
Even withnew updates and DLC forCyberpunk 2077no longer being on the table, CD Projekt Red can still capitalize on the popularity of the game by releasing spin-offs based on the IP. There are a lot of directions the Polish developer could take the franchise in this way, whether that be by making a linear, third-person shooter, an isometric,Shadowrun-style RPG, a hack-and-slash action game, or a multiplayer,GTA Online-like experience. CD Projekt Red could even take a page out of the gaming history books and use a forgotten mobile title as inspiration for a hypotheticalCyberpunk 2077spin-off.
Cyberpunk 2077 Could Take Inspiration From a Forgotten Mobile Game for a Potential Spin-Off
As many fans may already know, theCyberpunkIP wasn’t made by CD Projekt Red itself; rather, the hit open-world video game is based off a 1988 tabletop RPG namedCyberpunk 2013. Created by famed role-playing designer Mike Pondsmith, thisclassic pen-and-paper version ofCyberpunkwas rather influential for its time. In fact, the RPG was popular enough to receive multiple major editions over the years, from 1990’sCyberpunk 2020and 2005’sCyberpunk V.3, all the way to 2020’sCyberpunk RED.
Cyberpunk 2077 Isn’t the First Video Game Based on the Cyberpunk IP
Cyberpunk 2077being based off a pen-and-paper RPG might come as a surprise to some, but what’s especially shocking is the fact that the CD Projekt Red-developed title isn’t actually the first video game adaptation of Mike Pondsmith’sCyberpunk. Indeed, that honor belongs toCyberpunk: The Arasaka’s Plot, an obscure 2007 mobile game that was developed and published by a Spanish company named Mayhem Studio. As one would expect,The Arasaka’s Plotwas completely different fromCyberpunk 2077genre-wise, as the game was aside-scrolling cinematic platformerinstead of an open-world, first-person RPG. However, it did contain several story beats thatCyberpunk 2077fans will likely be familiar with.
Cyberpunk: The Arasaka’s Plotwas released exclusively for Java-enabled mobile phones (J2ME), so it isn’t playable on modern hardware without the use of emulators.
Cyberpunk: The Arasaka’s Plotfollows the story of a Solo, or hired killer, named Sam Gibson that gets targeted by the malicious Arasaka Corporation after being framed for murder. In order to find out who set him up, Gibson partners up with a female Netrunner named Ka, who aids his endeavors by using her hacking and telecommunication skills. The game’s plot is conveyed in a manner that’s reminiscent ofclassic side-scrolling platformersfrom the 90s likeFlashback; the same can be said for the title’s gameplay, as well.
The Arasaka’s Plot Could Be a Great Basis for a Cyberpunk 2077 2D Platformer
Cyberpunk: The Arasaka’s Plotmay not have aged all that well, but it could still serve as a great basis for a fast-paced 2D platformer set in the world ofCyberpunk 2077. Although some might scoff at such an idea, recent spin-offs of other franchises have proved that massive genre pivots can be done right, if handled correctly. TakePrince of Persia: The Lost Crown, for instance. This particular title is based on a series that’s widely known for its third-person action-adventure games. In spite of this,Prince of Persia: The Lost Crownstill felt right at home as a 2D platformer, not only due to it receiving critical acclaim, but also thanks to it harkening back to the origins of the Ubisoft franchise.
If a series likePrince of Persiacan look back at its past to take inspiration for future spin-offs, thenCyberpunkcould, too, withThe Arasaka’s Plot. A fast-paced 2D platformer that uses the art style ofthe acclaimedCyberpunk: Edgerunnersanimeand incorporates some of the RPG elements CD Projekt Red is known for could indeed be something special.
Cyberpunk 2077
WHERE TO PLAY
Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world action-adventure from the creators of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, CD Projekt Red.Set in Night City, a megalopolis obsessed with power, glamour and body modification, you play as V, a mercenary outlaw going after a one-of-a-kind implant that is the key to immortality.Upgraded with next-gen in mind and featuring free additional content, customize your character and playstyle as you take on jobs, build a reputation, and unlock upgrades.The relationships you forge and the choices you make will shape the story and the world around you. Legends are made here. What will yours be?
