Project Orionis the next planned installment in theCyberpunkseries following the success ofCyberpunk 2077and its Phantom LibertyDLC. The world of Cyberpunk, andNight Cityparticularly, has quickly become one of the most detailed and fleshed-out locations in all of gaming. Now that the lore for CD Projekt Red’sCyberpunkhas been set, there are endless options for where the story can go next.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, an animated series released in September 2022, has already become a pillar in the series after adding a lot of detail to the franchise’s lore. Its high-octane story that focuses on a crew of netrunners and mercenaries has helped flesh out Night City in more detail than ever before.Project Orion, therefore, has the potential to follow in its footsteps and focus on key aspects of its story and characters to build on and expand the world ofCyberpunk 2077.
How Edgerunners’ Cyberware Could Transform Project Orion
One of the main focuses inCyberpunk:Edgerunnersis the amount of cyberware available on the streets of Night City, and the power they can give any user. Specific tools, likethe Sandevistansthat David used to slow down time from his perspective, are present inCyberpunk 2077, albeit to a limited extent.Project Orioncan therefore push the envelope when it comes to cyberware. The game can use the examples set byEdgerunnersto create more tools, ranging from Sandevistans that manipulate time in more powerful ways, to tools like the Projectile Launch System that could transform any player into a walking missile launcher.
Edgerunnersfocuses on cyberpsychosis as well. The show uses it as a tool to explore the humanity of its main characters. WhileCyberpunk 2077had side missions focusing on this aspect of the universe,Edgerunnersshows the harrowing consequences of cyberpsychosis, and how common it is.Project Orioncould easily double down on this focus and introduce it as another trial the protagonist has to endure, similar to how V dealt withJohnny Silverhanderoding his brain in the first game.
The Impact of Edgerunners’ Cyberware On Project Orion’s Gameplay
Edgerunnersfeatured a suite of ultra-powerful cybernetic tools, includinggorilla arms, neural links, and an assortment of weapons that could be great fun to use in a game. Toward the end of the show, David gives up more and more of his body to integrate these enhancements.Project Orioncould provide a similar option to players, allowing them to transform the main character into a walking tank. Additionally, optic upgrades could provide thermal vision, and improve stealth immensely. The neural interfaces featured in the show could also allow players to find better and faster hacking capabilities.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners’ Netrunning Can Also Change The Face of Project Orion
Netrunning is a core component of theCyberpunkuniverse; the bestnetrunners in Night Cityare almost untouchable. They can hack anything and pass through any security measure.Edgerunnersintroduced fans of the game to some of the strongest netrunners, especially Lucy, who might still be alive by the time the story ofProject Oriontakes place. She and other characters who survivedEdgerunners,might still be running around wreaking havoc in Night City during the events of the upcoming sequel.
Project Orioncould use this netrunning as a core part of the story, by turning the future game map into a digital playground for players. Thanks to her neural interface, Lucy was able to hack into Arasaka and interrogate an unconscious hostage. And since Lucy is still alive canonically, she can easily make a reappearance inCyberpunk:Project Orionas well and perhaps even help V regain his mind.
More powerful hacking tools, on top of this, could allow the player to truly take on thepowerful megacorps in Night City. As a result, it will pave the way for Lucy’s character to leave a far greater mark in the world than either Silverhand or V could. So, if CD Projekt Red uses the lore, characters, and events ofEdgerunnerswell, it could drastically improveProject Orionand even help define multiple more mechanics of the upcoming installment.
Cyberpunk 2077
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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?
