Though the dust has settled on Cyberpunk 2077's eventful launch window, and many gamers now consider it either good or great, it's still not hard to see where it fails to reach its full potential. While one could endlessly analyze Cyberpunk's possible shortcomings or areas for improvement in a sequel, one particular vector of its design seems to have caught more flak than others: its lack of deep RPG mechanics, contrary to how it was advertised.
Much like The Witcher, Cyberpunk 2077 stars a predetermined character that is "steered" by the player, rather than wholly defined by them. This makes the game rather unlike something like Baldur's Gate 3, where almost every element of the protagonist's personality and background are either directly established by the player or otherwise omitted, allowing for a headcanon. There's nothing inherently wrong with this, of course—renowned RPGs like Mass Effect and the Final Fantasy games take a similar approach—but there are times when it can feel like Cyberpunk can't quite make up its mind about how much it wants to adhere to this semi-rigid framework. Nowhere is this clearer than in the Lifepath feature, which is among Cyberpunk's most underwhelming.
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Project Orion Should Take Specific Steps to Improve the Lifepath System
New Lifepaths Are Essential in Project Orion
Assuming Project Orion carries the Lifepaths feature over from Cyberpunk 2077, it will be essential for it to offer distinct archetypes for the player to engage with. The original three Lifepaths can remain, especially if they are more fleshed out, but additional options should be made available in an effort to expand the player's relationship with Night City. Unique and exciting narrative and roleplaying opportunities could be opened by, say, a Fixer Lifepath, or a Netrunner one, shining light on a new corner of Cyberpunk's world. Obviously, these character archetypes are explored in Cyberpunk 2077, but not exactly from the player's perspective. Some other potential Lifepath archetypes include:
- Ripperdoc
- Dogtown Native/Street Kid
- Rocker
- Cyberpsycho
- NCPD
Project Orion's Lifepaths Ought To Have a Greater Impact on Role-Playing
A shortcoming of Cyberpunk 2077's Lifepaths, but one that is baked into the game's broader narrative design, is how V will basically be the same person regardless of which option the player chooses. Sure, each Lifepath has associated unique dialogue options, but these aren't holistic distinctions: they only impact specific moments of certain conversations, rather than making V actually feel like a different character. It would be cool to see, for instance, the protagonist's age change depending on the Lifepath a player chooses, as a Ripperdoc would probably be older than a Street Kid, for instance. Maybe Project Orion could even lock players to a certain gender or voice actor depending on their chosen Path, solidifying each route as more distinct and well-wrought.
A more feasible improvement would be to simply expand on the very brief side missions based on Lifepath in Cyberpunk 2077: adding more, and more substantial, missions based around this choice would make it more impactful.
Project Orion's Lifepaths Should Affect Gameplay
One of the best parts of Cyberpunk 2077 is its build variety, and Project Orion could leverage its version of the Lifepath feature to support this strength. Perhaps players could get a head start on specific stats based upon their chosen Lifepath, similar to how classes in Dark Souls affect one's starting point. Alternatively, each Lifepath could have a special ability or piece of gear. Even if these differences are subtle, they would go a long way toward increasing replay value and buttressing the role-playing experience.
Cyberpunk 2077
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 76 /100 Critics Rec: 66%
- Released
- December 10, 2020
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Publisher(s)
- CD Projekt Red
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?
- Engine
- REDengine 4
- Cross-Platform Play
- ps, xbox, pc
- Cross Save
- yes
- Franchise
- Cyberpunk
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- yes
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
- How Long To Beat
- 25 Hours
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
