Cyberpunk 2077 features a cast of enthralling and well-written characters, both major and minor. Among the more captivating characters on the outskirts of the Johnny-V narrative is Lizzy Wizzy, played by none other than electro-pop star Claire Elise Boucher, AKA Grimes. Lizzy Wizzy's screen time is somewhat limited, but the exclusive Cyberpunk 2077 musical tracks that Grimes recorded under the Lizzy Wizzy moniker help keep the character's presence front-of-mind throughout the game.
Lizzy Wizzy is positioned as a groundbreaking and avant-garde figure in Cyberpunk 2077's world, nestled within Night City's cultural elite. Her musical repertoire is vast and seminal, but her persona, both on-and off-stage, is what defines her larger-than-life status. She is known for her radical cyberware modifications and bombastic, even life-threatening live performances, including one where she intentionally stopped her heart mid-show, only to be revived and continue as though nothing had happened. All of this is to say that Lizzy Wizzy is the epitome of superstardom in Cyberpunk 2077's twisted universe, and Grimes, with her flamboyant real-world persona and futuristic musical themes, was the perfect casting choice.
Cyberpunk 2077 features exclusive musical tracks from several other artists, including Run the Jewels and A$AP Rocky, though none other than Grimes actually appear as characters in-game.
The Argument for Cyberpunk 2077's Sequel to Follow the Temperance Ending
Project Orion may very well be forced to make one of Cyberpunk 2077's endings canon, and the Temperance ending is perhaps the best route.
Why Project Orion Should Repeat Cyberpunk 2077's Lizzy Wizzy Casting
Lizzy Wizzy Adds Authenticity and Charm to the Cyberpunk 2077 World
While one could make the argument that including real-world celebrities in a video game can be distracting, Grimes' appearance in Cyberpunk 2077 is more enriching than anything else. Bringing on a real musician to play Lizzy Wizzy, one concerned with many of the same themes as Cyberpunk 2077 no less, lends the character a sense of authenticity and plausibility. Lizzy Wizzy doesn't feel like a cheap imitation of an experimental music artist: she really is an experimental musical artist, in a sense.
Musicians That Could Be the Next 'Lizzy Wizzy'
There's a chance that Grimes could reprise her role in Project Orion, Cyberpunk's codenamed sequel. Even if this does wind up happening, though, it would be nice to see CD Projekt Red try the same clever, metanarrative trick once again with a different artist, and there's a heap of great options to choose from. Some promising artists that could replace or supplement Lizzy Wizzy in the next game include:
- Bjork
- Charli XCX
- Damon Albarn (Gorillaz)
- Del the Funky Homosapien
- Dorian Electra
- FKA Twigs
- Father John Misty
- Pink Pantheress
- Thom Yorke (Radiohead)
- Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
Many of these artists are either explicitly or subtly concerned with futuristic and dystopian themes. Otherwise, they boast unique and boundary-pushing sounds that make them feel like something that would fit within Cyberpunk 2077—they share the same vibes as the game, in other words. For example, artists like Thom Yorke, Bjork, and Del the Funky Homosapien (specifically in the Deltron 3030 concept album) have a history of discussing, speculating, or dissecting futurist themes in their work, while someone like Dorian Electra, with their radical commitment to nonconformity, is more spiritually linked to such ideas.
It should be noted that, if one of these artists were to appear in a similar capacity as Grimes in Project Orion, they wouldn't necessarily need to be Lizzy Wizzy 2.0. That is to say, they don't have to be a borderline cyberpsycho producing dreamy hyperpop. Someone like Father John Misty might actually be well-suited to a role as an artist that is more critical of Night City's rampant progress, rejecting many of modern culture's more disturbing traits. In this way, Project Orion could hone in on other, more unique stories through the lenses of art and fame. Getting more artists to make great music for the game probably wouldn't spark any complaints, either.
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
