Cyberpunk 2077 is about to change the way you view videogames forever.
With an incredible open-world, vast levels of character customisation and a dynamic storyline, CD Projeckt Red is pulling out all the stops to deliver one of the most complete gaming experiences we’ve seen.
Here are six things you should be most excited for.
Graphics and gameplay
Having had to upgrade their in-house software development engine in order to complete Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt Red has gone to great lengths to deliver an aesthetically amazing game.
We were taken behind closed doors for a detailed gameplay demonstration, and the attention to detail is staggering.
Whether you’re admiring the high-resolution textures or the sheer amount of NPCs on screen, Cyberpunk 2077 delivers in every way.
Packed tubes, busy streets, advertisements and billboards are everywhere – making the whole of Night City feel alive.
Neat touches, such as advertising boards that point you in the direction of where you can purchase the item, is something we can genuinely see happening in the coming years.
It’s also played from a first-person perspective – not the third-person viewpoint seen the Witcher games.
Gunplay encourages the use of cover – while psychotropic drugs and weapon augmentations play a huge role.
The former can be used to slow down time – Matrix style – allowing for some spectacular shootouts.
Augs, such as retinal implants, let you see how much ammo your weapon has – as well as unlocking more interesting abilities such as ricocheting bullets around corners.
You’re also able to hack into enemies’ neural networks and turn them against each other or jam their weapons.
The camera shifts to third-person during driving and some dialogue sections.
A new take on cyberpunk pop-culture
The game is actually based on the universe from the popular table-top game, Cyberpunk 2020 (which suggests the game could be hitting shelves that year).
From what we’ve seen you could be forgiven for thinking Cyberpunk 2077 is a nod to the original Blade Runner.
However, when talking to IGN back in 2013, game director Mateusz Kanik, stated: “We do not want to make a dark and hopeless world. We are not doing Blade Runner.”
Despite this, fans of the cyberpunk genre have noted nods to classics such as Blade Runner, Ghost in the Shell and the renowned book Neuromancer.
The immersive nature of the game, alongside it revolving around the popular cyberpunk genre, means it will most likely go down as a hit with fans of the style and new audiences alike.
Night City
Those who watched the ‘behind doors demo’ at Gamescom experienced gameplay from one zone in a city that sprawls across six; each with their own feel, enemies, environment and quest lines.
In an interview with Eurogamer, Patrick Mills, quest designer for the game, said the game is very very big.
We can expect to see a map that, instead of spreading out into the distance, will go up and up, opening up a world of possibilities in regards to combat, travel and story line.
With six unique zones to traverse full of random encounters, every trip out of your home-base will likely be completely different.
Missions, too, can be tackled in multiple ways. For example, one segment could see you either walk into an enemy base – and confront their leader diplomatically.
Or, if talking isn’t your thing, you can run in all guns blazing.
Getting around
If you have played the Witcher 3, CD Projekt Red’s previous IP, you will know Roach, Geralt’s trusty horse, was the most effective method of getting around the game while exploring.
In Cyberpunk 77 you will be able to use vehicles including cars and motorbikes in order to reach your objectives when roaming the map.
Due to the sheer size and height of the map, we speculate there will be flying vehicles as well – although these have not been confirmed.
There are also huge highways – which offer the fastest method of transport, although expect plenty of traffic during rush hour.
The demo revealed car chases will play a big part in the game – with one section seeing V hand control of the car to her partner before leaning out the window and shooting.
It’s not known yet whether vehicles will be customisable, but we speculate there will be some level of this – perhaps in the form of paint jobs and other details.
Vehicle windscreens can be broken, while shooting out tyres affects vehicle handling and can lead to crashes.
Character customisation
Speaking of customisation, when you first get into the game you will be given the option between choosing a male and a female character, each with their own unique dialogues.
You’ll be able to design your perfect Cyberpunk character, complete with tattoos, a mohawk, denim cut-offs and more.
You’ll even have your own apartment – where you can, erm, perform various adult things. We’re not sure yet whether your pad can be customised but expect some level of this.
Your game your choice
The team at CD Projekt Red want a world were the options and gameplay is limitless, not just quest after quest, like other RPG’s.
The story is not linear and, similar to the Witcher 3, your choices will have serious consequences.
When talking with Eurogamer, Mills, said: “You have to go with your gut and figure out exactly what you want, and then later you see the consequences.” He continued,
“We want a lot of that here. And you will be able to affect the main story pretty significantly.”
The game will also have no censorship of nudity in it (not to mention plenty of bad language) – something fans have been asking for.
Now check out the stunning trailer
What are you most excited for? Let us know!