Only time will tell what audiences can expect fromProject Orion, the enigmatic follow-up toCyberpunk 2077. CD Projekt Red’s misadventures in game development and marketing have been thoroughly documented already, but it’s worth noting that the company seems to have owned up to its mistakes and, more importantly, learned from them. That is to say, the good and the bad ofCyberpunk 2077will inform the development ofProject Orion.
Aside from the bug-filled launch, which CDPR is no doubt focused on not repeating,Project Orioncould learn the most from the unrealized potential of its predecessor.Cyberpunk 2077is an ambitious and sprawling game, but it’s easy to see some concepts that could be built upon in a sequel. One such target area ought to be cyberware, which plays a significant role in the lore of the game, though this significance isn’t quite realized in gameplay and build-crafting. Yes, players can gain a significant edge in combat and traversal through cybernetic augmentations, but there’s never a chance to go too far beyond the limits of the base gameplay; if a player wants to roleplay as an Adam Smasher-esque cyborg, they simply won’t be able to. And that’s understandable, butProject Orioncould still push the envelopein this regard.
Arm Cyberware Might Be Cyberpunk’s Most Promising Upgrade Path
Cyberpunk 2077features four types of transformative arm cyberware:
Within these four categories are different modifiers, like elemental effects or critical hit boosts, but nothing that fundamentally alters the experience of using each implement. Naturally, three of these four types of cyberware are best suited to melee-focused builds, with only the Projectile Launcher offering long-range damage, but they are nevertheless engaging, flexible, and synergize nicely with different buffs, upgrades, and perks.
Indeed, these are fun and appropriately over-the-top ways to interface with the game. While other cyberware slots, like optics or skeleton, can have a more incremental orsubtle impact onCyberpunk 2077’s gameplay, arm cyberware can offer meaningful and distinct twists on the combat sandbox. Alongside leg cyberware, which allows players to double-jump and charge-jump, arm cyberware is probably the most entertaining tool for build-crafting and customization. This is something that CD Projekt Red should keep in mind when fleshing it out forProject Orion.
How Project Orion Can Elevate Arm Cyberware
Perhaps the most obvious way thatProject Orioncanbuild uponCyberpunk 2077’s approach to cyberwareis by simply adding more unique options. In the case of arm cyberware, the sequel could offer new, distinct types of hardware, either within the aforementioned cyberware types or as standalone enhancements. An example of the former route could be a version of the Projectile Launcher with continuous, minigun-like firing rather than the explosives of the base model. The latter approach could be a bit trickier to implement, but also more rewarding.
One possible way to make arm cyberware more engaging could be to let it extend beyond combat. Among the mostlamented removals fromCyberpunk 2077ahead of its initial launchwas the ability to wall run and wall hang, so perhaps there could be an arm cyberware option that opens this traversal option inProject Orion. A piece of cyberware that adds a grappling hook, paraglider, or other locomotion device would be another interesting option.
It should be noted thatCyberpunk 2077’s arm cyberware is already quite impressive. In fact, it’s the imaginative and expressive nature of this mechanic that makes it fun to speculate about how it could be further developed in subsequent entries. IfProject Orionwants to be the bestCyberpunkgameit can be, then the first game’s strong points, like arm cyberware, need to be doubled down on—it shouldn’t just be about fixing what’s broken.
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?
