Despite its initial shortcomings, CD Projekt Red did extremely well to turn things around forCyberpunk 2077;the current state of the title is an extreme improvement over the controversial build that the game launched with. This more recent success has only been compounded by the launch of the title’sPhantom Libertyexpansion, with other media such as theCyberpunk: Edgerunnersshow also working well to create a huge amount of hype over whatever might come next for the franchise.
Despite the positive reception ofPhantom Liberty, CDPR has confirmed that there will be no other major story expansions forCyberpunk 2077, although fans still have a lot to look forward to with the series.Project Orionwas announced in October 2022 as the working title for an official sequel toCyberpunk 2077, with a more recent announcement in 2024 confirming the game to be in active development. Of course, it will be a difficult task forOrionto match and exceed the expectations set by2077, but the improvement of side-content such as mini-games could play a big role inOrionexpanding on its predecessor.
New Mini-Games in Project Orion Could Improve Cyberpunk 2077’s Excellent Worldbuilding
One of the major criticisms thatCyberpunk 2077faced around the time of its infamously problematic launchconcerned the lack of immersion and substance behind its game world. This is something that CDPR clearly spent an immense amount of time changing, with the current state of2077now being lauded for the bustle and life that exists within Night City and its surrounding areas.
Despite its dystopian futuristic setting,the core locations ofCyberpunk 2077do so well because they feel real and lived in, which acts as the perfect building block for the rest of the game to launch off of. This was mainly achieved through an increased polish to design and NPC behavior, however. There’s still a clear gap in the market in terms of adding actual utility and purpose toCyberpunk’s locations.
Apart from the side quests that at times offer seamless transitions between exploration and NPC interaction,Cyberpunk 2077is essentially void of any mini-games that could have offered an even larger dynamic to the secondary content that Night City might offer. While there are things like a handful of arcade games that players can engage with, it seems like a missed opportunity that2077did not lean into the worldbuilding of the franchise even further via more grounded mini-games, especially given how this has worked so well in other CDPRfranchises likeThe Witcherand itsGwentcard game.
Mini-Games Could Smooth the Transition of Project Orion’s Rumored Changes
The flashy world ofCyberpunkis the perfect match for mini-games that make sense within the context of its locations. Brain Dances are one perfect example of a lore element that could be turned into dream-like combat and exploration scenarios with scoring systems and leaderboards. Other open-world franchises such asLike a Dragonhave become renowned for the level of mini-game varietythat is woven throughout its locations. WhileProject Orionshould not become consumed by mini-games, featuring more of them is a sure-fire way to add even more spice and memorability to its different settings.
As a sequel, rumors and theories currently point towardsProject Orionmoving away from Night City as its major location, with some rumors even suggesting the Moon as one potential setting. More frequent mini-games could be a fantastic way to accommodate fans to these sweeping changes. The weird and wonderful locations ofCyberpunkcan give way to a huge range of ridiculous and engaging pastimes and leisure opportunities, andProject Orioncan attempt to one-up2077by showcasing this through a more comprehensive batch of mini-game content.
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?
