Summary
Cyberpunk 2077promised an immersive sci-fi RPG, and although it has succeeded in many aspects, there are still some mechanics within the game that need to be given extra attention in the sequel. Currently known as Project Orion,Cyberpunk 2077’s sequel has entered the early stages of development, hopefully taking its features even further than its predecessor.
Night City offers plenty of opportunities to explore and immerse oneself in the world ofCyberpunk 2077, but the game has merely scratched the surface in a lot of ways. One particular mechanic that failed to meet expectations was the game’s romance options.Cyberpunk 2077is now regarded as one ofthe best RPGs around, but Project Orion would really benefit from improving how players are able to pursue different relationships.
Project Orion Expanding the Scope of Romance Options
When it comes to romance mechanics in many other RPGs,Cyberpunk 2077’s pales in comparison. One of the best examples of great romance mechanics is foundinBaldur’s Gate 3. Not only are there plenty of characters to choose from, but the options are also incredibly inclusive regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.Cyberpunk 2077at least offers relationship options for various orientations, but the game can still be surprisingly restrictive.
Feminine body, feminine voice
Masculine body
Feminine body
Kerry Eurodyne
Masculine body, masculine voice
AlthoughCyberpunk 2077does allow for some diversity in its relationships, there are only four choices, which is slightly disappointing. Furthermore, each choice has such specific requirements that it keeps players from romancing who they may actually want to, which can kill immersion. Someone playing a character with a masculine body and voice may want toromance Judy Alvarez, but the game unfortunately makes it impossible. This can be applied to any of the romance options, and Project Orion would benefit from making these types of characters less restricted.
It’s expected thatProject Orion will build upon the world it established, and although the extent of these improvements is unknown at the moment, updated romance mechanics could really make the sequel set itself apart.Cyberpunk 2077felt like a great start overall, but many features ultimately felt like a practice run for CD Projekt Red. Of course, there are also side flings that can occur in the game, but they can’t be drawn out into more substantial relationships.
The biggest problem withCyberpunk 2077’s approach to romance options is that none of them actually feel like a choice. That’s one of the biggest waysBaldur’s Gate 3really shines with its immersion. Players' choices can really be felt, andCyberpunk 2077unfortunately sometimes drops the ballwhen it comes to making a player’s choice feel like it has an actual impact.
Project Orion Gives CD Projekt Red a Second Chance
CD Projekt Red’s rise from the ashes after the controversial launch ofCyberpunk 2077back in 2020 is a fantastic redemption story. The way the studio has managed to salvageCyberpunk 2077is truly impressive, which makesthe prospect of Project Orionall the more thrilling. Now that CD Projekt Red has had the chance to learn from its previous mistakes, Project Orion is primed to become the game its predecessor was intended to be all along.
Project Orion is only in its early stages of development, but there is already a lot of promise. Asspeculation about Project Orioncontinues, it will be interesting to see what aspects of the first game CD Projekt Red chooses to take a step further. Only time will tell, but the sequel will hopefully allow room for more fulfilling romantic options to explore in Night City.
