The Sequel Should Redeem the Hardest-Hitting Concept Cyberpunk 2077 Wasted

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In the realm of video games, stepping into the vibrant, yet gritty world of Cyberpunk 2077 feels like a plunge into a neon-lit dystopia brimming with chrome, brutality, and moral degeneration. However, one concept that truly resonated and left me yearning for more was cyberpsychosis – an aspect that, unfortunately, wasn’t given the attention it deserved.

In the game, the idea was fundamental yet largely unexplored, resulting in most players catching glimpses of it during side missions, scattered pieces, or modifications.

With the sequel now underway, CD Projekt Red has the opportunity not just to bring this idea to life faithfully, but to elevate it into an experience that will be indelibly etched in our memories.

Why Should Cyberpsychosis Be a Gameplay System?

In the core concept of the Cyberpunk tabletop game lies cyberpsychosis, a mental illness that develops due to excessive use of cybernetic enhancements combined with high levels of emotional strain.

It’s not the case that everyone who receives implants loses self-control, but for some, these implants diminish their human qualities such as empathy, eventually leading them towards emotional instability. The board game illustrates this concept by assigning a ‘humanity’ statistic, which progressively decreases with each implant, reflecting the loss of compassion and increased risk of mental collapse.

In the game Cyberpunk 2077, the concept was merely hinted at through a passing narrative reference. The mechanic was primarily featured during Regina’s side quests and one mission related to Edgerunner. Your character, V, could enhance themselves cybernetically, transforming into a walking arsenal, while maintaining a courteous demeanor in all interactions.

In simpler terms, the original game lacked the intense feeling of fear, decline, and loss of control – an aspect that could have greatly enhanced the experience. The upcoming sequel should address this by providing a genuine gameplay system, rather than just a minor feature or cosmetic change. This system could be a “humanity meter” that depletes with each implant, reflecting the character’s deterioration more realistically.

In the process of running out, V experiences visions, auditory hallucinations, uncontrollable actions during combat, and may even succumb to a complete mental collapse, leading to a violent outburst or intervention by authorities. Power in a world like Cyberpunk often comes at the expense of one’s sanity.

What Really Triggers Cyberpsychosis?

Cyberpsychosis isn’t solely linked to implants; it can also stem from traumatic experiences, high levels of stress, and the emotional wounds prevalent within the metropolis of Night City.

Regardless if it’s a comprehensive overhaul or just an update, veterans, bereaved families, and those unfairly treated at work can all find themselves ensnared by this situation.

In the next installment, it would be more engaging to depict cyberpsychosis as a tempest that responds to one’s history, decisions, and emotional well-being, rather than solely attributing it to the implants leading to madness.

Certain characters exhibit inherent resilience, such as David from Edgerunners, whereas others might crumble following a single incident.

A character’s past experiences should influence their initial moral compass, as their decisions may strengthen their integrity or gradually corrupt it over time.

Should There Be Degrees of Cyberpsychosis?

As a gamer diving into the gritty world of Cyberpunk 2077, I’ve noticed that the portrayal of cyberpsychosis feels more like a binary choice – present or absent. However, in reality, mental deterioration isn’t as straightforward; it’s not just about being sick or well, but rather a continuum of varying degrees.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but imagine the sequel masterfully portraying these stages in a gripping narrative: initial suspicion, vivid hallucinations, a gradual numbing of emotions, culminating in an unstoppable fury. These manifestations might showcase not only visual differences but also mechanical ones, adding depth and complexity to the storyline.

Initially, you might perceive Non-Player Characters (NPCs) as potential dangers. Over time, your aiming mechanism may malfunction, causing confusion. In tense situations, this could lead to aggressive outbursts without proper restraint.

A more ideal scenario might involve integrating this decrease into mission objectives, allowing for the possibility that an action could prematurely occur due to V’s hasty trigger finger. In such cases where unusual actions are observed, teammates may choose to maintain some distance.

Critics might exploit this, turning it into points against you. These dramatic twists could lead to some of the most heartrendingly intense scenes in the game.

How Should the World React to Cyberpsychosis?

In Night City, conditions such as cyberpsychosis are hinted at through narratives like MaxTac lore and Regina’s side quests. However, the true extent and horror of its prevalence isn’t fully depicted.

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but feel that the sequel needs to escalate the challenges to a global scale. The news headlines would be filled with updates on new outbreaks, adding an extra layer of tension and excitement. Non-Player Characters might share harrowing tales, some even whispering about the emergence of ruthless gangs like Maelstrom, who seem to revel in the chaos, while others express their fear and dread at its potential consequences.

Embed mini-adventures that allow players to experience the harsh realities of cyberpsychosis firsthand, potentially even saving someone on the brink of being consumed by it. This isn’t just V losing grip, but a glimpse into a society teetering on the edge of collapse, open for those willing to delve deeper.

Allow players to create “chrome-obsessed” characters who actively choose power over empathy, understanding the cost involved. Equip them with various means such as drugs, therapy sessions, and unscrupulous ripperdocs to postpone their downfall. However, make sure they are constantly reminded of the consequences. The constant threat of cyberpsychosis should loom above them like a menacing sword.

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2025-07-16 11:42