Cyberpunk 2077, despite its infamously messy launch, has shaped up to become a rather impressive and enjoyable action-RPG. The game certainly leans more into the “action” side of its identity, with its RPG elements, at least narratively, being somewhat restrictive. This balance between role-playing and open-world adventure game works well forCyberpunk 2077, but its sequel,Project Orion, should aim to improve across both vectors.
When it comes toCyberpunk 2077’s RPG shortcomings, few features are more discussed than character backgrounds, called “lifepaths” in-game. Players can choose from three different backgrounds, Corpo, Street Kid, and Nomad, and this decision will determine the prologue of the game, along with some occasional bits of background-exclusive dialog and short side quests. Many players feel that this feature, which was heavily touted by CD Projekt Red duringCyberpunk’s marketing, doesn’t live up to its full potential, as V’s story ultimately plays out the same way regardless of which lifepath is chosen. Likewise, lifepath decision offers little in the way of unique gameplay content or strong replay value.
Project Orion Can Improve All Lifepaths, But Corpo Needs the Most Attention
The Corpo Lifepath May Be Cyberpunk’s Most Interesting
While lifepaths don’t impactCyberpunk 2077’s endingor the main story in any meaningful way, they are great for developing headcanons, as they foster unique perspectives on the game’s narrative. For instance, the Nomad lifepath adds additional context to narrative beats concerning the Aldecaldos and Panam’s romance subplot, even when it’s not being explicitly referenced. Another example: V’s transformation into a Night City Legend may feel more gratifying under the Street Kid lifepath, as the transformation from scrappy, street-wise youth is a bit more natural.
But the Corpo lifepath offers the most dramatic narrative contrasts. It can besatisfying to watch V’s transformation from Corpo lackeyto rung-climbing gangster, but this dichotomy can also feel a bit forced. V’s immediate rejection of their white-collar, cutthroat corporate background in favor of a life as a low-level criminal makes for interesting storytelling, but the fact that this transformation is forced in the early moments of the game, rather than being just one possible plot direction, negatively impacts player agency. This is somethingProject Orioncan address.
It’s considerably easier to believe that Street Kid V or Nomad V would strive to be a tough-as-nails Night City merc, so the fact that players are railroaded across this narrative arc is less of an issue under these lifepaths.
The Corpo Lifepath Could Offer an ‘Evil Playthrough’ Option in Project Orion
Cyberpunk 2077presents future corporationsas ruthless, amoral, and fundamentally corrupt. There are no ‘good Corpos’ and ‘bad Corpos’—every corporation is ethically compromised, and those who serve them are complicit in their evil deeds, no matter how decent they may be in their daily life. All this is to say that, in theCyberpunkworld, evil is systemic and spread across millions of smaller cogs, rather than being defined by the actions of individuals.
If CD Projekt Red wants to flesh out character backgrounds, thenProject Orion’s version of the Corpo lifepath ought to allow players to engage with this pervasive system of evil throughout the course of their playthrough.
Perhaps a character who kicks off their game as a Corpo can continue serving corporate interests in exchange for certain rewards, monetary or otherwise. Alternatively, the decision to reject corporate life would feel more weighty, as players would be actively eschewing a real, tangible narrative option.
Cyberpunk 2077’s main story is great, but players don’t actually have much of a hand in shaping it, at least not before its final hours. By offering a narrative and thematic alternative that is fundamentally opposed to the game’s core message,Project Orioncould be a better role-playing experience while delivering on the early promises of the lifepath system.
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?
