Summary
It is no secret that the 2020 launch ofCyberpunk 2077was rough for the game’s early reception and overall reputation, with the release being forever associated with how unpolished it was in its original state. While it was a huge task for CD Projekt Red to salvage the title, consistent and expansive post-launch updates have put the dark days of2077firmly behind it, with the recent launch of thePhantom LibertyDLC being a testament to just how far the game has come.
AsPhantom Libertyis confirmed to be the only major expansion forCyberpunk 2077, the attention of the game’s community is already turning toward a full sequel to the title, which CD Projekt Red has codenamedProject Orion. While it is true thatProject Orionis under pressure to match and exceed the gameplay experience ofCyberpunk 2077’s final post-launch state, the sequel has the benefit of learning from2077’s problematic launch, as well as aspects of the 2020 title that sadly never made the final cut. For example, V’s optional backstories were supposed to have a much larger influence on the plot of2077than they ended up having, and this is something thatOrionis reportedly delivering on.
The Protagonist Backstory in Project Orion Will Be More Meaningful Than Cyberpunk 2077
Above all else,Cyberpunk 2077stays very true to the core principles of RPG gameplay, allowing the player to shape the personality, appearance, and combat approaches of the game’s protagonist, V. In its final post-launch state,Cyberpunk 2077boasted an almost overwhelming number of skill treesand character attributes that the player could unlock and work towards, with optional cybernetic implants also opening up completely new dynamics for things like combat, stealth, and exploration.
Like many RPGs,Cyberpunk 2077gives the player a lot of narrative power, being able to steer how V tackles certain major plot points and develops relationships with other characters. CD Projekt Red initially wanted to take this narrative variety a step further, however, with the optional Lifepaths that the player can choose originally having a much larger influence on the overall story ofCyberpunk 2077.
Players can choose from three distinct Lifepaths for Vat the start of the game, Nomad, Streetkid, and Corpo. These choices offer three unique introductory quests to the player, as well as a unique side-quest and distinct dialogue options throughout the game’s story. While these different Lifepaths do offer a somewhat different perspective toCyberpunk 2077, they were originally planned to directly impact the many endings of the title.
Project Orion Should Deliver on the Early Promises Around Lifepaths
The Lifepath system forCyberpunk 2077was at one point going to influence the game’s entire story, but many fans were disappointed to see that it barely had any impact beyond the title’s opening mission. The final state of the Lifepath system was very lackluster compared to what it was originally billed to be, and it seems that CD Projekt Red has kept this in mind in the development ofProject Orion.
WhileOrionis a far way off thanks toProjekt Red fully focusing on the nextWitcherrelease, some information is already available about theCyberpunksequel. Little is known about the core characters, setting, or story ofProject Orion, but that has not stopped CD Projekt Red from discussing how important Lifepaths will be for the title. Phillip Webber, the Narrative Director for Projekt Red, has already suggested that Lifepaths will have a much broader and obvious impact on the complete story ofOrion, with this being one more step by CDPR to finally deliver on all the promises that were originally made in the long run-up toCyberpunk 2077.
