Summary
Cyberpunk 2077has come a long way since 2020, having settled into a much better state, and becoming hailed as one of the best modern RPGs. Even before developer CD Projekt Red fully shored up its various technical and gameplay shortcomings after its rocky release, a sequel toCyberpunk 2077, known as Project Orion, was announced in 2022. The follow-up is highly anticipated with many fans excitedly wondering what the next entry will entail.
With CDPR currently focusing much of its attention onThe Witcher 4and other related titles in the franchise, it will likely be a long stretch before the studio reveals more about its plans for Project Orion. Speculation on it, likewhether Project Orion will be a direct continuationor will possibly pivot to a new setting and characters, has thus been picking up. However it plays out, though, the influential band Samurai should still be a part of its tale.
Cyberpunk 2077’s Samurai Shouldn’t Fade Away in Project Orion
Samurai is a Seminal Part of Cyberpunk 2077’s World and Lore
Having been in the original tabletop RPG long before CD Projekt Red adapted it, Samurai is an intrinsic part ofCyberpunk 2077’s setting and history. The band consists of:
One of the inciting incidents of the story came when Johnny waged his one-man war on Arasaka Tower to free the love of his life, Alt Cunningham, which led to his capture and experimental engram later being implanted in protagonist V. Even before this brazen act, though, Samurai formed with the intent of shaking the complacency of Night City’s residents by shining a light on the exploitative and corrupt practices of the New United States of America’s government as well as Arasaka and the othermajor corporations in Night Citythrough their rebellious music.
While Johnny was central toCyberpunk 2077’s plot, Kerry was also featured prominently in a series of side quests. Fans could catch up on what he had been up to since Samurai’s breakup and Johnny’s disappearance, hearing his side of the story of the band’s history while helping him come to terms with his own past and demons.
Samurai’s songs featured inCyberpunk 2077were written and performed by Swedish punk band, Refused.
How Project Orion Can Feature Samurai Again
Project Orion has a variety of ways to still have Samurai’s presence felt, even in the case of it not being as closely connected to the events ofCyberpunk 2077. Beyond sharing a mind and body with Johnny, during their journey V can interact with NPCs who are big Samurai fans. A number of characters reminisce about the band’s legendary concerts, and are seen collecting and trading vintage records and other memorabilia. Players could also acquire various gear previously owned by the band, likeJohnny’s jacket. At the very least, Project Orion could have smaller interactions, items, and Easter eggs like these, which, although admittedly more minimal, could be a good way of showing that it hasn’t forgotten entirely about the impact Samurai had on the universe.
It could also go the other way and feature notable appearances and cameos from members. Of particular note, after leaving the band, Nancy changed her identity to Bes, and became a reporter for the N54 News Network. While Kerry or Johnny may be less likely to return, threads like Nancy’s story would allow Project Orion to potentially focus on previously lesser-known and fleshed-out members, and let players interact with them further. But even if none are directly part of Project Orion, Samurai’s legacy endures within theworld ofCyberpunk 2077, and it would be both a little odd and disappointing if it weren’t at least referenced or mentioned in the sequel.
