Cyberpunk 2077’s sequel, known currently asProject Orion, will likely take a notably different approach than its predecessor. In terms of gameplay and world-building, CD Projekt Red could adhere to the foundations of the first game, but the actual story and premise of the sequel are almost guaranteed to be different, thanks to the variousimplications of allCyberpunk 2077’s endings, which are decidedly final.
As a result, it looks like V will be sittingProject Orionout, at least as a protagonist. This might be disappointing for those anticipating a moreMass Effect-style series, wherein the player-character remains consistent throughout each entry, leading to a more cohesive and linear narrative. But there are undeniable benefits to this presumed new narrative framework, all of which can be boiled down to one word: opportunity. CDPR has a world of opportunity at its feet withProject Orion, which can take advantage of the successes and failures of the first game. By doing so, this next entry could retain the spirit, style, and charm of theCyberpunk 2077universe without being hogtied to V and Johnny’s story. But still, these characters could live on through these indirect means.
Johnny Silverhand Could Be Gone, but Not Forgotten in Project Orion
Project Orion Could Kill Two Birds With One Stone Via a ‘Rockerboy’ Life Path
A faction that is relatively underexplored inCyberpunk 2077is the so-called “rockerboys,” alifestyle embodied by characters like Johnny and Kerry, but precious few others. These rock-and-roll mavericks live and die by a devil-may-care attitude and 1980s-influenced style, which makes them equal parts cool and insufferable. They’re the type that people love to hate and hate to love, channeling real-world icons like Ozzy Osborne, Marilyn Manson, and Axl Rose.
Project Orionis in dire need of new, better life paths, assuming that CD Projekt Red wants to retain the feature, and a Rockerboy option could be just the ticket. There are plenty ofCyberpunk 2077players who enjoyed the gruff and arrogant persona of Johnny Silverhand, with many perhaps even wishing that V themselves could lean more into this effortless coolness, and allowing these players to purposely embody such a style would be a nice option.
This particular type of musical artist is generally referred to as"rockerboy" inCyberpunk 2077, but this theoretical life path could be called “rocker” or some other gender-neutral term inProject Orion.
Assuming thatProject Orion’s life path systemis more fleshed out than what was seen inCyberpunk 2077, a Rockerboy path could be an enriching and novel way to engage with the game. Perhaps a Rockerboy player-character could have more charisma or confidence in certain situations—the archetype could effectively serve as the sci-fi version of a Bard. And, of course, such a character would have encyclopedic knowledge of music history and a passion for the art form, which could be the vessel through which Silverhand’s spirit is captured.
Johnny Silverhand, for all intents and purposes, is deceased. The version of his consciousness that exists on the engram implanted in V’s head doesn’t exist in physical space, and is only a facsimile of the real Silverhand. As such, there’s no real way to bring Johnny back into the fray, and that’s probably for the best:Project Orionarguably has more potentialas a new story with only tangential connections to what came before it. Through the Rockerboy life path, players would have the option to acknowledge Silverhand’s legacy in a more direct and pervasive manner. Perhaps a Rockerboy character could idolize Johnny, and maybe even V by extension, making them a bridge betweenCyberpunk 2077andProject Orion.
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?
