Granted, it’s not perfect, and the occasional bug pops up to leave you internally sighing, but overall the game provides a wonderfully immersive experience in a world that’s abrim with things to see and places to explore. 

Part of what makes the game so great is the characters. You can’t help but become emotionally attached to some of them. So, we’ve had a go at ranking the best characters in Cyberpunk 2077 in this completely objective list. Let us know your favorites in the comment section below!

RELATED: What are the best cyberpunk games to play right now?

V – Cyberpunk 2077

It feels like cheating to start off with the main playable character and protagonist, but V is definitely worthy of a mention. I chose to play as the male version of V, and the voice acting was superb. I hear the same is also true of the female V. 

While controlling V, it was the first time in a long while that I really grew attached to my character, and I genuinely liked playing as them.

This might be because of the stylistic choice to only allow first-person perspective – something I (incorrectly) thought would be a mistake – but is more probably down to the fact that V has good dialogue options, and you can mould your character to behave in a way similar to how you might act in the same situation.  

Rogue Anderson – Cyberpunk 2077

I personally feel that Rogue is a very average character whose conversations always seemed to bore me and with whom I had to pry my fingers away from the “Skip Ahead” button. It’s not so much that she was written badly, it’s more the case that I found her character boring.

With that being said, though, there’s no denying that Rogue is integral to the multiple story arcs and plays a big role in the game. Without Rogue, you wouldn’t meet Panam, for example, and you also wouldn’t be able to delve into Johnny Silverhand’s past so thoroughly (some may think that’s a good thing!).

Either way, the game as a whole would not be as good without her, so Rogue has to be one of the best characters in Cyberpunk 2077.  

Viktor Vector – Cyberpunk 2077

This may be controversial, as I know that a lot of people love Viktor Vector, but for me I think the fanfare is overdone. I mean, I like Viktor’s character, don’t get me wrong, but I never felt any sort of attachment to him.

Viktor is a nice man, and he helps V out in immeasurable ways. Yet, his strong connection to V is only ever implied, as opposed to made within the game. For me, this made it very hard to warm too much to Viktor. 

That being said, Viktor is a constant in the game, and a friendly face that I was always happy to see. For the reasons already stated, though, I can’t put him higher in this best Cyberpunk 2077 characters list. 

Johnny Silverhand – Cyberpunk 2077

Whether you like or loathe Johnny Silverhand, there’s no denying that he’s entertaining. Granted, he’s self-serving, misogynistic, and generally just a bit of a wally, but he adds value to the game and (oftentimes) injects some much needed humor to some of the slower missions. 

I don’t think that Johnny is even meant to be likeable, and the character plays on this. His blasé attitude towards life and death is apparent whenever he appears, and is something that Keanu Reeves portrays well, despite some of the criticism that came his way. 

As with the aforementioned Rogue, Johnny Silverhand is not one of my personal favorites, but he definitely makes the game better, and for that reason he has to be included as one of the best characters in Cyberpunk 2077. 

River Ward – Cyberpunk 2077

Purely from the perspective of the side quests he provides, River is easily one of the best characters in Cyberpunk 2077. I say that as someone who did not romance the character and feel the clarification is necessary as many have reported that the romancing of River is lacklustre and poorly played out. 

The side quest with River very much had that Deckard/Blade Runner-vibe to it, something that I enjoyed very much. The detective work is depressing but engaging, and you encounter the lowest form of low along the way. 

Without giving too much away, this was one of the best side quests in the game, and one that I couldn’t wait to get to the bottom of.  

Delamain – Cyberpunk 2077

For many, Delamain tops the list of the best characters in Cyberpunk 2077, and it’s easy to see why. I think of Delamain as the C3PO of Night City, with his android tendencies so obviously shadowing his attempts to appear human, often with comedic effect. 

Delamain’s side quests are among the best in the game, and provide a much needed chuckle in a game that can get quite dark at times. 

RELATED: What is the best order to play the Shadowrun games?

Jackie Welles – Cyberpunk 2077

Perhaps it’s true that Jackie is in this list by virtue of being the first character in the game that you became emotionally attached to, but that still counts for something. 

When you first enter Night City, Jackie serves as a beacon of hope and teaches V that not everybody is out for themselves. Jackie is kind, loyal, and loveable, all wrapped up into one tidy package of braun and charm. Plus, he leaves his very nice Arch motorcycle to V… 

Goro Takemura – Cyberpunk 2077

Goro is one of the characters that I spent most of the time getting to know simultaneously wondering if I liked him or not. This is, of course, intentional on the part of the writers, with V’s inner monologue even making a point of telling him not to trust Goro. 

After some time, though, Takemura’s dignity and integrity shine through, and it is his adherence to his values that make him so likeable. 

Without giving too much away about Takemura, his story gets more interesting with each mission, and there is a reason why he is considered to be a favorite among so many players. 

Judy Alvarez – Cyberpunk 2077

Judy is another one of those characters in the game that will leave you thinking about them long after you stop playing. 

You first meet Judy through Evelyn, and initially I got the impression that Evelyn would be the bigger character of the two. This was not the case, and rightfully so, too. 

The thing about Judy is that she felt so real: the rebellious exterior that masked great insecurity; her blind ambition to do the right thing while not seeing the problems that lay ahead; and a sense of loneliness and resignation to the horrible nature of Night City that leaves a bitter undertone to her dialogue.

All these things made her authentic, and it’s this authenticity that resonates with so many players, and why she has gained a committed following since the game was released. For sure, Judy’s story is one that will keep you gripped throughout.  

For me, Panam is easily the best character in Cyberpunk 2077. From the first moment you interact with her it is clear that she will play an important role in V’s story. 

The emotional connection built with Panam feels very real, and you couldn’t help but smile when you receive a text message from her. The only complaint I’d have about Panam’s character is how quickly she goes from cold to hot with how she feels about V when they first meet. It was a little confusing, but this could also be explained by her highly strung nature. 

It’s testament to the writing team how quickly the player is able to feel emotionally connected to Panam, and that’s not because she’s the perfect character, but because she feels very real. Panam, like everyone, is flawed. On the one hand you have a caring and tenacious character who gets the job done, but on the other hand, she could easily be described as selfish, blindly pursuing her goals no matter who gets hurt along the way.

This complexity in personality is what makes Panam one of the best characters in Cyberpunk 2077. That and, of course, the fact the she’s a beer-chugging hottie with a penchant for doing the no-pants dance in high grade military tanks.   

Who do you think are the best characters in Cyberpunk 2077? Do you agree with our list? Let us know in the comment section below!

For any enquiries, contact me at richard@blogofgames.com

If you’re new to the game and are looking for some tips, check out the great YouTube video below by Upper Echelon Gamers. 

There are some great cyborg characters in that game, but you don’t have to look far to find other great mechanically augmented characters in the gaming industry. Here are 5 of the coolest cyberpunk cyborgs in video games. 

5. Adam Jensen

Adam Jensen – Mankind Divided

Jensen is the one of the principle characters in the Deus Ex series, appearing as the protagonist in Deus Ex: Human Revolution and Deux Ex: Mankind Divided. 

He is, perhaps, the face that most people will mentally turn to first when thinking of a cyberpunk character. Much of Jensen’s body is augmented with mechanical parts as a result of an attack on Sarif Industries (where he was Chief of Security) left him mortally wounded. In Human Revolution, Jensen tries to seek out those responsible for the attack and get revenge. In Mankind Divided, he is assigned the task of finding cyborg terrorists and curbing their plans. 

Jensen, who is voiced by Elias Toufexis, has a distinctive style that was intentionally designed to be a blend of cyberpunk and renaissance aesthetic. His defining features are his “Don Quixote” goatee, neo-noir style trench coat, and blackout sunglasses. Without doubt, this look cements Jensen’s place as one of the coolest cyborgs in video games.

4. Johnny Silverhand

Johnny Silverhand – Cyberpunk 2077

One of the best things about Cyberpunk 2077 is the Johnny Silverhand character, and who better to play the central role than cyberpunk legend Keanu Reeves. Some thought that getting the Matrix star to lend his likeness to the character could be a bit gimmicky, but it ended up being one of the best things about the game, and Reeves’ puts in a stellar performance as Silverhand. 

Johnny Silverhand, whose real name is Robert Linder, is an ex-military lead singer of the band Samurai, and has a chromed cyberarm fully equipped with its own recorder. He plays a big role in Cyberpunk 2077 and serves as the co-protagonist and as your guide to Night City. Every scene with Silverhand in is bound to be a good one, he’s easily one of the best cyberpunk characters around.  

3. Jax

Jax – Mortal Kombat 3

Jackson “Jax” Briggs is one of the most iconic cyborgs in the gaming industry, and is one of main characters in the Mortal Kombat series, first appearing in Mortal Kombat II. He is part of the US Special Forces and serves as the superior of fellow popular MK character Sonya Blade. 

Jax is a hulking figure who has powerful bionic arms that give him the edge over most opponents in battle. It is hinted that he lost his organic arms during a fight, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise as he now wields strength that is only possible with mechanical augmentation. Jax is one of the best cyberpunk cyborgs who gives all opponents a great challenge when they are tasked with defeating him. 

Related: The 5 Best Cyberpunk Video Games

2. Raiden

Raiden – Metal Gear Solid 2

Raiden is the main character in Metal Gear Solid 2 who has a body completely renovated with cybernetic improvements. He was a child soldier for Solidus Snake and was subjected to many military experiments in youth. 

The morality of the cyber augmentation done on him as a child soldier is dubious at best, but there’s no denying that his mechanical adaptations have served him well, particularly in combat. He has superhuman strength and speed, and is pretty handy with a sword, too. Raiden is a cyborg that will long live in the memory of many gamers.  

1. Barret Wallace

Barret Wallace – FF7

It’s hard not to love Cloud’s Avalanche accomplice, Barret Wallace. Part of what makes Final Fantasy 7 one of the best Final Fantasy games is its characters, and Barret is up there with the best. 

He can sometimes come across as brash and aggressive, but what else would you expect from an eco-terrorist group leader with a cybernetic chain gun attached to his arm. Aside from his gun-arm, Barret sports a hi-top fade, a strong beard that partially obscures a scarred face, and bountiful muscles. If that doesn’t make him one of the coolest gaming cyberpunk cyborgs around, I don’t know what will. 

Get in Touch

Who’s your favorite video game cyborg? Let us know in the comment section below. If you’re into the cyberpunk genre right now, you might enjoy reading our article about the best Shadowrun game order. 

For any enquiries, contact me at basil@blogofgames.com, or join our gaming group on Facebook. To help out our site, subscribe to the Blog of Games YouTube channel.

In fact, there have been 8 Shadowrun video games in total. The first was released back in 1993 for the SNES, whereas the most recent (read about Shadowrun: Hong Kong here), was released in 2015 for the PC. But what is the best order to play the Shadowrun games? We discuss this in the article. 

What is the first Shadowrun game?

Shadowrun 1993 SNES Gameplay

The first Shadowrun game was released in 1993 for the SNES and was developed by the Australian game company Beam Software (now Krome Studios Melbourne). 

It was based on the Shadowrun novel Never Deal with a Dragon and follows the story of Jake Armitage. Armitage tries to rediscover his identity after an assination attempt leaves him with amnesia. 

The first game of the Harebrained Schemes era of Shadowrun (Shadowrun Returns) is loosely based on the stories of the 1993 entry for the SNES and the 1994 game for the Sega Genesis, also called Shadowrun.      

What is the best order to play the Shadowrun games?

Shadowrun Returns PC Gameplay

If you want to become completely immersed in the Shadowrun lore, you could play all of the games in chronological order and not run into any continuity problems. I wouldn’t recommend doing this, though, as the older games might prove to be a bit of a slog, despite being great games for their era. 

I also wouldn’t start with the 2007 entry for the Xbox 360. The game was decent, but it didn’t really contribute as much as it could have to the series. 

Personally, whether you are new to the series or not, I would play the games from Shadowrun Returns onwards in the order of release, skipping Boston Lockdown as it is multiplayer only. This would mean playing Returns, Dragonfall, and Hong Kong – all developed by Harebrained Schemes.

This order is not necessarily recommended because the stories are so intricately linked, but rather because the gameplay gets progressively better. The games do cross reference each other, but they can easily be played independently. However, once you’ve played Hong Kong, you may find it difficult to go back and play Returns – despite being a phenomenal game, it’s not as user friendly as either Dragonfall or Hong Kong. 

Which is the best Shadowrun?

Shadowrun Hong Kong PC Gameplay

This nicely leads on to the final point, which of the Shadowrun games is the best? For this point I will only consider the three games outlined previously, released by Harebrained Schemes. 

In terms of the story, each of them are a contender for the best game of the series. A lot of people would say that Dragonfall edges it as the best. Personally, I think that Hong Kong is the best game so far. The characters are well written, the visuals are better (in my opinion) than the previous games, and the story takes some interesting routes that will keep you gripped throughout. 

That being said, I would highly recommend playing the tabletop and card game versions of Shadowrun. If you enjoyed the lore and the futuristic setting of the video games, there is so much to get immersed with in the other formats, too. You can check out the Shadowrun subreddit community for more information. 

How long are the Shadowrun games?

Shadowrun Dragonfall PC Gameplay

You’ll certainly have a lot to be getting on with whichever game you choose to try first. 

Shadowrun Returns will take you between 10 and 20 hours to complete, whereas both Shadowrun: Dragonfall and Shadowrun: Hong Kong usually take around 20 to 30 hours to complete.

Get in Touch

Let us know which is your favorite Shadowrun game in the comments below. 

If you are a fan of the cyberpunk genre, check out our articles about cyberpunk books, cyberpunk anime, and other good cyberpunk games.

For any other enquiries, contact me at basil@blogofgames.com

Check out the full Shadowrun SNES gameplay below. 

Developer: Eidos Montréal

Publisher: Square Enix

Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Linux, macOS

What Is Deus Ex: Mankind Divided?

Deus Ex Mankind Divided – Gameplay

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is an action role-playing cyberpunk game that is the fourth entry of the Deus Ex series following on from the 2011 title, Deus Ex: Human Revolution. It is set in 2029, two years after its predecessor.

The game primarily takes place in Prague, though parts of the story see some events occur in London and Dubai. In line with the series’ cyberpunk elements, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided explores themes of elite secret societies, cybernetics, biotechnology, and unjust social division. A key aspect of the game is the divide between normal humans and augmentations, or “augs”, who are people that have technologically enhanced themselves.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided was well received when it was released, and the game was praised for its gameplay, story and graphics. It was seen as a worthy successor to Human Revolution, but there is a general consensus that the story was too short, meaning the game’s characters were underdeveloped and one-dimensional. This has, however, left people calling for the release of a new Deus Ex game.

In this Deus Ex: Mankind Divided review, we will explain why the game is worth trying, and why it is one of the best cyberpunk video games available right now.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided – Story

Deus Ex Mankind Divided – Cyberpunk World

In Deus Ex: Mankind Divided players take on the role of Adam Jensen, a human who became heavily augmented following an assault on Sarif Industries, where he worked as Chief of Security.

The game begins in Dubai, where Adam is undertaking a mission for anti-terrorist unit Task Force 29 (TF29), before being intercepted and attacked by a mercenary group of the augmented. Adam returns to Prague after the mission and becomes involved in a mission to discover who attempted to bomb the city.

Adam’s journey takes him on a trail of the illuminati, who have begun to use advanced biological weapons in order to kill high-level opponents to their causes. Struggling to know who to trust, Adam finds himself involved with the Augmented Rights Coalition (ARC), a controversial group that acts as a resistance to the abuse of the augmented. Adam encounters many twists and turs from here on in, and what follows is a truly engaging and well-constructed plotline that, deliberately or not, delivers messages pertinent to contemporary society.

The story in Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is heavily rooted in cyberpunk and futuristic themes and attempts to evoke thought of societal injustice in the mind of the payer. Adam is a member of the augmented, a supposedly enhanced version of the human race as we know it. Yet, he and many other “augs” are segregated and looked down on as morally inferior by the game’s “normal” human population.

Deus Ex – Adam Jensen

Is this a sign of things to come? Either way, it’s certainly food for thought and, if your imagination allows, it’s possible to predict a time in the not-so-distant future where this scenario could become a reality. This is why the cyberpunk genre strikes a chord with so many people and why we say in this Deus Ex: Mankind Divided review, that this game is one of the best cyberpunk video games available right now.

Without giving too much away in this Deus Ex: Mankind Divided review, it should be known that the story, however brief, is rich in content and emotion. The game also ends without a definitive conclusion, leaving the possibility of a new Deus Ex game being released in the future.

If you’re enjoying this Deus Ex: Mankind Divided review, you might also like our Observer video game review, another one of the best cyberpunk games available right now.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided – Gameplay

Deus Ex Mankind Divided – Graphics

The Deus Ex: Mankind Divided gameplay is similar to previous instalments in the series. It is a first-person shooter with elements of adventure and stealth. Some animations in the game, such as taking cover and melee attacks, switch to a third-person view. Both open world and linear environments are incorporated into the game for players to explore.

Throughout the game, you will encounter various non-playable characters with whom you can interact with and will aid you in completing both main and side story quests. Completing more quests and discovering new areas will reward the player with experience points, enables players to upgrade Adam’s abilities. An in-game currency called Credits can also be acquired which allow the player to purchase item and equipment from black-market shops.

Players can adopt different strategies to progress throughout the game. Those of a more gung-ho disposition can violently enter situations all guns blazing, while those who favour stealth can equip themselves suitably to avoid the danger and silently eliminate enemies with non-lethal weapons.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided Review – The Good

Deus Ex Mankind Divided – Prague

• Story: In this Deus Ex: Mankind Divided review, we have already discussed how good the story is, and it is worth reiterating. This action role-playing game has a good blend of action, stealth, exploration, and character development, all of which combine to make this one of the best cyberpunk video games of all time.  
• Setting: Seeing Prague in a futuristic cyberpunk setting is definitely a highlight of the game. It is not the only location that you will are able to explore, but it is the largest one and acts as a base for you to go travel from to other areas throughout the game. It is quite easy to spend hours just roaming around the city and taking in the sci-fi vibes while listening to the citizens liaise with each other.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided Review – The Bad

Deus Ex Mankind Divided – Metro

• Lip Sync: One aspect of the game that is noticeably flawed is the lip syncing. This is slightly disappointing, especially when you consider how good the voice acting in the game is.
• Length: A lot of criticism of the game was aimed at how short the story is. It is true that the main quest line is a little on the short side, but it didn’t feel like a problem for us as the content was so good. There is also a lot of exploration in the game which occupies a lot of game time.

Games like Deus Ex: Mankind Divided

If you’ve already completed the game and are looking for a similar fix, there are plenty of other titles out there to try. Here are some more games like Deus Ex: Mankind Divided:

• System Shock 2
• BioShock
• Anachronox
• Thief
• Prey

Blog of Games Rating

You can probably tell from reading this Deus Ex: Mankind Divided review that we are fans of the title. Despite, this is still one the best cyberpunk games around. We award the game 8/10.

Get in Touch

If you enjoyed reading this Deus Ex: Mankind Divided review, you might also like our Resident Evil 2 remake review.

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed the content. Whether you agree or disagree with the content, it would be great to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. If you have any, please get in touch below or contact me at richard@blogofgames.com.

Developer: Bloober Team

Publisher: Aspyr

Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Linux, macOS, Nintendo Switch.

What Is Observer?

Observer – Cyberpunk World

Observer is a psychological science fiction horror game that gained notoriety for its world design, story, and visual effects.

The game is set in the Kraków, Poland, in the year of 2084. The world has recently fallen victim to a digital plague, or nanophage, that resulted in thousands of deaths and a subsequent rise in war and drug abuse. Poland has ceded control to megacorporation Chiron, which has resulted in the creation of the Fifth Polish Republic.

The Observers, a police unit working under Chiron, have been placed in charge of the country’s security and have been granted access to hack the minds of inhabitants. As a result of this, criminals and drug addicts are sent away to live in run-down apartment buildings.

The game has been well received by critics and gamers alike, and collected numerous awards for its gameplay and setting. Observer was lauded for its effective amalgamation of cyberpunk, sci-fi ad horror elements, and its success has led to the possibility of a film adaptation being released in the future.

The visual effects, the story and the world design are of the highest calibre in this game. In this Observer video game review, we will try to explain why Observer is one of the greatest horror games of the past few years, and why it is one of the best cyberpunk video games of all time.

Observer – Story

Observer – Story

Players take on the role of Observer detective, Daniel Lazarski. At the beginning of the game, Lazarski receives a phone call from Adam, his estranged son. The call is traced to an apartment in one of the most run-down areas of Kraków.

After visiting Adam’s apartment building, a series of hints lead Daniel on a trail to find his son. The journey to find Adam turns out to be a rollercoaster of emotions for the detective, who eventually finds himself in an abandoned virtual reality salon called Sanctuary.

Inside Sanctuary, Lazarski encounters further surprises. What follows is a deep exploration into a digital realm that allows consciousness to exist in virtual reality and enables the possibility of transferring consciousness into a different host body.

Without giving too much plot information away in this Observer video game review, one thing we can say is that the story is as intense as it is enjoyable, with an engaging and emotional connection being crafted with the characters in the game.

If you’re enjoying this Observer video game review, you might also like our Anachronox review, another one of the best cyberpunk video games available right now.

Observer – Gameplay

Observer – Psychedelic

The Observer gameplay is similar to other psychological horror games in the genre. It is played from a first-person perspective and allows the player to roam certain areas, interacting with objects and characters in order to solve puzzles to advance in the game.

A unique feature of Observer’s gameplay is the use of the Dream Eater. This device allows the player to hack the minds of people in order to interrogate them. In this cyberpunk game, the detective is also equipped with Bio Vision and Electromagnetic Vision, allowing you to thoroughly examine your surroundings and mark any interactable objects.

Aside from the main quest, players can also search for collectibles such as patient records and Nanophage cards. There is also an enjoyable mini-game available to play through computer terminals called With Fire and Sword: Spiders.

Observer – The Good

Observer – Gameplay

• Cyberpunk setting: It is obvious from the outset that the game is heavily inspired by Blade Runner, and Observer does a great job of emulating the cyberpunk setting and feel that made so many fall in love with the genre. The atmosphere is immense, with lighting and audio playing a huge part in the suspense. Perhaps the most enjoyable aspect, though, is that you are thrown into the deep end with little explanation and a ton of working out to do, it adds a great deal of immersion to the gameplay and couples wonderfully with the futuristic setting.
• Story: It is already mentioned above in this Observer video game review how good the story is, and it is worth mentioning again. Admittedly, the story is confusing at times, but if you focus on the plot there are some thought-provoking and current themes to the game’s story. Combine this with some top voice acting and impressive futuristic visuals, and Observer easily becomes one of the best cyberpunk video games of recent history.

Observer – The Bad

• Combat: Or lack of. Some players were put out by the lack of combat in the game. So, if you’re into horror games with a good dose of action injected into them, you may want to search elsewhere before trying Observer.
• Length and difficulty: A few gamers have complained about the length of the game. It will take around 8-10 hours to complete the game, depending on how much you interact with the environment. Others have levelled criticism at the ease of the game, citing the simplicity of the puzzles.

Games like Observer

Observer – Graphics

If you’ve finished the game already and are looking for something similar, you are in luck. Here are some other games like Observer for you to try:

• Soma
• Layers of Fear
• System Shock 2

Blog of Games Rating

You may have noticed from reading this Observer video game review that we are massive fans of this psychological horror game. It is, without question, one of the best cyberpunk video games of all time, and certainly one of the best psychological horror games of the past few years. We enjoyed this game immensely at Blog of Games, and this Observer video game review awards the title an impressive 8.5/10.

Get in Touch

If you enjoyed reading this Anachronox review, you might also like our Remothered: Tormented Fathers review.

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed the content. Whether you agree or disagree with the content, it would be great to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. If you have any, please get in touch below or contact me at richard@blogofgames.com

Cyberpunk 2077 – Characters

Allow us to get you up-to-date with the latest, summed up info about this giant title, which is coming to the PS4, XBox One and Google Stadia on the release date of April 16th, 2020.

After an amazing trailer featuring Keanu Reeves at E3 2019, more details have surfaced about the open-world gameplay of Cyberpunk 2077 and even its multiplayer aspect. There is so much to learn about it, it can be dazzling.

The idea of a society in which technology is so intrinsic to the everyday human being’s life is nothing new and has been executed in many games throughout the years, such as in Deus EX and more recently, Detroit: Become Human. However, the whole cyberpunk culture as itself has never been explored in so much detail as it’s going to be in Cyberpunk 2077.

The guiding motif of the cyberpunk subgenre of science fiction is “low life and high tech” , and the Cyberpunk 2077 story is delightfully drenched in that. You are going to play the role of V, a fully customizable mercenary – whose traits and even clothing choices will provide different reactions and relationships with NPCs – including romantic interactions. You will also be able to choose and guide the character’s skills, perks and attributes evolution as the game unfolds.

Cyberpunk 2077 – Keanu Reeves

The story of Cyberpunk 2077 is set in the fictional Night City – a megacity in the Free State of California that is governed by authoritarian, internet-controlling corporations with different agendas that have a similar modus operandi of oppression of individual liberties. Naturally, as a cyberpunk, V will surf the underground waves of crime, managing to not get swallowed by oppression and one’s own corrupted desires of grandeur and wealth.

When the E3 2019 presentation and trailer were made public, it became clear that the whole plot of Cyberpunk 2077 is crowned by excellence. CD Projekt Red has even gone to the lengths of adding freaking Keanu Reeves to its cast, having him as a character that will – as long as spoilers have let us know – support V through the ordeals the game present: Johnny Silverhand. The character models and scenarios look insanely beautiful, taking the entire graphical experience as close to photorealism as it can get.

Cyberpunk 2077 – Gameplay

Stunning graphics, captivating story and relatable characters, genuine and influential customization: Cyberpunk 2077 seems to have a killer formula for success.

It Goes Deeper, Further and Taller

Truly, the features mentioned above are a family-sized fun pack, but the cherry on the cake is the open-world gameplay of Cyberpunk 2077.

You’ll be freely roaming the Night City streets in 6 different areas:

• The City Center, where business and deals are negotiated in tall skyscrapers and the elite ruthlessly mine for wealth and power on the grounds where a nuclear explosion once took place;
• Watson district, a region long-used by a megacorporation and now home to Asian immigrants and their culture;
• Westbrook, home to the crop of the financial cream of Night City and the tourist trap of Japantown;
• Heywood, the latinos’ place, in which gangs have been rising to dominance;
• Santo Domingo, where industrial conglomerates run 24/7;
• Pacifica, the slums of Night City, home to those the city tries to hide and ignore.

While the whole map of Cyberpunk 2077 may be a bit smaller than the one in The Witcher 3, it will feel bigger because it’s way more densely populated with NPCs and places to go. They will extend into tall buildings and go deep underground, so there is plenty to do in a plethora of quests and sidequests or just enjoying the guilty pleasures Night City has to offer. Everything is being built manually, not procedurally, as CD Projekt Red Red’s lead cinematic animator, Maciej Pietras stated, so the player can expect carefully crafted locations that are both stunning and remarkable.

Cyberpunk 2077 – Open world gameplay

Aside from the physical world, a big part of the environment in any cyberpunk scenario is diving into the digital world, with the help of brain implants and gizmos of the sort. That is a reality in the Cyberpunk 2077 gameplay, although we do not know how exactly that is going to be represented in-game. We personally think they are saving a proper reveal of their NET environs for a later date, in order to keep the hype for the game as fresh as possible.

It has been confirmed by the devs that the entirety of the game will be played on a FPS basis – first-person view, but third-person view for specific cutscenes, so don’t worry about not having the chance of watching the results of your character customization in full glory. V will also be seen in other situations, such as when checking the inventory or driving.

Even so, the main experience runs as an FPS, with an extra coat of RPG progression while earning exp. points. The gameplay could be compared to an evolved form of what we see on the most recent Fallout games – except that one, as any comparisons to it sound more like offensive than praising. But I digress.

Combat in Cyberpunk 2077 is filled with options and cool features. Players who get started in the game and go trigger-happy all over will soon learn that it is not a recommended approach, as enemies have complex AI programming and can duck, get to cover and plan their moves to flank the player, just to name a few. Many of these have been briefly shown on the 2013 Cyberpunk trailer.

Naturally, the player will have a lot of controls to deal with enemies as well. They can sneak their way onto their target’s backs for a silent kill, use technological skills to manage shooting time (much like as in Red Dead Redemption), see through walls and many other abilities, which can be unlocked through the skill tree with exp.

Cyberpunk 2077 – First Person View

Close combat has its own perks, as several attachments and transhumanist add-ons can boost V’s physical capabilities, augmenting what would normally be just a regular punch. And the gore from all these ways to deal pain is shown graphically, with dismemberment, decapitation and all the guts-blowing action that come as a consequence of fighting while laced with the best that technology has to offer.

Players can play Cyberpunk 2077 in its single-player mode  from the very start, but the multiplayer part of it is said to be brought at a later date in an update. Level designer Max Pears has stated in TGS 2019 that the team has struggled to make the multiplayer action connected to the lore of the single-player campaign, as for that, they have spent countless hours on research to make that goal come to fruition.

There aren’t many details on how Cyberpunk 2077 multiplayer will play out since it is still under active development, but we will bring the info over whenever it pops up, so be sure to not miss it. For now, as Max Pears said: “The main focus is still single-player right now and we’re making sure that people understand that this world is more than big enough for single-player.”

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt can testify to CD Projekt Red’s quality control and fine world-building, so we can be sure that Cyberpunk 2077 is being constructed with all the care and attention it rightfully deserves – enough to have it be awarded as 2020’s Game of The Year in December 2020. We are calling it out now!

Get Your Hands on It ASAP

While the release date for Cyberpunk 2077 is April 16th, 2020, several retailers are offering pre-orders for both the standard edition of the game and the collector’s edition. However, it should be noted that the scarcity of the collector’s edition is definitely a thing and is – at the time of this writing – currently out of stock for pre-ordering, but that may change in the coming months.

Cyberpunk 2077 Preview

The Standard edition (which is being sold from $50 to $60) has a few digital goodies included and some physical ones, depending on where you make your pre-order. Now, the collector’s edition is almost 5 times more expensive (around $250) and has many treats, such as an exclusive artbook, a Quadra V-Tech keychain, metal pins, a copy of the Visitor’s Guide to Night City bagged in an NCPD evidence bag, a world compendium, embroidered patches and loads of other goodies – some digital, like the game soundtrack.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgoYwP4RHoQ

So, which one will you be getting? If you have any questions, new info or comments about Cyberpunk 2077 and CD Projekt Red? Leave your impressions below, so we can discuss while we try to manage the crazy hype for this blockbuster of a game!

When cyberpunk and anime combine, it can be a beautiful thing for fans of the high tech and low life genre.There are two main subgenres of the Japanese cyberpunk domain; live-action films, and manga and anime. In this article, we will focus on the latter. So, here are the 5 best Japanese cyberpunk anime to watch right now.

5. Megazone 23 (1985)

Directed by: Noboru Ishiguro, Ichiro Itano, Kenichi Yatagai, Shinji Aramaki

Written by: Hiroyuki Hoshiyama, Emu Arii

Megazone 23 – Shogo Yahagi

Megazone 23 is a four-part Japanese cyberpunk anime that follows the story of Shogo Yahagi, a biker whose ownership of a government experimental prototype bike sends him on a journey of discovery and revelations about his inhabited city.

The story is set around 500 years in the future, where humanity has fled the Earth due to its uninhabitable state and, consequently, live on massive colony spaceships called Megazones. The government are involved in an attempt to hack the civic computer in order to utilize the city’s AI (called EVE) and brainwash their inhabitants.

Shogo finds himself embroiled in the midst of the government’s plan, as his experimental bike provides him with information that he should not have. As the government learn of this, they decide to eliminate him, along with the benevolent city artificial intelligence.

Megazone 23 has had a lasting impression on the futuristic sci-fi genre, and many cite it as a major influence for The Matrix. One thing is for certain, Megazone 23 is one the best Japanese cyberpunk anime series around.

4. Akira (1988)

Directed by: Katsuhiro Otomo

Produced by: Ryohei Suzuki, Shunzo Kato

Akira – Kaneda

Akira is well-known in the West as it was the first Japanese anime to be published by Marvel Comics in the US. The anime was released in 1988 and is based on the manga of the same name that ran from 1982 to 1990.

Akira is set in a dystopian Neo-Tokyo city and follows the story of Kaneda and his contemporaries as they try to stop Tetsuo from ravaging their city. Tetsuo, who is a childhood friend of Kaneda, wants to awaken a mysterious figure with strong psychic abilities called “Akira”.

The anime was well received upon its release and was lauded for its special effects and artwork, among other things. The color is vibrant, the skyscapes are glowing, and the futuristic settings are imaginative. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O64qZyaaVwU

Akira is a pioneer of the Japanese cyberpunk genre and is often cited as an influence for many forms of cyberpunk media. This is one of the best Japanese cyberpunk anime around, and one you have to try if you are new to the genre.

3. Genocyber (1994)

Directed by: Koichi Ohata

Written by: Tony Takezaki, Sho Aikawa

Genocyber – Diana

Genocyber is a five-part anime series based on the 1993 manga series of the same name. Before continuing, it should be noted that Genocyber is not for younger audiences or the faint-hearted. The anime is notoriously and gruesomely graphic, to the extent that it received some criticism for its level of violence. That being said, it is still a thoroughly enjoyable and hard-hitting anime.

The story begins in Hong Kong in the near future, at a time when countries around the world are beginning to form a global coalition government. The protagonist, Elaine, is the object of desire of a mad scientist, who wants to fuse the psychic abilities of Elaine and her sister to create the ultimate biological weapon called “Genocyber”.

The funding of this research project is provided by a powerful Japanese conglomerate called the Kuryu Group, who leave many-a-corpse in their trail as they ruthlessly hunt for the Elaine by deploying cyborg agents to find her.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Genocyber
is far more than just a platform to showcase gruesome and bloody violence. The plot is engaging, whacky and exhilarating all at once, and this all makes for Genocyber easily being one of the best Japanese cyberpunk anime to ever be created.

2. Mardock Scramble (2010)

Directed by: Susumu Kudo

Written by: Tow Ubukata

Mardock Scramble – Rune Balot

Mardock Scramble is a Japanese cyberpunk anime film trilogy that is based on a series of novels of the same name. The story takes place in Mardock City, a futuristic metropolis full with advanced cybernetics and artificial intelligence.

The plot follows Rune Balot, a prostitute who fell victim to her casino-manager customer, Shell Septinous. Shell attempted to murder Rune in an explosion, before she was rescued by Dr Easter, a freelancer who performs the life-saving procedure by transforming Rune into a cyborg.

After Rune is installed with the advanced cybernetics, she is accompanied by an AI mouse that helps her adapt to her new life. Rune also undergoes procedures to help defend herself from Shell, who will stop at nothing to avoid her testifying against him.

Mardock Scramble is one of the lesser known anime in this list, but it is well worth checking out. In my opinion, it is not only one of the best Japanese cyberpunk anime around, but also one of the best anime to have been produced in any genre.

1. Ghost in the Shell (1995)

Directed by: Masamune Shirow

Written by: Mamoru Oshii

Ghost in the Shell – Kusanagi

If you’ve been a fan of cyberpunk media for any amount of time, you’ve probably come across Ghost in the Shell already. This anime is based on the manga series of the same name, created by Masamune Shirow in 1991.

Ghost in the Shell has become a huge media franchise in Japan and has produced several sequels and spinoffs. This 1995 Japanese cyberpunk anime was directed by Mamoru Oshii and is considered by many to be the greatest anime of all time.

Set in 2029, the plot follows the story of Motoko Kusanagi, an assault team-leader for the Public Security Section 9. As are many in this technologically advanced dystopian world, Kusanagi is heavily augmented and is classified as a synthetic “fully-body prosthesis” due to her replacement cybernetic parts.

Ghost in the Shell touches on some profound themes throughout its course, including sexuality, gender identity, and self-identity in a world with advanced technology. If you haven’t seen Ghost in the Shell
yet, you need to. It is certainly one of the best (if not the best) Japanese cyberpunk anime you can watch.

Get in Touch

If you enjoyed reading this list of the best Japanese cyberpunk anime, you may also like our review of some great cyberpunk games to play right now.

Did you agree with the list? What is your favourite cyberpunk anime? Let us know in the comments section and join our Blog of Games video game blog community. If you have any questions, please get in touch below or contact me at richard@blogofgames.com

Aside from the gaming world, the history of cyberpunk literature goes back much further. So, here we look at the 10 best cyberpunk books to read right now.

10. The Shockwave Rider

Cyberpunk City

The Shockwave Rider is seen by many as one of the first instances of cyberpunk literature. This 1975 novel by John Brunner follows a story of a dystopian future, in which corporations rule daily life and humans are slaves to the system.

The protagonist, Nick Haflinger, finds a way to circumnavigate the control of the corporate-government and fight back against the system. The bulk of the novel is set in the weeks that follow Haflinger’s capture, and we began to learn about his life through a series of conversations with his interrogator.

Fans of dystopian, high-tech, and social stratification themes will enjoy this one. The Shockwave Rider is certainly one of the best cyberpunk books to read right now.

9. Altered Carbon

Altered Carbon was recently adapted as a television series for Netflix in 2018. Yet, before that, the book by Richard K. Morgan had already gained a reputation as one of the best cyberpunk books around since its release in 2002.

Blade Runner 2049

This cyberpunk book is set in a future where it is possible to digitally downloading human personalities (“stacks”) into a new body, known as “sleeves”. The protagonist and ex-UN elite soldier, Takeshi Kovacs, is hired by the mega-rich Laurens Bancroft, who is convinced he was murdered under suspicious circumstances.

Other themes explored in this book include the place of religion in this cyberpunk world, and the morality of resurrecting yourself into a new body in a society where not all can afford to do so. Altered Carbon was a beautifully stylish TV series, but its true value must be appreciated through reading – this is one that you need to read if you are looking for the best cyberpunk books.

8. Ghost in the Shell

Ghost in the Shell is a hugely popular media franchise in Japan. It was created by Masamune Shirow and, although initially released as a manga series, was released as a book in 1991. There have been several sequels and spinoffs from the original.

The manga is set in the middle of the twenty-first century, in the fictional Japanese city of Niihama. The story follows the members of a special operations task force called the Public Security Section 9, who predominantly deal with counter-terrorism, corruption, and cybercriminals.

Cybernetics have advanced to a high level, allowing some citizens to be completely cyberized. Major Motoko, the series’ heroine, is herself a cyborg, after a tragic accident left her with serious injuries. Ghost in the Shell is highly recommended among cyberpunk aficionados and is one to try if you are a fan of the genre.

7. Ready Player One

Released in 2011, Ready Player One is the debut novel of Ernest Cline and follows the story of Wade Watts. The book was brought to mainstream media in 2018, after the release of a film adaptation by director Steven Spielberg.

Set in 2044, this cyberpunk book follows Wade Watts as he searches for an Easter egg in the virtual reality gaming world, OASIS. The creator of the world, James Halliday, left an Easter egg in the game before his death, and Watts makes it his mission to try and solve the mystery of its location.

The book has a load of references to cyberpunk culture, and does a great job of world building and character development that make the book a thoroughly engaging read.

6. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep

If you are searching for the best cyberpunk books to read, the chances are pretty high that you’ve already come across Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Most people know the book from the 1982 film Blade Runner and its sequel Blade Runner 2049, but this cyberpunk novel by Philip K. Dick is worthy of the accolades in its own right.

Released in 1968, the book follows the story of Rick Deckard, who is tasked with “retiring” six Nexus-6 androids by using an empathy test to detect their human status. A sub-plot follows the story of John Isidore, a man of low IQ who has been damaged by the radioactive dust prevalent on the earth after World War Terminus. Isidore attempts to help the fugitive androids and aid them to safety.

If you haven’t read any of the cyberpunk books on this list, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? is a good place to start. It is fairly short and easy to read, and touches on some poignant themes that are certain to resonate with the reader.

5. Snow Crash

You’d think that a book with a hero protagonist called Hiro Protagonist could have a somewhat mild tone to it. Yet, Neal Stephenson’s 1992 cyberpunk book sets out a disconcertingly realistic dystopian future.

Hiro is an expert hacker in a world where conglomerates run society, and the mafia are the good guys. Stephenson’s literature can often be heavy (too heavy, some might say), but Snow Crash is refreshingly light compared to his usual style of copious obscure scientific explanations and information overload.

Snow Crash is a great read for anyone looking for the best cyberpunk books, and features a good blend of humour, religion, history, low life and high tech.

4. The Windup Girl

The Windup Girl was one of the best books to come out of 2009, let alone being one of the best cyberpunk books of all time. This sci-fi novel by Paolo Bacigalupi is often sub-categorised as biopunk, due to the prevalence of advances biotechnology.

The Windup Girl is pertinent in many ways, not least in its portrayal of global warming in the 23rd-century. Ocean levels have dramatically increased, and fuel sources have depleted, leading to the rise of biotechnology conglomerates such as AgriGen and RedStar. The only country to have resisted change is Thailand, but whether it can maintain its stance against bioterrorism is another matter.

This is a must-read for fans of high tech and lowlife literature, and The Windup Girl is fully worthy of its place in this list of the 10 best cyberpunk books to read right now.

3. Akira

Akira

Akira is the second Japanese manga series in this list, and this one may be more widely known due to its publication by Marvel Comics in the US. The series was written and illustrated by Katsuhiro Otomo and ran from 1982 to 1990.

Set in a futuristic, dystopian Neo-Tokyo, Akira follows the story of Kaneda, Kei, Colonel Shikishima, and others, as they attempt to curb the attempts of Tetsuo to further ravage the city with his telekinetic abilities. Tetsuo is an estranged childhood friend of Kaneda and wants to awaken a mysterious figure with special psychic abilities called “Akira”.

Akira is a pioneer of the Japanese cyberpunk subgenre and is well worth checking out if you want to dive deeper into the world of low life and high tech.

2. Infomocracy

Infomocracy is the most recent book in this list, having been released in 2016 by author Malka Older, and is perhaps the most worryingly realistic.

The book is set in the mid-to-late 21st century in a world where most countries have joined a world government system. In this regime, countries are divided into centenals – areas of 100,000 residents, who can choose the ideological system by which they are governed. Not all countries decided to join the world government, and not everything is smooth within.

Infomocracy touches upon themes such as the Internet of Things, politics, cybersecurity, and the ethics of information technology. All of this is a recipe for one of the best cyberpunk books to be released in recent times.

1. Neuromancer

Neuromancer

Neuromancer is a 1984 cyberpunk novel written by William Gibson. It is a pioneering book in the genre and is the first in Gibson’s Sprawl trilogy, followed by Count Zero and Mona Lisa Overdrive.

The book follows the story of Henry Case, a computer hacker in a dystopian future, as he is tasked with bringing down a powerful AI in his one last job in Chiba City, Japan. Case is down and out after being caught stealing by his former employer and is punished by having his central nervous system damaged. Yet, he is saved by “street samurai”, Molly Millions, who cures and augments Case in exchange for his services as a hacker.

Neuromancer was not released to much fanfare, but over the years it has become the epitome of cyberpunk culture. If you are looking to read the best cyberpunk books, then Neuromancer is simply a must.

Get in Touch

If you enjoyed reading this list of the 10 best cyberpunk books to read right now, you may also like our review of the greatest steampunk games available.

Did you agree with the list? What is your favourite cyberpunk book? Let us know in the comments section and join our Blog of Games video game blog community. To support the site, please visit one of the affiliate links in this article to purchase the books. If you have any questions, please get in touch below or contact me at richard@blogofgames.com

Steampunk differs from cyberpunk in the sense that it does not involve futuristic technology and advanced cybernetics in a dystopian world. Instead, steampunk focusses on steam-powered machinery and is often influenced by the 19th-century British Victorian era or the old American “Wild West”.

The genre often incorporates elements of horror, fantasy, and historical fiction. With a scope so wide, it’s no surprise that some great video games have been borne out of the genre. So here is a list of the 5 best steampunk games for the PC.

5. Rise of Legends

Rise of Legends is a real-time strategy game that was released in 2006 as a spinoff to the hugely popular Rise of Nations. This steampunk game was developed by Big Huge Games and published by Microsoft Studios.

Rise of Legends Gameplay

Rise of Legends takes places in the world of Aio – a planet which is home to the wreckage of an alien ship. When the alien ship crashed, it split into 4 different pieces, each landing on a different part of the planet. The game beings in the city of Miana, where there is an investigation into a foreign object found in a mine shaft. When the investigators are attacked by the Doge of Venucci, the brother of the ruler of Miana, Giacomo, vows to get his revenge.

The gameplay in Rise of Legends much like its predecessor and players must build and expand cities through gathering resources and various assimilations. In this steampunk strategy game, however, players can also take advantage of the new city districts, dominance, and hero features, which add an extra layer of fluidity to the game.

There are three main races in the Rise of Legends. The Vinci is a civilization modelled on steampunk culture and their prowess lies within their steam engine, gunpowder, and clockwork expertise. Other playable races include the technologically advanced Cuoti, and the magic-wielding Alin.

Not only is Rise of Legends one of the best steampunk games for the PC right now, it is also a thoroughly enjoyable real-time strategy game in its own right, and one that you should certainly try if you are a fan of the genre.

4. Syberia

Syberia is a graphic adventure steampunk game that was developed by Microids and developed by The Adventure company for release in 2002. Its art nouveau and heavy clockpunk and steampunk influence drew universal praise from game critics worldwide. Syberia is part of a trilogy, with the most recent game being released in 2017.

Syberia Gameplay

The game is a mouse driven, third person adventure game in which the player must find solutions to puzzles and follow game prompts in order to advance the story of the game. Syberia drew comparisons with the Broken Sword series due to its similarities in gameplay style.

This steampunk game follows the story of Kate Walker, an American Lawyer who is assigned to oversee the corporate takeover of a spring-automation toy factory in the fictional French village of Valadiléne. Her assignment leads her to East to Syberia (based on the real location of Wrangel Island), as she attempts to locate a clockwork locomotive that has the potential to aid her mission.

The game’s best attribute by far is its visual design, for which it won numerous awards. The artwork is heavily influenced on the steampunk genre and, if you are looking for new video games to try, this is definitely one of the best steampunk games for the PC available right now.

3. Final Fantasy VII

Final Fantasy VII is often found at the top of ‘best of’ lists when it comes to all kinds of categories in video gaming. Yet, its heavy influence in steampunk culture often goes undetected. This 1997 game is the first of the Final Fantasy series to utilise 3D graphics and, at the time, its visuals were unparalleled and truly breath-taking.

Final Fantasy VII Gameplay

It is often debated whether Final Fantasy VII can be bracketed as a steampunk game, as everything in the game is powered by Mako and not steam powered. Though, it depends on how strict you want to be with the term. Stylistically, Final Fantasy VII certainly shares some of the design themes of the genre, and if Barret’s awesome arm-gun doesn’t classify as steampunk, then I don’t know what does.

The game follows Cloud Strife in his quest to bring down the megacorporation, Shinra. Cloud is joined in his quest by Tifa and Barret, other members of his eco-terrorist group Avalanche. After being separated from his group members, Cloud encounters Aeris, who he agrees to protect as she is coveted by agents of Shinra. The plot that unfolds is something that is best experienced by purely playing the game.

From the heavily steampunk inspired post-industrial city of Migdar, to the quaint mountain village of Nibelheim, Final Fantasy VII has some of the best visuals of its generation and is a game that has stood the test of time due to its masterful storytelling and immersive world. This is, without doubt, one of the greatest steampunk games for the PC, and you must try it if you haven’t.

2. Dishonored

Dishonored is a stealth action-adventure game that is heavily influenced by steampunk design. The game was developed by Arkane studios and published by Bethesda Softworks for a 2012 release. It received much critical acclaim upon its release, with critics praising its stealth combat and stylistic vision.

Dishonored Gameplay

The game takes place in the steampunk-inspired industrial city of Dunwall. protagonist in the game is Corvo Attano, who is an ex bodyguard of the Empress of Dunwall, Jessamine Kaldwin. The plotline follows Corvo after he framed for the murder of the Empress and, consequently, becomes an expert silent assassin.

This steampunk game is a first-person action game in which the player must traverse self-contained areas and complete various objectives through a series of assassinations and explorations. Corvo is able to defeat his enemies using a wide range of abilities and powers, such as enchantments, charms, and supernatural perks.

Perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of the game is its steampunk design. The visual effects team specifically travelled to London and Edinburgh to get inspiration for their chaotically intense city design. The steam and dieselpunk aesthetic that they settled on is visually superb and make Dishonored easily one of the 5 best steampunk games for the PC to play right now.

1. BioShock Infinite

BioShock Infinite is a first-person shooter game that is the third instalment of the BioShock. Released in 2013, the game was developed by Irrational Games and Published by 2K Games. BioShock Infinite received universal critical acclaim for its story, setting, and visuals.

BioShock Infinite Gameplay

Of all the games int his list, BioShock Infinite is the most overtly steampunk. The game takes place in the fictional airborne city of Columbia. Set in 1912, players take on the role of Booker DeWitt (voiced by video game veteran Troy Baker). DeWitt is a disgraced former member of a national detective agency, whose increasing debts lead him to take on an assignment in Columbia to rescue a young woman with unique abilities.

Like its predecessors, BioShock Infinite features first-person shooter action and aspects of role-playing. Players can utilise various weapons and ammunition types as they make their way through the airborne steampunk metropolis. Through the use of Gears, Infusions, and Vigors, players can augment their character in various ways to improve their chances of surviving and progressing.

Not only is BioShock Infinite one of the 5 best steampunk games for the PC, it is also one of the greatest first-person shooter games available to play. Its unique visuals and storytelling make it stand out from the crowd and, if you haven’t yet, you should definitely give this game a try.

Get in Touch

Although there are some great steampunk games in this list, it is clear that the world of steampunk video games is surprisingly undersaturated. What games would you like to see in the future?

Did you agree with the list? What is your favourite steampunk game for the PC? Let us know in the comments section and join our Blog of Games video game blog community. If you have any questions, please get in touch below or contact me at richard@blogofgames.com

If you enjoyed reading this Remember Me (video game) review, you might also like reading our review of the greatest psychological games to play right now.

The game received mainly positive reviews, though it did come in for criticism for certain aspects of its gameplay and fluidity. Read on for our Remember Me (video game) review and find out where the game succeeds, and where it fails.

Developer: Dontnod Entertainment

Publisher: Capcom

Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

What is Remember Me?

Remember Me – Nilin

Remember Me is an action-adventure cyberpunk game released in 2013 that was developed by Dontnod Entertainment – the same creators of Life Is Strange. The game was originally planned as a PlayStation 3 exclusive called Adrift, before being cancelled in 2011, and resurrected by Capcom as a multiplatform game.

Remember Me is set in the futuristic version of Paris in the year 2084. Paris, or Neo-Paris, is home to megacorporation Memorize, who have invented a brain implant called Sensen that allows the majority of people to share their memories in cyberspace, as well as eliminate any unwanted memories from their past.

Memorize has, thus, established itself as an Orwellian surveillance state capable of intricately monitoring the entire population. A group of rebels, called Errorists, have formed to bring down the company. Memory-addicted humans, called Leapers, have also been subjected to living in the cesspits of Neo-Paris as the Sensen has caused them to mutate into subhuman beings.

The game received average to good reviews, and it was names by The Daily Telegraph as one of the best cyberpunk video games around.

Remember Me – Story

Remember Me – Cyberpunk Paris

Players begin the game as protagonist Nilin, a rebel Errorist who is in the process of having all of her memory wiped by corporate giant Memorize. Before she has all of her memories erased, she is aided by the leader of the Errorists, Edge, who contacts her over a comm device to help her escape.

Edge helps Nilin regain memory of her previous life within the Errorists and informs her of her talent for remixing and stealing memories. After escaping Neo Paris, Nilin teams up with fellow Errorist Tommy, but both of them end up being targeted and attacked by a bounty hunter, Olga.

After Nilin remixes the memory of the bounty hunter, she continues on a mission to bring down Memorize and infiltrate their Bastille fortress. Players encounter many Errorist allies along the way and eventually encounter Memorize’s central base to try and halt the damage that the Sensen technology is causing to the world.

Without giving too much away, Nilin becomes more involved in the story than first realised and ends up with a difficult decision to make between saving her family, or the wider population. The story takes various twists and turns and becomes an enjoyable ride that covers some profound concepts and can have a lasting impression on the player.

Remember Me – Gameplay

Remember Me – Setting

Remember Me is played from third-person perspective, looking over the shoulder of Nilin. The game uses melee combat and contains a memory remixing mechanic that is very enjoyable, if at times a little tedious.

One cool and unique aspect of the game is the ability to replay memories in real-time in order proceed in the game. To do this, Nilin accesses memoires from points called Remembrances and must utilize them in order to avoid hazards and solve puzzles that further the quests.

The combat system is bold and expansive. There are over 50,000 combinations of fighting moves, or Pressens, that Nilin can use to defeat enemies. Combos can be created using the Combo Lab and can be selected from four different categories – Regen, Chain, Cooldown, and Power. Various ranged weapons are also available to Nilin throughout the game.

The Good

Remember Me – Gameplay

• Cyberpunk World
  At the time, Remember Me was one of the most stunning games around and the visuals still hold up well in the present day. The futuristic sci-fi setting gives rise to some beautiful cyberpunk imagery and it’s a great shame that more of the world isn’t explorable.
• Story
  The story in Remember Me is an engaging and immersive one that draws you in to the futuristic Neo-Paris setting and makes you feel the emotions of the characters. Nilin is also a strong protagonist with depth, and the developers should be praised for sticking with their pursuance of a female lead, despite an insistence from some investors that a male character would help the sale of the game.

The Bad

Remember Me – Combat

• Linearity
  As mentioned above, the cyberpunk world in Remember Me is stunning. The biggest flaw in the game is that the plot follows a linear route with limited areas being accessible to the player. It seems like a wasted opportunity to not be able to explore more of the game, though it is understandable as having a larger world increases the development time and costs greatly.
• Combat
  Although the combat plays a secondary role to the story of the game, it can be quite boring at times. Despite the large combination possibilities, it seems that players end up using the same punch-kick combo that becomes monotonous as the game progresses. Camera angles can also end up in some awkward positions during combat in the game.

Games Like Remember Me

If you’re a fan of cyberpunk games and are looking for something with a similar feel, check out these games like Remember Me:

• Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
• Observer
• Life Is Strange
• BioShock

Is there a Remember Me Sequel?

What is Remember Me

The creative director of Dontnod has stated that there is a strong possibility of a sequel to the game, and that Remember Me 2 story has already been written. That being said, the decision to make a sequel lies with the publisher, Capcom, and it is reported that they are no longer pursuing this as a project.

After the success of Life Is Strange, though, the financial situation of Dontnod could put them in a better place to push for Remember 2. There is still hope.

Get In Touch

If you enjoyed reading this Remember Me (video game) review, you might also like reading our review of What Remains of Edith Finch.

Have you played Remember Me? What did you think? Let us know in the comments section and join our Blog of Games video game blog
community. If you have any questions, please get in touch below or contact me at richard@blogofgames.com