Cyberpunk 2077's sequel, currently known only as Project Orion, is interesting to speculate about for several reasons, not the least of which being the wellspring of potential left behind by the former. Something that CD Projekt Red honed in on toward the tail end of its Cyberpunk 2077 redemption project is the NCPD, making them a more integral part of the gameplay experience through GTA-esque pursuit mechanics that many would have expected to be included from the jump. Project Orion can take this concept even further.
The NCPD is defined by corruption. There are certainly some "good eggs," so to speak, like Regina Jones, who seem to be trying their best to make their way through the complex web of Night City's criminal world without getting stained, but any notion of the police force at large being for the people is mostly a farce. Just a year before Cyberpunk 2077's narrative kicks off, the NCPD was privatized in an effort to cut costs, turning it into a quasi-military force with close ties to the privatized prison system. In other words, the NCPD is basically just another corp in Cyberpunk 2077's twisted capitalist nightmare, and this nightmare can become more florid in the next game.
All of this is to say nothing of MaxTac, a "law enforcement" brigade composed of chromed-out, deadly combat specialists.
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Project Orion Can Make the NCPD More Intimidating and Impactful
Honing In On Corruption Could Make the NCPD a Greater Threat in Project Orion
It shouldn't come as a surprise that the NCPD is rife with corruption, with most officers either being bullies or tending toward greed rather than the pursuit of justice. With little to no oversight, and the profit-driven philosophy of private industry, there's almost no chance for the police force to be a positive entity in Night City.
Perhaps players could engage with more of these corrupt cops in Project Orion, gaining greater insight into just how dangerous unchecked power and desperation can be. Maybe the game could feature a character similar to GTA San Andreas' Frank Tenpenny: a power-hungry sociopath with a desire to leverage their power to cause greater strife and violence in the city they are meant to protect and serve. Such an archetype would be naturally elevated in a Cyberpunk 2077 sequel, as its setting and narrative context would mean even less recourse for those affected by law enforcement's misdeeds. Offering a window into the unfettered depravity facilitated by privatized law enforcement is certainly one way to make the NCPD a more intimidating and disturbing presence.
Project Orion Could Make Cops Scarier On the Gameplay Front as Well
At launch, Cyberpunk 2077 didn't have a fully fleshed-out police system, but post-launch updates have improved matters. In its current state, Cyberpunk 2077 features cops that will, at the very least, pursue V once they get into a car, ramping up their presence in accordance to the player's wanted level. It's not as immersive or deep as something like GTA's police system, but it's a major improvement from launch, making the NCPD something to actually worry about in the overworld.
Naturally, making this system more multifaceted and relentless would go a long way toward making the NCPD more intimidating in Project Orion. Maybe police officers could employ more diverse methods for apprehending the player, making use of more advanced technology like EMPs or quickhacks. After all, the world of Cyberpunk 2077 offers several unique options for bloody conflict, but the NCPD, in its current state, doesn't make much use of them. Perhaps, with its struggle to slow the climbing crime rates in the first game, the NCPD could significantly increase its budget and further decrease its ethical qualms in Project Orion.
Cyberpunk 2077
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 76 /100 Critics Rec: 66%
- Released
- December 10, 2020
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Publisher(s)
- CD Projekt Red
WHERE TO PLAY
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?
- Engine
- REDengine 4
- Cross-Platform Play
- ps, xbox, pc
- Cross Save
- yes
- Franchise
- Cyberpunk
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- yes
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
- How Long To Beat
- 25 Hours
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
