WithCyberpunk 2077’s recent patch, CD Projekt Red continues to expand upon the player freedom offered within the dystopian RPG. ThoughCyberpunk 2077’s 2.2 updateprimarily expanded upon aesthetic options for players and their characters, it further demonstrates just how many decisions can be made in the game. Character customization combines with the game’s branching storylines, unique builds, and lore-expanding lifepaths to ensure that no two playthroughs are exactly alike.
Lifepaths are an especially interesting aspect of character creation. At the start ofCyberpunk 2077, players can choose between three different lifepaths for their playthrough: Corpo, Nomad, and Street Kid. Depending on which option is chosen, players are given a unique prologue and have access to exclusive dialogue options for V throughout the game. While lifepaths seem intriguing on the surface, their integration over the course ofCyberpunk 2077’s story can be lackluster.Cyberpunk 2077’s follow-up, Project Orion, has officially been announced and is the perfect opportunity for the developers to overhaul lifepaths. If CD Projekt Red is going back to the drawing board, then one lifepath in particular is begging for an upgrade in the sequel.
How Project Orion can Expand Upon the Corpo Life Path
InCyberpunk 2077, the Corpo lifepath sees V start out the game as an employee of theArasaka Corporation. Climbing up the corporate ladder requires a cutthroat mindset, which is exemplified when V’s boss tasks them with eliminating the company’s Director of Special Operations. However, this conspiracy is quickly uncovered. V is stripped of all possessions provided by Arasaka and kicked to the curb, which is where they meet Jackie Welles and start the main story.
Cyberpunk 2077’s Flawed Corpo Experience
Out ofCyberpunk 2077’s three lifepaths, Corpo stands apart from the pack. In a game that constantly showcases the systematic oppression created by corporations within the setting, having the option to begin the game as a corporate employee has so much story potential. Unfortunately, being a Corpo has little impact on the narrativeonceCyberpunk 2077’s prologue ends. The Corpo lifepath mainly impacts the game by providing occasional opportunities for V to demonstrate their insider knowledge regarding certain corporations during dialogue. This is consistent with how Nomad and Street Kid are integrated into the game, but due to the nature of the game’s narrative, Corpo ends up feeling more disconnected than the other options.
Since V works as a solo, starting off the game as a Night City native Street Kid who already has ties to fixers like Sebastian Ibarra provides a smooth transition into the main story. There are also plenty of crucial missions that see V traveling through the Badlands and working alongside the Aldecaldos, which gives Nomad players plenty of opportunities to use their additional dialogue options and roleplay the life path. Corpo could easily connect toCyberpunk 2077’s narrative, as V used to work for the very company that used Soulkiller onJohnny Silverhandand created the Relic. Disappointingly, V never gets to harness the true potential of their background should the player choose Corpo.
Bringing the Corpo Lifepath Back in Project Orion
With the Corpo lifepath playing such a minimal role inCyberpunk 2077, Project Orion has the opportunity to make this player background a more worthwhile choice. If these lifepaths return, CD Projekt Red should incorporate Corpo-specific storylines, NPCs, and side objectives into the game that lets the player climb up the corporate ladder and actually roleplay as an employee for one oftheCyberpunksetting’s megacorporations. This would make the Corpo lifepath significantly more engaging than it was inCyberpunk 2077, add additional incentives for replayability to Project Orion, and help the sequel to diversify its missions beyond the expected street level mercenary gigs.
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?
