Summary
Cyberpunk 2077, though mired in controversy at launch, wound up being a fairly well-received game—especially after its 2.0 patch and thePhantom Libertyexpansion. Nevertheless, the game missed a lot ofopportunities thatProject Orioncan capitalize on, especially if its growing pains are in the rearview.
Side content is certainly one ofCyberpunk 2077’s biggest strengths, but it too has room for improvement. LikeThe Witcher 3before it,Cyberpunkputs strong writing front and center to serve up exciting, worthwhile side quests and various other miscellaneous activities. The game’s side content doesn’t just serve as a distraction or a time-waster; rather, it fleshes out the game world and deepens immersion, making open-world freedom meaningful and gratifying. But CD Projekt Red might not have tapped its full potential, and an iconic part ofThe Witcher 3might be the best way to do that in the sequel.
Project Orion Needs Its Own Gwent
Gwent Is a Great Aspect of The Witcher 3
Although it’s not clear what thefuture has in store for Gwent, the mini-game’s influence and popularity are undeniable. Its slow and strategic nature stands in stark contrast to the fast-paced, high-fantasy action that defines the rest ofThe Witcher 3, but it manages to remain arguably the most iconic and enduring facet of the game’s gameplay;The Witcherhas been dormant for five years, but Gwent’s relevance extends beyond its in-game inclusion, as it’s received its own stand-alone release.
Mechanically, there are plenty of reasons why Gwent is so popular with fans ofThe Witcher 3, but its importance goes beyond gameplay.Gwent supportsThe Witcher 3’s world-building, allowing players to directly engage with a popular pastime of the fictional universe—a kind of immersion only a video game can offer. Despite everything that Gwent adds toThe Witcher 3, its equivalent is nowhere to be found inCyberpunk 2077, and that’s a shame.
Project Orion Could Lean Into Its Cyberpunk Setting for a Gwent Equivalent
Something similar to Gwent would work wonders inProject Orion, and the game has several avenues it can take in this regard. The nextCyberpunkcould draw directly fromThe Witcher 3with a card game of its own, but its futuristic setting opens the door to a more unique approach.
Cyberpunk 2077already features a few in-universe arcade games, like theDOOM-inspiredArasaka Tower 3Dand not-so-subtleWitcherhomageRoach Race, and these serve as cute, worthwhile diversions. But CD Projekt Red could double-down on these sorts of parodical video games inProject Orion, making them less like fun Easter eggs and more like Gwent;Project Orioncould have a game-within-a-game that is a major part of Night City (or whatever the setting winds up being) culture, allowing players to challenge NPCs in in-universe FPS, fighting, or strategy games.
IfProject Orionends up featuring multiplayer, as its predecessor was initially supposed to, then a Gwent-like game-within-a-game could serve as its canon framework.
Apart from simply being a fun side activity, this sort of futuristic Gwent equivalent would be an interesting way forProject Orionto leverage its cyberpunk setting. The tech ofCyberpunk 2077, such as BDs, would allow for truly bizarre and advanced gaming experiences, and allowing players to engage with these experiences in a deep, expansive way could deepen immersion and elevate world-building.
There’s alreadyso much to do inCyberpunk 2077, and all this side content serves to strengthen the connections players have to its setting. Crucially, the game’s side content is believable and consistent with its sci-fi backdrop. Some sort of competitive, in-universe game fits these criteria, and it could wind up being one ofProject Orion’s best optional activities, reaching the same highs asThe Witcher 3’s Gwent.
Cyberpunk 2077
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?
