Five Must-Play Games for Cyberpunk 2077 Enthusiasts

Cyberpunk 2077, developed and published by the acclaimed Polish company CD Projekt Red, has stirred up a frenzy among gamers with its engaging storyline, immersive world-building, and intriguing characters. This RPG offers a sci-fi, dystopian world viewed through the eyes of a customizable protagonist named V. Despite its charm, the game has also received a fair share of criticism due to its bugs. For gamers who savored the cyberpunk genre but sought alternatives with similar appeal, we offer a handpicked list of five games that match up with Cyberpunk 2077's style and allure.

1. Deus Ex: Mankind Divided

Developed by Eidos Montréal, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided serves as a direct sequel to the 2011 game Deus Ex: Human Revolution. It blends cyberpunk elements, dystopian society, and actions within an RPG framework.

Gameplay, Story, and Setting

In this game, you control a former SWAT officer, Adam Jensen, who is enhanced with cybernetic augmentations. As Jensen, you embark on missions using combat, hacking, stealth, and social interaction mechanisms that can influence the game's outcome. The storyline explores themes of transhumanism, with a compelling narrative set in a bleak future where society is divided by hatred, prejudice, and fear.

2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Though not a cyberpunk game per se, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is another masterpiece from CD Projekt Red. It has won the hearts of many gamers around the globe due to a reason: storytelling.

Gameplay, Story, and Setting

The game navigates through morally complex quests, rich character arcs in an enchanting world full of supernatural beings. You play as Geralt of Rivia, a seasoned monster-hunter, traveling across vast lands, cities, war-ravaged territories, and even ethereal realms. Although it doesn't offer the sci-fi aesthetics of Cyberpunk 2077, its captivating storytelling and detailed world-building should appeal to Cyberpunk fans.

3. Shadowrun: Dragonfall

Shadowrun: Dragonfall, developed by Harebrained Schemes, is a top-notch indie game combining elements of cyberpunk, fantasy, and turn-based tactical RPG.

Gameplay, Story, and Setting

Dragonfall offers turn-based tactical combat, team management, and a rich RPG experience. You play as a shadowrunner, functioning in the gritty underbelly of a future, fantastical Berlin. As the story unfolds, the game's mature narrative, complex characters, and choice-driven plot will grip you until the very end, making this a wonderful alternative to Cyberpunk 2077.

4. Observer

Developed by Bloober Team, Observer is a psychological horror video game suffused with cyberpunk elements. It creates a world tormented by plagues, war, and cybernetic modifications.

Gameplay, Story, and Setting

You explore this dystopian world as Dan Lazarski (played by the late Rutger Hauer), a neural detective known as an Observer. Using your abilities, you hack into people's minds as a method of interrogation and piece together the narrative. Observer delivers a gripping story with enough cybernetic enhancements, body horror, and mystical aesthetics to hook any fan of the cyberpunk genre.

5. System Shock 2

If you're into older games, System Shock 2 shouldn't be missed. This iconic game, developed by Looking Glass Studios and Irrational Games, is often considered the blueprint for the sci-fi and cyberpunk genres in gaming.

Gameplay, Story, and Setting

With a blend of first-person shooter, survival, and RPG elements, you find yourself trapped on a starship, invested by hostile entities known as 'The Many'. The immersive storytelling, smart character development, and the chilling atmosphere of isolation and desperation makes System Shock 2, despite its age, remain a popular choice among fans of the cyberpunk genre.

In summary, our alternatives to Cyberpunk 2077 encompass not just the cyberpunk genre but also engaging narratives, game-changing choices, and deep character interactions. While they may not all offer a similar open-world experience, each game brings an authentic charm that will engage the player in its unique world.