Since receiving our first glimpse of Cyberpunk 2077 in E3 2018, the hype has been more real than Snoop Dogg in the mid-'90s. But despite all the excitement it’s generated through its dystopian Sci-fi setting, as well as a premise that seems to blur the lines between GTA and Blade Runner, there’s still a lot we don’t know. Thankfully, the folks at CD Projekt Red released a 48-minute walkthrough video, giving us a bit of insight as to what we can expect from their latest entry. So, without further ado, here are ten things you need to know about Cyberpunk 2077’s gameplay.

10. It’s a Special Kind of RPG

Do you want to look like Sombra from Overwatch or do you want a to look like you were hit square in the face by the ugly stick? In Cyberpunk 2077, the possibilities are endless

Cyberpunk 2077 is first and foremost a role-playing game. This, of course, implies that many well-established RPG mechanics will be making an appearance here. Things like leveling, character customization, and dialogue options are nothing new, but the developers implemented two ideas that could shape up to be very interesting. The first of these is a classless leveling system, allowing the player to upgrade whatever attributes they see fit depending on their play style. Secondly, they’ve added a fascinating backstory system through which one will determine their character’s key life events which will affect how the story unfolds. These mechanics, if implemented correctly, could make for a gaming experience that’s custom-made to suit each person’s interests.

9. Up Close and Personal

Looks like we got ourselves an old-fashioned Mexican standoff...in the future

Another key element for any video game is the perspective. These will be your eyes, the key to your visual enjoyment of the game. Cyberpunk 2077 opts for a first-person view with the intention of immersing you into the action. This has been subject to criticism in some circles, and though such complaints are understandable from the viewpoint of an RPG purist, this decision certainly does have it’s benefits. The combat is visceral by design, and performing these acts of gruesome violence often leads to copious amounts of gore which can only be properly enjoyed in First Person. Sure gore is present in all sorts of games from a variety of camera angles and perspectives, but there’s nothing quite like seeing bits and pieces of your hopeless enemies flying past your character’s eyes as you blast of their limbs with a shotgun.

8. Gotta Go Fast

Bruce Willis still looking good in 2077. How do actors do it?

Speaking of which...what’s combat without a bit of a challenge? The gunplay in this game is fast-paced, encouraging constant movement as you run, slide, and shoot your way through waves of enemies in order to move from one objective to the next. You can also use “Reflex Enhancers” in order to recharge the “Kolesnikov” ability. This skill allows your character to move around in bullet time, effectively turning you into Neo from The Matrix for a short time period. How you use this ability is entirely up to you, but shooting a few bad guys and hearing the collective “thump” of their bodies upon returning to regular speed is definitely recommended.

7. Burning Down The House

Bullets make concrete crack and metal spark just as much as they make blood splatter and limbs fly

Few things are more immersive than an environment that reacts to your actions. Thankfully, Cyberpunk 2077 brings that in bunches. The most obvious of these is the destructibility of walls and other sources of cover during combat, but it goes far beyond this. The player can also equip their character with an upgrade that allows them to see the trajectory of bullets as they ricochet off of different surfaces, this adds an extra layer to the combat that simultaneously makes the player more aware of their surroundings and the effect they have on the overall experience.

6. You Make The Rules

Think before you speak! Whatever you say may have huge implications for how your story unfolds in the future

Another defining characteristic of Cyberpunk 2077 is just how open-ended the experience really is. Players are allowed to approach a “job” from a variety of angles. Want to storm a hideout guns-a-blazin'? You can do that! Or would you rather act as a peacemaker and negotiate your way out of a sticky situation? Well, you can do that, too. This is a welcome addition for those who enjoy sitting through movies and imagining what they would do if they found themselves in similar circumstances.

5. Build a Reputation

Apparel, like the Samurai Jacket, provide stats that both improve negative stat resistance as well as increase your street cred. 

As you complete more jobs, the game’s leveling system comes into play. But instead of simply earning “EXP” like in most games, Cyberpunk 2077 uses something called “Street Cred”. As your “Street Cred” increases, more people will take notice of your actions, unlocking additional jobs and contacts as you work your way up the ladder of the crime world. How you present yourself has an effect on this too; some clothes give your character a boost in “Street Cred” leveling speed, implying that “Street Cred” may be a measure of the general public’s perception of you.

4. The Night Life

The bustle and hustle of Night City will immerse the player with its almost real and lived-in environment

That same vision of total freedom expands to the game’s setting as well. Night City is a bustling metropolis that CD Project Red aims to take full advantage of in the form of an entirely open world with no loading screens. The streets are constantly crowded with hordes of leather-clad, mohawk- rocking city folk, and none of them are safe. Every corner of the city displays a darker side of its society, highlighting acts of gang violence, prostitution, and drug use as some of its major issues. One thing’s for sure, though: there’s always something going on.

3. Sort of Fast, Mostly Furious

Players have the option of driving around in first- or third-person

This ain’t Philadelphia, folks. The sun has to go down sometime. That’s to say, no game is perfect, and in Cyberpunk 2077’s case, the driving stands out as one of the more underwhelming elements shown in the video. The sense of speed is nearly absent as the car accelerates, and the turning seems nearly weightless as the vehicle almost seems to hover around corners. Additionally, the interior of the car is just bland, doing the bare minimum to immerse the player into it’s Mad Max meets Knight Rider aesthetic. This may not be a big deal to many players, but considering how much time is usually spent inside of your vehicle in today’s massive open worlds, one would expect the presentation to be a bit more appealing. It’s worth noting that Cyberpunk 2077 is still in development and these issues may indeed be fixed by the time of its release.

2. Don’t Fear The Ripperdoc

You'd trust a man wearing glasses, wouldn't you?

To put it simply, Ripperdocs are this game’s upgrade system. You can visit a Ripperdoc by going to a clinic in the open world of Night City. Here you will exchange “Eddies,” in-game currency obtained by completing jobs, for upgrades in the form of robotic body modifications. This can include new eyes that allow you to zoom in and scan objects from afar, as well as grips for your hands that let you keep track of ammo and grant a power boost to your firearms. More upgrades will presumably be added throughout the game’s development, potentially making for a leveling experience that always feels significant.

1. Pave Your Own Path

You are the master of your own fate in Cyberpunk 2077. But be prepared to deal with the consequences of your choices

Many RPGs nowadays claim your decisions will have an effect on the rest of the game. However, more often than not this applies exclusively to the story. CD Project Red, one the other hand, seeks to deviate from the norm with Cyberpunk 2077. They claim your actions will not only change the story but the entire world around you. Different groups will hold a grudge if they feel you’ve wronged them in the past, even pursuing you as you attempt to make your way through Night City. It seems your reputation will have a lasting influence on your playthrough, making every decision, scripted or not, a meaningful part of your unique Cyberpunk 2077 experience.

Do you think Cyberpunk 2077 will live up to the hype? Which of these features stood out to you? Is there something you thought was interesting that didn’t make it on the list? Let us know in the comments!

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