Cyberpunk 2077: Project Orion Can’t Walk Back One Phantom Liberty Addition

Cyberpunk 2077: Project Orion Can't Walk Back One Phantom Liberty Addition

As a seasoned Night City denizen and a connoisseur of all things cyberware, I can confidently say that the relic point system in Cyberpunk 2077’s Phantom Liberty DLC was nothing short of a game-changer. It was like having Keanu Reeves’ Johnny Silverhand whispering sweet, powerful upgrades into my ear canal.


Despite starting off with a rocky debut similar to the ancient artifact stuck in its main character’s mind, Cyberpunk 2077 eventually managed to meet and surpass many players’ anticipations prior to release. The post-launch adjustments and improvements by CD Projekt Red peaked with the concurrent releases of Update 2.0 and the Phantom Liberty expansion pack last September. Alongside the new espionage plotline in Cyberpunk 2077, this significant content upgrade overhauled several gameplay mechanics, enabling players to further customize their character V.

As CD Projekt Red works on Project Orion, the sequel to the game, they stand to gain valuable insights from their previous projects, such as Update 2.0 and Phantom Liberty. While certain modifications like the clothing system overhaul in Update 2.0 might be discarded, a feature introduced in the DLC that deserves to be incorporated into the next installment is relic points.

The Value of Cyberpunk 2077’s Relic Points

Unlike most modifications in this latest update, the relic point system was exclusive to players who had purchased Phantom Liberty and delved into the seedy side of Dogtown. Traversing through this newly introduced area allowed players to gather relic points by retrieving them from numerous Militech data terminals strategically placed throughout the map. These points could then be employed to expand a novel skill tree, linked with V’s biochip from the primary narrative.

As a gamer, I must say that in the world of Cyberpunk 2077, relic points have become an integral part of my character’s journey. These points didn’t just blend into the game’s narrative, they amplified V’s power like never before. With these points, I could break free the lethal cyberware implanted in my arms, spot vulnerabilities on enemies for extra critical hits, activate optical camo during fights, and much more. This system complemented the perks and cyberware in Cyberpunk 2077 beautifully, offering me the chance to tailor V even further and significantly boost combat effectiveness.

A Relic-Fueled Power Fantasy in Night City

In the hypothetical scenario where V reappears as the lead character in Project Orion, CD Projekt Red might want to keep the relic point system unaltered. This is because, in many video game sequels such as Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood, developers choose to remove a protagonist’s upgrades from the previous title. The main reason for this is to establish a smooth power progression for players and avoid designing encounters based on high-level abilities from an earlier game. This method helps ensure a balanced and enjoyable gaming experience.

From a developer’s point of view, this design approach might make sense, but it’s widely disliked by gamers. Players aren’t keen on spending vast amounts of time playing just to get a small fraction of the power they had at the end of the last game. Project Orion should lean into the power fantasy that Phantom Liberty offered its players more. Instead of gradually unlocking V’s abilities from the previous game, make these skills the starting point for progression in this new game. It might seem challenging to balance, but the Cyberpsychosis concept from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners could be utilized effectively. This would allow for overpowered builds while also encouraging players to think about moderation.

As a gaming enthusiast diving into the next chapter of this epic saga, I firmly believe that Relic Points, or a fitting alternative tailored to the new storyline, should definitely be part of the mix. These points played a crucial role in shaping the dynamic gameplay experience of Phantom Liberty, making it both chaotic and smooth. Moreover, they provided an engaging incentive for us gamers to delve deeper into CD Projekt Red’s masterfully crafted world. The significance that Relic Points brought to Cyberpunk 2077 should not be underestimated, especially when we’re discussing what elements will find their way into Project Orion.

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2024-09-28 21:06