Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Shows One 2077 Cyberware Must Shine in Project Orion

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Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Shows One 2077 Cyberware Must Shine in Project Orion

As a seasoned gamer with decades worth of experiences under my belt, I can confidently say that the Cyberpunk franchise has come a long way since its rocky start. The latest addition to the franchise, Project Orion, promises to be even better, and I couldn’t be more excited!

This article contains spoilers for
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
.

Anticipation surrounds the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, titled Project Orion. Given the game’s initially rough launch, this statement might have been unexpected earlier, but the franchise has experienced a remarkable resurgence since then. This recovery is partly attributed to the significant gameplay improvements in Update 2.0 and the release of the highly praised Phantom Liberty story expansion DLC. However, even before these updates and the Phantom Liberty DLC were launched last year, Cyberpunk 2077 managed to regain a lot of goodwill due to Netflix’s Cyberpunk: Edgerunners anime series.

In partnership with Studio Trigger, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners chronicles the journey of young mercenary David Martinez, set amidst the bustling metropolis of Night City in the world of Cyberpunk 2077. The anime surpassed the game in many aspects when it came to exploring the rich setting of Cyberpunk. Interestingly, CD Projekt Red utilized elements from the anime as inspiration for several changes made in Update 2.0. Since Project Orion is still under development, there’s a chance that they can integrate beloved features from Edgerunners right from the start, rather than adding them later via a patch update. One such feature that could enhance gameplay and player decision-making significantly is the Sandevistan OS.

The Significance of the Sandevistan in the Cyberpunk Franchise

At the beginning of the series, David discovers a top-tier cybernetic device called the Sandevistan and installs it in his body. This gadget enhances his senses and speed, creating the illusion for him that time is slowing down. He employs this technology to outsmart adversaries and defeat them before they can comprehend what’s happening. However, activating the Sandevistan comes with a heavy price. It puts a great strain on both the user’s mind and body. Although David has a strong resistance to cybernetics, his frequent use of the Sandevistan increases his risk of developing a mental disorder called cyberpsychosis.

The Sandevistan’s Appearance in Cyberpunk 2077

In the game as well, the Sandevistan feature is included and became a standout aspect for numerous builds following Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.0. Just like David, players have the option to equip V with a variant of the Sandevistan, allowing them to temporarily slow down time during driving or combat situations. Although it’s entertaining, the game’s Sandevistan doesn’t quite live up to its portrayal in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.

Bringing the Sandevistan to Project Orion

In Project Orion, it would be ideal for the Sandevistan to operate similar to its depiction in Edgerunners rather than how it functions in Cyberpunk 2077. When combined with appropriate enhancements and cyberware, users of the Sandevistan in 2077 could prove formidable in combat; however, they may not reach the same level of power as a fully optimized Cyberdeck OS build. Nevertheless, the Sandevistan doesn’t always deliver the power fantasy players anticipate after watching Edgerunners. The device’s limited timer and slow recharge rate are noticeable, particularly at the game’s beginning. Despite these constraints being intended to maintain balance with the time dilation effect, CD Projekt Red could remove these limitations, making their next game more engaging.

CD Projekt Red might benefit from enhancing the complexity of all their cyberware, with the Sandevistan being a prime candidate for enhancement, given the acclaim of Edgerunners. Many gamers are eager to witness a more extensive portrayal of this tool. The developers have numerous options to make it as impactful as its representation in the anime. They could potentially abolish the time constraint and recharge rate, since they already possess an effective method to regulate Sandevistan usage within the game’s narrative: cyberpsychosis.

Balancing an Upgraded Sandevistan in Project Orion

In Update 2.0, Cyberpsychosis was incorporated into Cyberpunk 2077, primarily serving to establish a cyberware limit and impose penalties if players exceed it. However, if Project Orion reintroduces the cyberpsychosis system for the Sandevistan, making it operate similar to its portrayal in Edgerunners – with initial bleeding effects and potential insanity for overexertion – it would provide a much more engaging method to balance the Sandevistan. This way, players could immerse themselves in the authentic David Martinez experience: wielding immense power at the cost of potentially losing their own sanity.

Sandevistan Variants in Project Orion

In addition to what Project Orion already offers with the Sandevistan, it could explore variations as an expansion. The Netflix series “Edgerunners” demonstrated two distinct versions of the Sandevistan: one used by David and another owned by Adam Smasher. These versions have unique functions and maximum power levels. In the game “Cyberpunk 2077”, there are several Sandevistans to select, but their differences mainly involve minor stat increases. Taking Sandevistan variations a step further in Project Orion would provide a means to distinguish different playthroughs, particularly considering the popularity of Sandevistan builds. This could also deepen the narrative surrounding the corporations that create each unique Sandevistan.

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2024-10-13 03:24