How Cyberpunk 2077’s NCPD Could Become More Frightening in a Sequel

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The sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, tentatively named Project Orion, sparks curiosity for multiple reasons. One of the main reasons is the rich foundation laid by its predecessor. As CD Projekt Red refined during the final stages of the Cyberpunk 2077 redemption project, they focused on the NCPD, integrating them more deeply into gameplay through chase mechanics reminiscent of Grand Theft Auto. Project Orion could potentially expand on this idea.

In the world of Cyberpunk 2077, the National City Police Department (NCPD) is notorious for its corruption. However, there are exceptions like Regina Jones who appear to navigate Night City’s criminal underworld with integrity intact. Yet, it’s important to note that the NCPD as a whole is largely perceived as a facade, masking its true intention of serving the people.

A year prior to the game’s storyline, the NCPD underwent privatization, transforming into a quasi-military force with strong connections to the private prison system. Essentially, the NCPD operates more like a corporation within the grim capitalist society of Cyberpunk 2077, and this bleak reality might intensify in future installments of the game.

To put it simply, there’s no mention here about MaxTac, an elite squad of highly trained, chrome-plated combat experts who operate under the guise of law enforcement.

Project Orion Can Make the NCPD More Intimidating and Impactful

Honing In On Corruption Could Make the NCPD a Greater Threat in Project Orion

It’s not unexpected that the NCPD in Night City is heavily influenced by corruption, with many officers displaying behavior as bullies or leaning towards greed rather than upholding justice. The lack of supervision and the profit-focused mentality of private industry make it highly unlikely for the police force to be a beneficial presence in the city.

In the game “Project Orion”, it might be intriguing if players encountered more corrupt police officers, shedding light on the dangers of unchecked power and desperation. The game could introduce a character akin to Frank Tenpenny from “GTA San Andreas”; a ruthless sociopath who abuses their authority for personal gain and chaos. This character would fit perfectly in a sequel to “Cyberpunk 2077”, given its dark setting and narrative, as the consequences of police misconduct would be more severe. By showcasing the unbridled corruption facilitated by privatized law enforcement, we could make the NCPD a more chilling and unsettling force.

Project Orion Could Make Cops Scarier On the Gameplay Front as Well

Initially, upon release, Cyberpunk 2077 lacked a comprehensive law enforcement system, however, subsequent updates have significantly enhanced this aspect of the game. Nowadays, in the game, cops will respond when they spot V and will chase them if they enter a vehicle. The more criminal activities you commit, the more police presence increases according to your level of wantedness. Although it’s not as detailed or engaging as Grand Theft Auto’s police system, the updated NCPD is a significant improvement compared to the game at launch, making encounters with law enforcement a concern in the open world.

Enhancing the complexity and persistence of this system within Project Orion would undoubtedly make the NCPD appear more formidable. Maybe law enforcement officials could adopt a wider range of tactics to apprehend the player, leveraging advanced technology such as EMPs or quickhacks. It’s worth noting that the world of Cyberpunk 2077 provides numerous innovative ways for conflict, but the NCPD, in its present form, doesn’t fully utilize these possibilities. In Project Orion, the NCPD could potentially boost its budget substantially and reduce its moral reservations, given its challenges in controlling escalating crime rates in the first game.

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2025-01-06 21:18