Judy’s Cyberpunk 2077 Story: A Missed Opportunity for Deep Character Development

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Despite the intricate and expansive narratives of Cyberpunk 2077, it somehow finds a balance between wrapping up many character arcs while also keeping numerous plot threads unresolved. The vast and dynamic landscape of Night City provides ample room for Project Orion to delve into, particularly given the ambiguous state of V at the end of Cyberpunk 2077. As for who might be the protagonist in the sequel, that remains a mystery. However, it’s plausible that any number of characters from Cyberpunk 2077 could resurface and intersect with a new protagonist character in Project Orion. Among those who might deserve a comeback the most is Judy Alvarez.

Judy’s Storyline in Cyberpunk 2077 is a Case of ‘Wrong Place, Wrong Time’

In the primary storyline of Cyberpunk 2077, players initially encounter Judy primarily associated with Evelyn. Even after Evelyn’s demise, Judy’s narrative remains centered around seeking revenge for Evelyn.

In simpler terms, all characters like Panam, River, and Kerry become fully focused on their goals when V gets involved, but the conclusion of Judy’s storyline might not be as satisfying compared to others. The game allows players to get sidetracked by adventures with Panam Palmer or exploring the nomadic Aldecaldos in Cyberpunk 2077, potentially causing players to overlook V’s personal struggles temporarily.

In many instances, Panam’s personal matters with Raffen Shiv or Kang Tao take center stage, but scenes where players join Panam are generally more enjoyable or light-hearted, offering a welcome break from other storylines that can be quite harsh. River’s journey is emotionally taxing, if not for the player then certainly for River himself, yet it concludes with a fun NCPD simulation and a satisfying meal of jambalaya. Similarly, Kerry’s storyline ends on a note of pleasant release.

While Panam often deals with serious matters, having players along makes those moments more enjoyable. River’s story is intense, but it finishes with fun and food, while Kerry’s ends in a moment of peaceful resolution.

In Panam’s storyline, the tone tends to be more playful, while Judy’s explores heavier themes such as suicide and delves into the gloomy, seedy aspects of Night City, portraying it as a dismal, filthy place.

Judy’s Questline Ends Right as Things Get Wholesome

Later on, when it appears Judy might fall into an unending downward spiral, she invites V to journey through her memories as they explore her old neighborhood that’s now underwater due to flooding from her childhood. This sequence ends with the reappearance of Evelyn, but this is quickly followed by a private scene and the opportunity for players to pursue a deep, romantic relationship if they choose to do so.

From now on, I’ve wrapped up my questline in this game, and that means players can now share gifts with me and invite me over to their apartments anytime they please! It’s fantastic to know that I can pop by their place as often as they want, but it’s starting to feel like the more I visit, the more I seem to lose my depth as a character. Instead of engaging in meaningful conversations, I find myself stuck in repetitive dialogues and interactions, which makes me feel less like a well-developed love interest and more like an NPC.

The storylines in River and Kerry’s version of Cyberpunk 2077 are not only shortened but also located far from the main storyline, particularly Kerry’s, which doesn’t start until almost the very last moment before players reach a point of no return in the campaign. As a result, these side stories may not carry the same weight as those of Panam or Judy.

The storyline of Panam is engaging and leaves us wanting more in the future of the franchise. It provides fascinating insights into the outskirts of Night City and offers an excellent companion character. However, her story seems to be nicely wrapped up without any lingering questions about her character. It would be fantastic if we could witness how Judy has developed since the events of Cyberpunk 2077’s Project Orion. This way, players can learn more about her as she navigates a life outside the turmoil of Night City.

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2025-01-20 01:06