Best Games With Cybernetic Augments

Key Takeaways

Cybernetic augmentations are a core aspect of cyberpunk games, offering unique gameplay mechanics.
Modifying a character’s body in cyberpunk games symbolizes progression, providing abilities and bonuses.
Titles like Invisible, Inc., Shadowrun: Hong Kong, and The Ascent exemplify effective cyberpunk storytelling.

As a seasoned gamer with over three decades of gaming under my belt, I must say that these form entries showcase an intriguing array of titles that delve deep into the realm of cybernetics and augmentations.

In the realm of cyberpunk-fantasy as depicted in Shadowrun, and the bustling cyberpunk landscape of Night City in Cyberpunk 2077, the subgenre of cyberpunk encompasses a wide range of worlds. Embodying technological enhancements, often including biometric modifications too, is a common trait in many cyberpunk realms, and they serve as a rich resource for innovative gameplay features.

In many cyberpunk video games, enhancing a character’s physique serves as a narrative means of depicting advancement. These enhancements typically grant players special skills and hidden advantages, creating a feeling of progression and immersion within the game world. The following games showcase how impactful this can be when navigating their respective stories in this genre.

7 Invisible, Inc.

A Cyberpunk-Themed, Tactical Stealth Game

Created by the renowned Klei Entertainment, known for popular indie games like ‘Don’t Starve’ and ‘Oxygen Not Included’, ‘Invisible, Inc.’ is a sleek strategy game with an emphasis on stealth play. It also boasts a stylish cyberpunk setting brimming with corporate espionage, a theme that seamlessly aligns with the game’s stealth and hacking elements.

Following its sleek cyberpunk motif, the game Invisible, Inc. offers an array of enhancements for players to outfit their characters with. These enhancements encompass a wide spectrum, from the Subdermal Cloak that makes a character undetectable, to the Chameleon Movement which awards additional action points whenever a character is rendered cloaked.

6 Shadowrun: Hong Kong

Cybernetic Augmentations In A Cyberpunk-Fantasy World

Hong Kong, are all modeled after the tabletop RPG with the same name. These games, similar to their counterparts, are turn-based role-playing experiences set within a cyberpunk universe that incorporates elements of fantasy. The game boasts visually striking environments despite its grim backdrop, and the blend of cyberpunk and fantasy creates an unusual yet captivating atmosphere.

In simpler terms, not every character can benefit from cybernetic enhancements, also known as “cyberware.” Adding new cyberware lowers a character’s Essence, which is problematic for magic users. A decrease in Essence extends the time between casting spells and reduces the number of spell slots available. However, effectively utilizing potent cyberware can still be an effective tactic throughout the gameplay.

5 The Ascent

A Cyberpunk ARPG With Frenetic Gameplay

In the realm of cyberpunk gaming, I’ve found myself utterly captivated by “The Ascent.” As a player, I’m navigating a gritty, futuristic world from an overhead perspective, blending twin-stick shooter mechanics with RPG elements. The game’s sleek visuals, intricately designed environment, and nostalgic run-and-gun gameplay create a harmonious blend that serves up a thrilling, fast-paced, and deeply engaging action adventure.

In The Ascent, much like other RPGs, you have the ability to advance your character throughout the game via a development system. One method of enhancing your character involves obtaining cybernetic and biometric upgrades, such as “Tentakill,” which unleashes robotic tentacles from the ground to attack surrounding adversaries.

4 Cruelty Squad

A Vivid And Wildly Creative Assault On The Eyes

This intense, visually striking first-person shooter, though arguably overwhelming, offers a vibrant and creative gaming experience, characterized by swift and chaotic action sequences. In this game, players assume the role of a mercenary, pursuing targets across diverse settings, which bears resemblance to the format seen in games like Hitman. The experimental visual design aligns with the game’s grim and violent narrative, but it might be the initial deterrent for potential gamers.

The “Cruelty Squad” game is primarily characterized by its immersive-sim style level design and structure, along with a spark of curiosity it ignites in its players. Although it appears to be straightforward, it includes various enhancements that players can earn, several of which alter the manner levels can be navigated.

3 Deus Ex: Human Revolution

An Accessible Entry Point To The Series

Deus Ex is widely recognized among video game enthusiasts, particularly those who appreciate the less common immersive-sim genre. Despite its status as a gaming icon, it might be challenging for beginners to get into. In contrast, Deus Ex: Human Revolution stands out as an easily approachable immersive-sim that blends stealth and action in a richly varied manner.

In Deus Ex: Human Revolution, the skill system is centered around cybernetic enhancements, fitting with the game’s cyberpunk setting. These augmentations offer a wide range of abilities, such as nullifying fall damage using the Icarus Landing System and gaining resistance to flash grenades through the Flash Suppressant.

2 Cyberpunk 2077

A Sprawling RPG In A Cyberpunk City

Despite its rocky debut, Cyberpunk 2077 has remarkably transformed into a vast open-world RPG, showcasing an impressive narrative and immersive cyberpunk atmosphere in the bustling Night City. Players will find themselves drawn into the game’s captivating storyline as they delve deeper into the city, encountering characters with cybernetic enhancements while also upgrading their own abilities along the way.

The cybernetic enhancements players can collect are pricey, requiring them to accumulate a substantial amount of money to buy some of the costlier pieces. These upgrades can be incredibly potent, leading players to gradually reduce their characters’ humanity, reflecting the conventional motifs found in cyberpunk narratives.

1 Caves Of Qud

A Sci-Fi Fantasy Rogue-Like RPG With Powerful Cybernetics

In simpler terms, this old-school role-playing game with rogue-like elements offers strategic turn-based battles where smart resource utilization and skillful use of powerful abilities are key. Players traverse an open-world blending handcrafted and procedurally generated content from sci-fi and fantasy realms. Despite its minimalistic visuals, the game is richly imaginative and immersive, boasting a captivating, creatively designed universe.

In the thrilling world of Caves Of Qud, I, as a player, get to create characters that fall into two main categories: Mutants and True Kin. Mutants, crafted by a diverse array of mutations, offer me extraordinary abilities. On the other hand, the True Kin can enhance themselves with cutting-edge cybernetic implants. Unlike my Mutant counterparts, though, I, as a True Kin, must embark on an adventurous journey across the game’s landscape to uncover and collect more cybernetics if I aspire to unlock additional powers.

2024-09-15 16:34