Cyberpunk 2077 Sequel Could Bring Back the Iconic Skippy Weapon

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As a devoted fan, it’s bittersweet to acknowledge that my adventure through the neon-lit streets of Night City in Cyberpunk 2077 has reached its conclusion with the release of version 2.0 and Phantom Liberty DLC. CD Projekt Red has now set their sights on new horizons, primarily focusing on the development of The Witcher 4. Post-Witcher 4, we can anticipate a remake of the original Witcher game, currently in production.

However, the future is promising for Night City as CD Projekt Red has already embarked on the development of a Cyberpunk 2077 sequel, codenamed Project Orion. Although V might not be our main character this time around, familiar faces like Skippy will undoubtedly make their return to the cityscape.

In the game “Cyberpunk 2077”, Skippy stood out as an exceptional Smart Gun unlike any other in the game. Unlike typical AI for such a label, Skippy was equipped with a fully-voiced AI to perform its functions, however, this AI had lost its memory due to a past event. Despite not being exceptionally useful in combat, Skippy’s unique concept and cool factor made it one of the most impactful items in the game. When CD Projekt Red revisits the “Cyberpunk” franchise after completing their other projects, it would be disappointing if Skippy wasn’t brought back as a tribute to the original game.

What Made Skippy Special in Cyberpunk 2077

Skippy wasn’t renowned for its immense power – it was a good weapon, but nothing extraordinary – but what made it stand out was its distinct personality. Upon encountering Skippy in a secluded alley of Night City, V is presented with two choices: utilize Skippy as a relentless killer or a pacifist who values peace above all else.

As a gamer, I’ve got this character, Skippy, who adjusts his firing pattern based on my choices. If I opt for the peaceful route, he’ll make sure the bullets hit limbs instead of heads. But if I go for the kill-crazy option, he’ll target heads. Here’s a twist though: After I rack up 50 kills, Skippy takes it upon himself to switch things up, defaulting to the opposite choice I made initially, and that sticks for the rest of my playthrough. There’s no way to alter Skippy’s settings once he’s made his decision, except by going back to a previous save and picking the other option.

What truly sets Skippy apart is its AI’s lifelike quality, which occasionally offers comments on a wide range of topics such as V’s combat skills, programming issues, and even its own regrets about being controlled by a sociopath who doesn’t appreciate human life. Its witty, self-aware remarks that break the fourth wall are what make Skippy unique, making it an excellent candidate for a potential Cyberpunk 2077 follow-up. This could be achieved either by continuing the story directly or creating a spiritual successor.

How Skippy’s Story Could Continue in the Project Orion

In the game’s narrative, Skippy, the sentient gun, ceases to exist when he’s returned to his original owner, Regina Jones, at the end of his quest. However, V manages to retrieve the gun later in the game, but it no longer contains Skippy; it’s just a regular Smart Gun. It’s important to note that Skippy’s tale doesn’t conclude here; there are numerous possibilities for his return in the sequel. One straightforward way could be a continuation of the story itself. Interestingly, in Regina’s text message proposing Skippy to V, she hints that the AI isn’t actually dead, but rather returned to the “technician who created him.

In the Project Orion, there’s a possibility that this technical expert might reappear, carrying the revamped Skippy AI within a modernized device, equipped with advanced capabilities and interactive features. Alternatively, Skippy could serve both as an independent personal assistant and a witty commentator, potentially taking over Johnny Silverhand’s role in delivering expository elements when the plot requires it.

Skippy-Inspired Weapons Could Also Take Center Stage

A possible way for CD Projekt RED to develop Skippy differently is by introducing another autonomous AI entity that shares similar characteristics, but operates independently of Blackwall’s oversight. This new entity could be a real-life AI integrated into a firearm instead of just a game simulation. The AI would respond dynamically to the player’s actions in real-time, making it an innovative addition to the game. The concept has been hinted at before, and it seems fitting for the Cyberpunk universe. Having a robotic voice delivering fourth-wall-breaking monologues from within a sci-fi weapon would be quite appropriate on several levels. To take it one step further, players could even command this AI directly in the game, which could justify the “smart” in Smart Gun.

Redefining Skippy in a slightly less thrilling manner could involve transforming him into a tech-based weapon. He’d function as a netrunner assistant, automatically selecting and executing the best hacks for the current situation in real-time, eliminating the need for player input. This reimagination would perfectly capture the ultimate netrunner power fantasy: effortlessly bypassing numerous adversaries with just a glance.

Skippy, an unforgettable character, made a deep impact on fans due to his unique personality. If Skippy were to reappear in the sequel of Cyberpunk 2077, he might showcase a distinct personality altogether. For instance, he could be a pessimistic Skippy who always predicts the protagonist’s demise before every fight, an ever-optimistic Skippy who fights with a grin, or even a clueless Skippy who doesn’t grasp what’s happening, forcing players to fill in the backstory details. The possibilities for how Skippy could evolve in the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel are virtually endless. What truly matters is that he remains part of the game.

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2025-05-22 02:21