Sequel to Cyberpunk 2077: Can Melee Weapons Compete with Arm Cyberware?

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As a devoted admirer of Cyberpunk 2077, I can’t help but express my anticipation for the potential expansion of cyberware in its upcoming sequel, tentatively named Project Orion. In this futuristic world, cyberware seamlessly merges with our characters, often making it challenging to distinguish between organic and mechanical components unless a preferred cyberware is chosen or one stands out distinctly, such as the Reinforced Tendons legs implant that enables double-jumping or the Smart Link hands implant for connecting to Smart weapons.

On the contrary, the diverse array of Power and Tech firearms and the quirky, innovative melee weapons players can collect are equally intriguing, as they reflect the unique strategies players might employ in combat and their desired character build.

In the game Cyberpunk 2077, it’s likely that players will have to make an effort to engage in close-quarters melee combat since firearms and quickhacks are more effective and efficient. However, the game offers a well-structured system for those who prefer a melee playstyle, whether they choose Blade, Blunt, or Throwable weapons. Yet, cyberware on arms can complicate this approach, particularly in terms of how it influences melee combat. Despite the fun factor of wielding katanas, knives, baseball bats, and other phallic objects, melee-focused cyberware like Mantis Blades, Monowire, and Guerrilla Arms might outshine them.

Melee Weapons Underwhelm in Cyberpunk 2077 with Arm Cyberware in the Picture

As a gamer, I can tell you that Cyberpunk 2077 is just like any other dream gun – handgun, assault rifle, shotgun, or sniper – but it also has an impressive selection of melee weapons to wield. Some of these are quite quirky, like the Blunt weapon you can get after having a secret meeting with Meredith Stout at the No-Tell Motel.

Characters are considered “wild” due to their distinctive features, such as the Jinchu-maru katana that multiplies damage by four when an opponent’s health exceeds the player’s and boosts critical hit chances by 100% during Kerenzikov’s activation. The names of some Iconics can also take on a more ominous tone based on context; for example, discovering a seemingly ordinary melee weapon named “Tinker Bell” cattle prod gives it a significantly creepier vibe.

In essence, melee weapons may not measure up against firearms in situations where enemies hide at a distance, and they don’t capture the authentic ‘cyberpunk’ look or rarity associated with Cyberpunk 2077’s arm cyberware. Consequently, using melee weapons doesn’t often provide the same thrill as enhancing a melee implant with arm cyberware.

Absolutely, players might also discover equally captivating experiences by opting for character builds that utilize a melee weapon, with the ability to switch to another melee weapon from options like the Mantis Blades, Monowire, or Guerrilla Arms.

Regarding melee weapons, their iconic abilities and special effects could potentially surpass that of arm cyberware due to its limited range of options across different types. On the flip side, arm cyberware gained added importance in Phantom Liberty through Relic skill enhancements.

Melee weapons have unique abilities and special effects that might be more powerful than arm cyberware because there are fewer variations within each type. However, arm cyberware became more significant in Phantom Liberty by using Relic skill perks.

In the game Cyberpunk 2077, Mantis Blades stand out as stylish additions to V’s arms, functioning like dual blades. Adding a katana or throwing knife might seem redundant due to their similar nature. However, creating melee weapons as captivating as arm cyberware is challenging in the game. Regardless, melee weapons remain valuable tools for combat; they simply don’t offer the same level of novelty and genre-appropriateness as arm cyberware does.

Translation: Swift tips, such as infecting an opponent with Contagion prior to shooting them with a revolver adds a unique twist to gameplay by merging two distinct styles, whereas wielding a baseball bat and Guerrilla Arms simultaneously might seem unnecessary. Project Orion now faces the difficult task of ensuring that melee weapons and cyberware implants feel different and engaging on their own.

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2025-01-22 02:13