Why Cyberpunk 2077’s Project Orion Should Embrace Full First-Person Gameplay!

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As a gamer, I can tell you that Cyberpunk 2077 almost entirely locked its gameplay – exploration, combat, dialogue, and braindance detective segments – into a first-person perspective to make me feel completely immersed in V’s world. Initially, some players might have felt compelled to stick with the first-person view, but this choice turned out to be one of the most immersive RPG experiences ever created. However, there are exceptions. For instance, when driving, I can switch between a first-person view and a dynamic third-person chase camera whenever I want. Furthermore, in a few brief moments during cutscenes or cinematic transitions, the camera might pull back to give me an outside look at V.

In the RPG community, there are many who would enjoy having both viewpoints, but the predominantly first-person design of Cyberpunk 2077 enhances the feeling of immediacy and personal connection to Night City. Advocates for this perspective argue that the upcoming Project Orion should be a complete first-person experience, without any exceptions, thus intensifying the first-person gameplay even further.

Immersion Was Cyberpunk 2077’s Defining Strength

Stepping onto the gritty, neon-lit streets of Night City in Cyberpunk, I find myself right in the thick of it all. Scanning the crowd or getting caught up in intense firefights, the first-person perspective makes me feel like I’m really there. The towering skyscrapers loom overhead, and the pulsating bass from nightclubs vibrates through me as if I were physically standing there. Even conversations feel intimate, as though I’m face to face with the characters. This is a stark contrast to other action RPGs like Fallout 4 or Skyrim from Bethesda, where players can easily switch between first-person and third-person views on the fly.

In order to ensure that players can fully experience the unique first-person perspective CDPR has crafted for Cyberpunk 2077, offering a third-person option might be beneficial for the majority of players who are accustomed to RPGs in that mode. However, this flexibility could potentially diminish the immersive feel of the game. For instance, an epic dragon fight in Skyrim may look magnificent from a third-person viewpoint, but the intensity of face-to-face encounters is unparalleled. The decision to primarily present Cyberpunk 2077 as a first-person RPG was daring given its scale, but with advancements in metaverse, AR, and VR technology on the horizon, it was past due for a game to take the lead in this direction.

Cyberpunk 2077 Has Already Tested the Waters And Tackled Counter Arguments

A common argument brought up is the urge to appreciate the distinct personality crafted by players, particularly in games with abundant character customization such as hairstyles, cybernetic enhancements, and fashion that embodies Night City style. There’s merit in this argument: players take pride in their unique characters. However, Cyberpunk 2077 addresses this need through the implementation of Photo Mode, allowing players to view V from various perspectives.

The concept of Project Orion could be further developed by incorporating reflective surfaces more interactively across various environments, such as mirrors, polished metallic walls, and automobile interiors. This would allow gamers to see themselves as their Cyberpunk 2077 character in real-time, maintaining the immersion of living through the protagonist’s perspective, while still giving players an opportunity to admire their chosen character’s style.

Driving Remains an Area of Contention But Nothing That Can’t Be Tackled

In the game Cyberpunk 2077, many players opted for a chasing third-person camera view to enhance their spatial understanding. If the developers decide to stick with a first-person perspective, they should incorporate necessary design adjustments, such as wider side views, enhanced AR displays, precise steering controls, and so on. This will make first-person driving feel more immersive, futuristic, and exhilarating.

CDPR could achieve this by blending elements of GTA 5’s and Cyberpunk 2077’s driving systems, but set in a futuristic environment like Night City. To enhance immersion, the game could incorporate holographic HUDs that minimize blind spots for both realism and convenience. Given the cyberpunk genre’s focus on identity, augmentation, and the fluidity of reality, a fully first-person approach seems fitting. Although some players might miss the option to switch perspectives, the emotional impact and atmosphere would be heightened if Project Orion were to adopt this style.

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2025-02-03 20:48