Cyberpunk, a genre captivating the minds of writers, directors, and game developers long before the release of the cult classic Cyberpunk 2077. Coined by Bruce Bethke in 1980, the term “cyberpunk” merges “cybernetics” and “punk” to describe a dystopian world where the boundaries between humans and machines blur. Since then, many literary works, films, and games have explored the dark facets of such a future. In this overview, we’ll delve into 5 video games that immerse players in alternative cyberpunk universes, expanding the genre’s boundaries. And if you’re into gaming and esports and have a good understanding of it, you can download Mostbet App to bet on esports tournaments, adding excitement to the matches. It’s a great opportunity to capitalize on your knowledge.
Blade Runner: Adventure in a Cult Dystopia
First on the list is the 1997 adventure game “Blade Runner,” set in the universe of the iconic film directed by Ridley Scott in 1982. The game doesn’t directly continue the film’s plot but offers a parallel adventure that complements and expands the familiar cyberpunk universe.
The world of “Blade Runner” is the quintessence of dystopian cyberpunk. Grim urban settings, saturated with smog and neon lights, create a oppressive atmosphere. Technological progress has advanced to the point where humanity began experimenting with genetic engineering, creating artificial humans – replicants. The line between humans and machines becomes increasingly blurred, raising ethical and philosophical questions about the nature of consciousness and the soul.
Observer: Nightmare in a Digital Paradise
Cyberpunk not only immerses players in the atmosphere of noir and capitalist dystopia but also creates eerie horror scenarios. The game Observer by Bloober Team is a unique example of first-person psychological cyberpunk horror.
In Observer, we play as detective Daniel Lazarski, tasked with solving a series of brutal murders. However, each new answer only spawns new mysteries. Lazarski is an “observer,” equipped with technologies to penetrate people’s minds and extract their secrets.
The game touches on themes of privacy loss and control over personal data in the digital age. A technological giant watches every step of ordinary citizens, depriving them of the right to anonymity. Observer shows how powerless people become in the face of powerful corporations possessing information.
Dark industrial locations, monstrous nightmarish visions, and suspense create a chilling dystopian horror atmosphere. If you’re looking for a cyberpunk game with elements of psychological horror, Observer is an excellent choice.
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided – Inhuman Evolution
The Deus Ex franchise is rightfully considered one of the best cyberpunk series. Its main theme is the blurred line between humans and machines, as well as the ethical questions of technological progress. In the world of Deus Ex, cybernetic implants have become commonplace. Some people have gone so far in body modifications that they have forgotten their own humanity.
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided explores the consequences of such extensive modifications. The game offers multiple gameplay options thanks to the “augmentations” system – upgrades for cybernetic implants embedded in the body, providing the protagonist with new abilities.
Players can choose different playstyles – from stealth roles to high-level brutal combat. Mankind Divided raises serious questions about the limits of permissible technological progress and its influence on human essence.
After the game’s release in 2016, the Deus Ex franchise went on a hiatus. But rumors suggest that Square Enix is ​​preparing a grandiose comeback for the cult series, once again immersing players in a unique world at the intersection of human and machine.
Ruiner: Cyberpunk in Isometric Perspective
Ruiner, a game by the Polish studio Reikon Games, is a unique example of a cyberpunk action game shot from an isometric perspective in the style of Diablo. At first glance, such a technical choice might seem limiting for the genre, but the developers masterfully managed to create a truly hopeless and majestic cyberpunk universe.
Thanks to the skillful use of light, shadows, and color palette, Ruiner immerses players in a captivating future world where megacorporations rule supreme. The visual style is complemented by a twisted, yet classic for the genre storyline about a man trying to save a relative from the clutches of corporate rulers.
However, beneath the surface narrative lies deep philosophical ideas exploring the themes of freedom and individuality loss in a technocratic society. Ruiner expertly intertwines cyberpunk aesthetics, spectacular action, and serious philosophical undertones.
In conclusion, each of the presented games offers its unique view on the cyberpunk genre, going beyond the popular Cyberpunk 2077. Whether it’s adventures in dystopian future worlds, psychological horror, reflections on the ethics of technological progress, or combat scenes – these projects deserve the attention of all cyberpunk fans.
