Cyberpunk is a science-fiction sub-genre dealing with the integration of society and technology in dystopian settings. Often referred to as “low-life and high tech,” Cyberpunk stories deal with outsiders (punks) who fight against the oppressors in society (usually mega corporations that control everything) via technological means (cyber). If the punks aren’t actively fighting against a megacorp, they’re still dealing with living in a world completely dependent on high technology.
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What was the first cyberpunk video game you played? Were you playing the point & click adventure games back on DOS? Shadowrun on SNES? Deus Ex on PC? Or did you just recently discover this thing called "cyberpunk" with Cyberpunk 2077?
I'm curious how long everyone here has been into cyberpunk.
Shadowrun origins but I didn't get as far in it as I should have. First finished was Transistor.
Pretty sure it was the SNES Shadowrun for me. I was already familiar with Shadowrun from books and the tabletop RPG and I got a Swedish copy of it because the english version wasn't available yet. I eventually got a used copy of the English version as well.
I did play Deus Ex at some point after and I had great time with it, but I don't think I ever played the second game for some reason.
I recall trying the OG Syndicate game at some point as well, but I'm pretty sure that well after I had exhausted the first 2 X-com games, and I was looking for more strategy stuff. No idea really when that was, but definetely after Shadowrun.
Have you tried playing the Shadowrun game for Genesis? For someone with fond memories of the SNES game, I wonder how the Genesis game would compare.
No, I didn't have a Genesis/Mega Drive and the only friend who had it never got the game either. I did look into playing it with an emulator, but never had the time.
Pen and paper Shadowrun was my first and still main cyberpunk game. And I really haven't played it much.
I'm a fan of the genre in general but cyberpunk games tend to be expansive dialogue-driven RPGs that my middle-aged ass ain't got time for. It's a shame, I'd probably love the writing for Disco Elysium and Cyberpunk 2077, but if I've only got so many gaming hours in a week, imma likely spend it on a roguelite or action game instead for the excitement and dopamine. Just being real.
I did go on a nice Philip K Dick spree for a while and enjoy his stories. William Gibson was difficult when I first gave Neuromancer a read and I didn't look into him farther, but I'm probably due. Another backlog for the fire.
Crazy, I'm the exact opposite. My middle-aged ass doesn't have time for repetitive roguelite games with no sense of accomplishment. I actually prefer the linear gameplay where no matter how much (or little) I play in one sitting, I'm still further in the game than when I started. Although, I still prefer games with ~10-15 hours of gameplay. I don't have the time/patience for a 40+ hour epic RPG.
As for William Gibson, if you're willing to get back into it, I recommend The Peripheral. It's a more recent book (so Gibson has grown as an author) and it's a more modern take on the cyberpunk genre. Also, Amazon turned it into a tv series that lasted one season. They renewed it for a second but then decided it was too expensive and cancelled it.
My problem is I forget half of what was going on and lose all momentum. At least with like Darkest Dungeon or Vampire Survivors I get some progression between runs.
But yeah I'll check that out, thanks!
@Hammerjack sadly didn't have to play any of those, but I played cyberpunk 2077. do you have any recommendations? since I'm getting to like the cyberpunk genre of games!
It really depends on what genre of games you like, can you give me any hints?
In general, if you like the first-person perspective action RPGs like Cyberpunk 2077 definitely check out Deus Ex: Human Revolution and its sequel Deus Ex: Mankind Divided. If you like 2d action RPGs, check out Dex.
If you like twin-stick shooters, check out Ruiner or The Ascent. I absolutely loved The Ascent.
If you like turn-based RPGs, check out Shadowrun: Dragonfall.
If you like point-and-click adventure games, check out VirtuaVerse or Technobabylon.
If you like walking simulators (first-person, no combat), check out Observer or maybe Nobody Wants To Die (which I haven't played yet).
If you like roguelikes, check out Akane or Black Future '88.
@Hammerjack I play The As cent, I loved the way the world is built. I played it with my brother since we like co-op games. Still didn't finish it tho, but yes I lean more to action RPGs like cyberpunk 2077, thanks for the recommendations! 🙂
About 18 years ago I played a Cyberpunk video game which was essentially a Diablo 2 clone. But for the life of me, I can't remember the name of it.
I've been playing the Cyberpunk 2020 pen & paper rpg for about 19 years and been running it as a GM for about 14 years.
Then came the Cyberpunk 2077 video game, which I loved, and shortly afterwards I started GMing the Cyberpunk:Red p&p rpg (still running it since on a weekly basis).
I also got into video games like Detroit: Become Human, Nobody wants to die and Observer: System Redux after Cyberpunk 2077.
About 18 years ago I played a Cyberpunk video game which was essentially a Diablo 2 clone. But for the life of me, I can’t remember the name of it.
Sounds like a fun challenge! Could it have been Cybermercs: The Soldiers of the 22nd Century? Or maybe Restricted Area? I actually don't know, I just tried searching for cyberpunk-like diablo clones from ~2002. That's a tough one.
It actually was Restricted Area, lol. Thank you!
I've had Nobody Wants To Die on my wishlist for awhile but can't decide if it's worth it. What'd you think of the game?
I enjoyed it quite a lot. The storytelling was great and so were the visuals. In case you'd love a Cyberpunk meets Batman: The animated series crossover, I'd say go for it! Plus there's different endings depending on some key choices.
Probably SS2, but I feel like there might be something earlier
I believe it was:
Street Fighter 2010: The Final Fight
from 1990 for the NES.
and if that's the game I'm thinking of, it is a pretty cool game.
That game was so weird! I was always so confused why it was called Street Fighter when it was a 2d platformer in space.
Deus Ex, one of the best RPG's ever. Ashamed they kind of ran that IP down to the ground