Project Orion Has to Feature One Character's Legacy Even if They're Absent

Cyberpunk 2077 has gone through an arc reminiscent of those contained within its own story. After its early release woes, a stream of constant updates leading up to last year’s acclaimed Phantom Liberty DLC has seen Cyberpunk 2077 go on to become one of the best regarded open-world RPGs of the past few years. Cyberpunk 2077‘s memorable campaign, incredibly realized characters, and engaging gameplay systems made a lasting impression on players. With the events of the first title and the DLC in the rearview, attention has turned to the future of the IP and the next chapter in the tale.

Developer CD Projekt Red previously announced its plans for a Cyberpunk 2077 sequel, currently known as Project Orion, in 2022. Though details are scarce at present, speculation around Project Orion‘s potential plot, locales, and other core aspects has been lively, as there are numerous outstanding items that have fans wondering about how CDPR will proceed with the franchise. One major question is whether V, the protagonist of the first title, will return to the role or if fans will see a fresh main character. However, even if Project Orion is less directly connected to the original and doesn’t feature V, there are still good reasons for them to be represented in some manner in the followup.

Even if V Isn’t in Project Orion, Their Influence Still Needs to Be Present

V’s Exploits in Cyberpunk 2077 Should Cement Their Status in the Sequel

After the prologue, V pursues a path to becoming a legendary mercenary worthy of entering Night City’s hall of fame. While this was their initial motivation, things got exponentially complicated once V and their partner in crime, Jackie Welles’, plans go awry. When V is forced to install the engram containing Johnny Silverhand’s personality into their own mind, it sends them down an even grander and deadlier road.

Much of the ensuing plot then centers around landing increasingly high-profile and dangerous jobs to keep V going while they work on solving the Johnny issue. V never really abandons the drive to rise to the cream of Night City’s crop, and many missions and side quests serve to advance this cause, often dovetailing with the investigation into the conspiracy involving Johnny and his foes at the Arasaka Corporation. By the conclusion, V has undeniably made their mark, with one of the endings even seeing them pulling off a heist in space, metaphorically writing their name in the stars. Given everything that V accomplished, Project Orion seems obliged to account for this to some degree.

How Project Orion Could Allude to V Even if They Aren’t Actually in It

While there’s a chance that V is once again the protagonist, a number of Cyberpunk 2077‘s endings seem to preclude the possibility of them returning to the spot. But V’s time in Cyberpunk 2077 and the impact of their actions should still resonate and be on display in the sequel, even if Project Orion leaves Night City behind. CD Projekt Red could choose a canon ending to confirm V’s status, which would then translate to how their presence might be felt.

At the very least, Project Orion should contain passing references to V and their deeds. Notes or Easter Eggs scattered throughout that call back to V would meld well even if the sequel jumps locations or timelines. Other ways to solidify V’s legacy could be something like various NPCs discussing them and their history, potentially through other returning characters like Misty or Viktor. CDPR could even play with expectations and quest design. Perhaps fans receive a communication from someone claiming to be V, which leads to a string of missions that resemble some of those V themselves took on.

Another more elaborate option might be a hidden quest chain that requires specific choices or interactions to unlock; one that results in V appearing in a brief cameo as a reward for dedicated players. No matter what direction Project Orion might go in and the changes it introduces, though, it seems compelled to touch on V’s adventures, and provide some mention of them.

Franchise

Cyberpunk

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Released

December 10, 2020

Engine

REDengine 4

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ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol

How Long To Beat

25 Hours

Steam Deck Compatibility

yes

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X|S Optimized

Xbox Series X|S players can also download Update 2.1 and enjoy all the new content available in the game

PS Plus Availability

N/A

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OpenCritic Rating

Strong

Cross Save

yes

Cross-Platform Play

ps, xbox, pc

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