Why Cyberpunk 2077’s Sequel Should Continue the Star Ending Narrative

With the early whispers of Cyberpunk 2077’s sequel, Project Orion, echoing through the gaming community, fans are buzzing about what story arc CD Projekt RED should pursue. Among the original’s varied endings, “The Star” conclusion shines brightly as a prime candidate for continuation. This ending sees V embarking on a hopeful yet fraught journey with Panam and the Aldecaldos, as they leave the shadowy embrace of Night City in search of a cure. It offers a rare moment of optimism amidst the shimmering dystopia, while still capturing the signature melancholy that defines the cyberpunk genre.

Embracing “The Star” conclusion could offer CD Projekt RED a chance to expand Cyberpunk 2077’s universe beyond the neon-spattered streets of Night City. With V’s arduous path continuing beyond the cityscape, the developers could explore fresh terrains teeming with untold stories and challenges. Alternatively, they might introduce a new main character stationed within Night City, allowing V’s legend to echo as an unfinished tale whispered among the underworld and corporate titans.

One particularly intriguing avenue for Project Orion is to delve into territories beyond Night City’s hustle. The ending where V departs with the Aldecaldos opens doors to the Badlands and even more distant, unfamiliar lands. This shift would provide a stark contrast to the compact urban sprawl, introducing players to diverse cultures, settlements, and factions, each with their own stories to tell.

Expanding the role of the Aldecaldos in this sequel could highlight their sway over the broader landscape. Players might find themselves woven into narratives of resilience and defiance against the sprawling reach of corporations, extending far beyond Night City’s borders. V’s quest for a remedy blends with themes of hope and perseverance, an organic evolution from the predecessor that freshens the narrative canvas and avoids the fatigue of revisiting familiar locations.

However, anchoring the sequel to “The Star” ending inevitably raises considerations regarding player attachment to other finales. For those who cherished particular relationships, like those with Judy or River, seeing a favored storyline overlooked might diminish the emotional resonance of their choices. To address this, flashbacks, messages, or environmental storytelling could reference past decisions and provide a sense of continuity while allowing Project Orion to keep a focused narrative path.

Alternatively, introducing a new protagonist could dodge these complexities entirely. In this setup, V’s departure would become legendary within Night City’s lore, a whispered tale in the dim recesses of Afterlife or a note in corporate schematics.

Maintaining the equilibrium between the gritty cyberpunk essence and glimpses of hope stands as another significant challenge. Despite the optimism in “The Star” ending, the genre draws strength from the interplay of bright prospects and underlying dystopia. V’s narrative, though laced with potential, would still grapple with the weight of technological abuse, corporate dominance, and environmental desolation.

Opting for a bittersweet storyline seems fitting. V’s journey might be fraught with ethical dilemmas and setbacks, a trail littered with the haunting memories of Arasaka’s dark experiments. Panam and the Aldecaldos, too, could face escalating dangers, reminders that escaping the system’s grasp isn’t so easily accomplished.

Regardless of the direction, the anticipated decision to stick with V’s first-person view promises continued storytelling intimacy. This narrative choice would allow players to experience V’s tumultuous adventure firsthand, ensuring that the sequel doesn’t just live up to but surpasses the emotional depth set by its predecessor.

Ultimately, using “The Star” ending as a foundation injects strong narrative momentum into Project Orion. Whether it follows V’s ongoing quest or trails a new hero, the sequel has the potential to explore vast new regions, introduce fresh factions, and deepen Cyberpunk 2077’s emotional impact. CD Projekt RED faces the challenge of balancing choices and maintaining a dark tone yet has every opportunity to create a story that feels both faithful to the original and compellingly forward-thinking.