While it's thus far been a pretty slow 2020 as far as games go, CD Projekt Red is looking to change that in a big, big way soon. Yes, the "breathtaking" RPG shooter, Cyberpunk 2077, is only a few months away. And given how stellar this upcoming role-playing romp looks, the wait can feel like a pretty long one.
But have no fear! We've assembled a list of 10 similar games to satiate your Cyberpunk cravings while you eagerly await this epic RPG.
This will be software that seems to share significant overlap with this title to some degree, whether they utilize a Cyberpunk atmosphere, or offer a Role-playing-FPS hybrid reminiscent of that game.
10 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Sure, the Medieval fantasy premise may be a far cry from a futuristic dystopian setting featuring body modifications. Regardless, The Witcher 3 stands as a solid choice for those enticed by Cyberpunk, given that this similarly massive, in-depth epic comes from the same developers, CD Projekt Red. Newcomers can definitely get a grasp on their style when playing through one of their best titles.
After all, this is the game that helped propel this studio to superstar status, eclipsing even the likes of Skyrim on the WRPG front in the eyes of many.
This can be somewhat viewed as the fantasy version of Cyberpunk, with its expansive, lavish landscapes, intricate upgrades/customizations, and loads of satisfying RPG gameplay.
9 Blade Runner
This little-known adventure game, based on the far more popular Blade Runner film, might seem like an unorthodox choice. Still, it's certainly in line with Cyberpunk 2077 thematically, featuring plenty of neon sci-fi cityscapes, along with a downtrodden protagonist and a general societal decay.
This doesn't star Deckard, but rather, offers some supplemental material for fans of the film, honing in on another man with a similar gig as a Replicant-hunting cop. This 90s point-and-click adventure provides plenty of rewarding puzzles, enhanced by that familiarly cool Blade Runner atmosphere and plot points.
8 Perfect Dark
Unlike many on our list, Perfect Dark resides pretty much strictly in FPS territory - though it's a feverishly fun and detailed one, especially for an N64 game.
At the same time, there exists that thick dystopian sci-fi vibe throughout, thanks to the exploits of the sinister dataDyne corporation. There's also an impressive amount of depth in the form of unlockables and upgrades, which does give Perfect Dark a tinge of role-playing flair. Those looking for a terrific multiplayer experience that captures at least some of the Cyberpunk essence should look no further than this Rareware gem.
7 Mass Effect 2
Much like CD Projekt Red, Bioware's emphatically made a name for themselves in the realm of WRPG epics, with their strong repertoire of games that include Dragon Age and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Yet, at least for sci-fi fans, their crowning achievement is almost undoubtedly their unique RPG odyssey, Mass Effect.
While the series has seen its ups and downs, this climactic 2nd game in the series is the best of the best, featuring a rich and dark narrative, solid mechanics, and tons of fun, action-laced gameplay. Much like Cyberpunk, you can largely choose your path for your hero through in-game choices in the form of various quests and dialogue exchanges.
6 Technobabylon
Once again, we're dealing with a slower-paced point-and-click adventure here, hardly representative of the mechanics in CD Projekt's upcoming romp. Still, if you're looking for a game that seemingly captures the vibe of Cyberpunk's dystopian premise, Technobabylon nails it, even down to the brain mods.
In this game, you must try and make your way in a hostile society rife with corruption, war, and strife, as the powers that be exploit the populace, using technology to tighten its stranglehold. Despite its 90s PC vibe, this is actually a 2015 release that contains a subtle amount of depth and narrative nuance.
5 Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon
Ubisoft managed to outdo themselves after what's largely considered the peak of the Far Cry series, with this zany retro-future spin-off of Far Cry 3.
Using the solid mechanics and open-world aspects that helped FC3 shine, this expansion keeps things feeling fresh by injecting a totally new atmosphere and style, making Blood Dragon truly stand out as a DLC package. The amount of freedom in the exploration, detailed upgrades, and cyborg-infested sci-fi settings make this a worthy choice for those intrigued by Cyberpunk.
4 Final Fantasy VII
What better way to hype yourself for CD Projekt's seemingly biggest and badest RPG than to revisit a similar epic by Square Enix?
Just as the Polish studio looks to captivate gamers following the fantastical Witcher 3, Square followed up their more traditional fantasy romps with this sleek new industrialized take on Final Fantasy. This game channeled the majestic essence of previous FF titles, while injecting a cool new cyberpunk theme. This adventure also comes with a cool revamped battle system, along with some of the most dynamic plots and characters in this rich, long-running franchise.
3 Fallout 3
One of the pinnacles of WRPGS of the previous decade, Bethesda's Fallout 3 shines as a massive leap from the already enjoyable Fallout 1 and 2 on PC. It's a terrific example of just how much expansive open-world gameplay can set the stage for an endlessly fun virtual trip.
While Cyberpunk stresses futuristic sci-fi glitz, Fallout 3 has its own version of a technological dystopia, running with a 1950's retro-future vibe, and an eerie feeling of isolation. Still, there's plenty of overlap when it comes to the thrilling FPS-meets-RPG gameplay, especially given the similar level of rich detail.
You've also got shades of Cyberpunk in the form of hacking computer terminals and unique weaponry.
2 Deus Ex
While Rare was keeping gamers glued to their controllers with the enticing FPS Perfect Dark in 2000, Ion Storm was doing the same on the PC front. In the process, they managed to largely break new ground by incorporating RPG elements to further flesh out the FPS style.
Deus Ex doesn't merely come with fun gameplay strengthened by solid mechanics - it's also laced with an impressive degree of customization through skill points and augmentations. Between the conspiratorial sci-fi setting, FPS style, and dynamic gameplay, this really does take on the vibe of an early prototype of Cyberpunk 2077.
1 Borderlands 2
Gearbox's Borderlands series may not be straight-up cyberpunk in theme, though you've got a vast amount of parallel on many levels. The game revolves around a sort of anarchic premise laced with an array of futuristic weapons and gadgetry. You've also got a slew of customizable options, from your hero's stats and skill points to the plethora of weapons you can pick from.
As far as this renowned series goes, Borderlands 2 has to be the pinnacle. This is especially true when it comes to the gameplay mechanics, the depth that comes from functions like the "Badass Rank," and insane weapons like an SMG that literally screams. You've also got a particularly memorable plot strengthened by colorful characters like Tiny Tina and the smug villain, Handsome Jack.