The cyberpunk genre is increasingly gaining popularity as various predicted trends and events seemingly come to fruition in the real world. From cybernetic implants and the use of robotics and drones for surveillance to the increasing prevalence of wealth inequality and the monopolization of industries by ahandful of powerful corporations, the cyberpunk genre encapsulates a range of themes that resonate with modern audiences. One of the key tropes in many cyberpunk stories is the presence of a colossal dystopian megacity as its setting.
As transhumanism begins to take hold of society, with an increasing technological reliance and symbiosis, many developers are continuing to imagine a range of not-so-distant futures in which to set their stories. From old classics such as theDeus Exfranchise to modern hits likeCyberpunk 2077, there are many ways in which these settings can be approached, and a huge effort has gone into crafting the painstaking detail of each world. The genredemands impressive worldbuildingas one of its core concepts, and the following games not only succeed in crafting fun and believable worlds but also allow players to explore them with different degrees of freedom.
7Cloudpunk
A Fairly Relaxed Game In Which The City Is The Star Attraction
Set in the dystopian megacity ofNivalis, ION Lands' 2020 open-world exploration gameCloudpunkputs players in the role of a delivery driver, with the task of transporting items from different areas of the visually impressive, pixel-art style map. Players will quickly realize that the world is alive with mystery and intrigue, with no delivery being as straightforward as it first seems.
While the game is certainly more laid-back than some other titles in the genre, there isplenty here for the cyberpunk fan to enjoy. From murder mysteries and corporate espionage to talking animals and flying cars,Cloudpunkis a very endearing homage to the genre which has been well executed and results in a polished experience. Another game by the title ofNivalis, set in the same world, is set to release later in 2024.
While Ubisoft’sWatch Dogs: Legionreceived a mixed reception on launch, there is no denying that itsdepiction of a near-future London, overrun with tyrannical corporations and Albion’s military police, is one of the best adaptations of a real-world location in a video game setting, particularly in the open world genre.
Featuring eight of London’s boroughs, complete with their iconic landmarks and architecture,Watchdogs: Legionoffers one of the more grounded cyberpunk megacity concepts. From the London Eye to Brick Lane, Camden Market to St James' Park, visitors or residents of England’s capital are likely to appreciate the details that have been creatively imagined to convert the city into a more dystopian and high-tech setting.
WhileDeus Ex: Mankind Divided’s rendition of a dystopian future Prague is not a typical open world and is arguably small enough that it might be considered more of a “hub-world” setting, it is an incredibly rich and detailed environment that massively contributes to the world building and lore of the game as a whole.
For a long time, theDeus Exfranchise carried the mantle of the cyberpunk genre, with its chilling depiction of a tyrannical future complete with cybernetic implants,shady corporations, and imaginative weaponry. With a heavy focus on player choices and RPG elements, there is plenty of replay value, and graphically the game holds up exceptionally well considering it was released in 2016.
Following on from the success of its parkour-pioneering prequel,Mirror’s Edge Catalystprovided players with an open world in the form of The City of Glass. As Faith Connors, players are now free to explore the dystopian city, all the while under the constant surveillance of several militaristic megacorporations.
While the game did not quite meet the expectations of fans upon release, with less of a compelling story than the first game, it is nonetheless an iconic hallmark of the dystopian cyberpunk genre and is still a worthy entry into the series, which hopefully produces a third installment some day in the future.
The Ascentis another semi-open world game set in a space colony where the governing megacorporation has just collapsed. With a top-down view, players can explore the city in all its varied districts, from the industrial lower levels with their choking fumes and enslaved robot workers to the upper-class nightclubs and neon street signs above.
Forfans of the genre, this one is certainly worth checking out, as it is rich with world-building and incredible environments created in Unreal Engine. With a heavy emphasis on RPG mechanics, players can also choose to tackle the game’s many story and side quests in their own personalized manner.
TheArkham Nightcollection is widely considered thepinnacle of super-hero video games, with its brilliant renditions of Arkham Asylum and Arkham City, as well as compelling characters and an interesting story. As far as open worlds go, it is fair to say thatBatman: Arkham Citystill boasts one of the best and most visually impressive dystopian future cities in gaming, even though it was originally released back in 2011.
While some feel there are problems with the game’s map design, and it can feel claustrophobic at times despite being an open world, it does exemplify the industrious and competitive nature of a future city dominated by megacorporations. With players able to use both gliding and grappling hooks, simply traversing the city is some of the most fun players can have in an open-world setting.
Night City is perhaps the most richly detailed and densely populated megacity created in gaming to date. Dominated by megacorps such as Arasaka, Militech, and Kiroshi, theCyberpunk 2077city paints a dismal view for its less well-off citizens, who trudge around the slums on theirbionic implantsin the shadow of the colossal business districts. Based on the original RPG board gameCyberpunk 2020,created in 1988, the game features a world of extensive lore and mystery, with every mission leaving players with more questions about the world they are in.
Polish developersCD Projekt Red, also known for theWitcherseries, have worked tirelessly to save the game’s reputation since its notoriously difficult launch, culminating in a polished game that can now be regarded as one of the best in the open-world genre. The addition of thePhantom LibertyDLChas also breathed new life into Night City, giving players a whole new story to follow as well as choices that can ultimately affect the course of the base game’s story outcome.
