Now that Cyberpunk 2077 is getting a sequel, one of the biggest questions is in regard to the next game’s story. Because of the various endings Cyberpunk 2077 can have, picking a canon finale could prove incredibly tricky for CD Projekt Red, as any option is bound to be controversial. One of the safest routes to avoid such a tough decision is to feature a fresh story with a brand-new cast of characters. This would also be risky, but less so, and it avoids shaking up a player’s original Cyberpunk 2077 outcome.
However, just because Cyberpunk 2077‘s sequel, codenamed Project Orion, potentially brings a fresh protagonist and supporting cast on board doesn’t mean that previous characters have to be completely forgotten. If Project Orion wants to present something fresh while also keeping past players happy, then the sequel still has the opportunity to offer updates on the outcomes of its predecessor’s various romanceable companions.
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Cyberpunk 2077 lays a foundation for what life could be like as a badge in Night City and Project Orion has an opportunity to make that a reality.
Project Orion Can Tie Up the Loose Ends of Cyberpunk 2077’s Companions
Cyberpunk 2077’s Main Romance Options Tell Compelling Stories
- Panam Palmer
- Judy Alvarez
- Kerry Eurodyne
- River Ward
There are other NPCs, like Rogue and Meredith Stout, who V can have flings with, but when it comes to full-blown romances, the four above listed offer the most robust storylines. The ultimate fates of these characters can be left quite vague depending on the ending, and for those wishing for more closure with these four NPCs, Project Orion could have the perfect story opportunity to sprinkle fun Easter eggs about these characters throughout the city.
Connecting Project Orion and Cyberpunk 2077’s Stories Through Environment
Instead of an outright ending for Cyberpunk 2077‘s various romance choices, subtle hints in the story via news reports, environmental details, and even being mentioned in passing by other NPCs could be a fun way to connect the two stories. There are plenty of ways that Project Orion can enhance Cyberpunk 2077‘s already impressive world-building, and making some of the story’s most notable NPCs legends in their own right would be a thrilling connection.
Project Orion is rumored to feature a multiplayer mode, but this should be taken with a grain of salt.
As of now, it seems unlikely for there to be a canon romance option if Project Orion starts from scratch, so a satisfying follow-up for all four NPCs could make a lot of players happy. The thought of not getting to see Panam, Judy, River, or Kerry again in a full-blown companion role will be bittersweet if a new protagonist is chosen, but there is still room for their presences to be felt in Night City.
Project Orion Moving to Franchise Forward Presents Hard Decisions
Whether the sequel continues to follow V or showcase a new character wishing to be a Night City legend, both options present hurdles. It would be great to revisit so many fascinating characters, but the risk of choosing a canon ending may simply be too controversial to commit to. A fresh beginning seems inevitable, and that might be for the best, even if it means there is never a clear ending for V and their allies. This potential direction for the sequel brings plenty of fresh storytelling possibilities, and that’s incredibly intriguing.
Some theories have suggested that Project Orion could potentially take place on a Moon base, but this has yet to be confirmed.
Since Project Orion is likely years away at this point, there’s no clear way to tell which direction CD Projekt Red will choose for the franchise to continue. The various routes are quite exciting, but even if the story steers far away from its predecessor, keeping it connected in some shape or form will hopefully happen. There’s even a chance that Project Orion could venture outside of Night City. This sequel’s story remains to be seen, but wherever it goes, there will hopefully be an inkling of insight into what has become of V’s closest friends.
- Released
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December 10, 2020
- ESRB
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M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol