This article contains spoilers for Cyberpunk 2077.
CD Projekt RED’s upcoming Project Orion has the opportunity to build on what made Cyberpunk 2077 memorable. One of the game’s most successful characters was Goro Takemura, a frenemy who walked the fine line between loyalty and betrayal. His layered presence added emotional depth to the game’s narrative, enriching V’s story with unpredictable yet believable moments.
While Cyberpunk 2077 introduced players to the chaos of Night City through clear alliances and rivalries, Takemura’s conflicted relationship with V stood out. He wasn’t a mere antagonist or ally but something far more nuanced. Project Orion could benefit by replicating this complex dynamic, creating a character who challenges the protagonist in morally gray ways.
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How Cyberpunk 2077’s Takemura Redefined Frenemies
Goro Takemura’s story begins with him as a personal bodyguard to Saburo Arasaka, operating with unwavering loyalty to the megacorporation. After Saburo’s assassination, Takemura is framed and exiled, forcing him to confront his long-standing beliefs. Players witness his internal struggle as he works alongside V, seeking justice for his former employer while questioning the very institution he once served.
This duality makes him a quintessential frenemy. His interactions with V are tense, with genuine moments of mutual respect emerging only as the story unfolds. The optional quest to save Takemura during “Search and Destroy” further highlights this complex relationship. Players who rescue him see a character who, despite everything, still holds tightly to his ideals.
Solomon Reed from Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty is another example of how the game embraced complex NPC relationships. Reed’s loyalty to the NUSA, even as he grapples with disillusionment, echoes Takemura’s narrative. While Reed ultimately remains tethered to his patriotism, his connection with Songbird shows how layered loyalties can drive a story forward. Project Orion should explore this concept further, using frenemies to highlight the protagonist’s own internal conflicts.
Why Project Orion’s Frenemy Should Have Deeper Stakes
Project Orion has the opportunity to elevate the frenemy archetype by weaving in personal stakes that challenge the protagonist. Takemura’s dedication to Arasaka clashed with V’s goals, forcing players to consider the consequences of their choices. Expanding on this, a new frenemy could possess conflicting motivations that change based on the player’s decisions, leading to multiple narrative outcomes.
A gender reversal of this dynamic could also offer fresh perspectives. While Takemura and Reed served as stoic, duty-bound male characters, a female frenemy with a similarly unwavering sense of loyalty would provide narrative depth. For instance, a former corporate enforcer who becomes disillusioned but remains tethered to past allegiances could serve as a mirror to the protagonist’s moral journey. This character’s struggle could reflect broader themes about loyalty, betrayal, and self-preservation.
Moreover, allowing players to romance a frenemy in the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel could heighten the emotional stakes. Unlike traditional love interests, a frenemy romance would carry constant tension, making every conversation and decision feel consequential. A relationship that shifts based on trust and betrayal could lead to multiple branching storylines.
Project Orion Should Build on CD Projekt Red’s Expertise
CD Projekt RED has a proven track record of crafting morally ambiguous characters. From Takemura’s conflicted loyalty to Reed’s exhausted patriotism, the developer excels at making NPCs feel authentic. With Project Orion, this strength should be further emphasized by introducing a frenemy whose presence evolves throughout the game.
Imagine a character who begins as an enemy and is forced into an uneasy alliance with the protagonist. As players uncover their backstory and motivations, they may grow attached or remain skeptical of their intentions. The player’s choices could ultimately determine whether this frenemy becomes a steadfast ally, a tragic adversary, or something in between.
Additionally, incorporating dialogue-driven gameplay, akin to Takemura’s interactions, could deepen the experience. Allowing players to influence the frenemy’s perspective through conversations and actions would ensure no two playthroughs are the same. By taking inspiration from Cyberpunk 2077’s narrative brilliance, Project Orion could craft an even more gripping story that lingers with players long after the credits roll.
